Neighborhood rallies illustrate broad support for kids

Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Monday, August 08, 2011

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Clearly, "It's About Kids" at the Lexington Neighborhood Back to School Rallies.

Clearly, "It's About Kids" at the Lexington Neighborhood Back to School Rallies.

Clearly, "It's About Kids" at the Lexington Neighborhood Back to School Rallies.Nearly 500 backpacks were distributed at the Winburn-area rally. Overall, Kentucky Utilities supplied 8,000 drawstring packs, with the YMCA of Central Kentucky and other partners donating the school supplies.Winburn Middle School Principal Tina Stevenson high-fived kids blowing bubbles at the Russell Cave Church of Christ rally site.Each site rounded up grassroots support and planned its own food, games, resource booths and other activities.At the Winburn neighborhood site, kids' games dotted the back lawn of a church. Some youngsters tried hula-hoops while others enjoyed the bouncy slide and cornhole.A long line formed at the temporary tattoo station.Some girls opted for sparkly nail polish instead.Parents accompanied students signing up for the free school supplies. Resource tables lined the basketball court at William Wells Brown Community Center.Other organizations, including the William Wells Brown Neighborhood Association, offered materials and information for browsing families.The WWB rally offered facepainting as well as free school uniforms gathered by the elementary's Family Resource Center.A youngster paused to help a friend with her new backpack.Teachers from Lexington Traditional Magnet School took to the streets, walking from LTMS to the William Wells Brown Community Center site to the rally at Duncan Park. Along the way, they greeted kids and families who happened to be outdoors.Incoming Superintendent Tom Shelton stressed the value of engaging families in their children's education. "It is very important that we set the right tone for the school year," he said.

Since the Ready, Set, Go! Lexington Neighborhood Back to School Rallies launched seven years ago, Russell Cave Church of Christ has been a steadfast host.  

“From Day 1, it’s been an exciting opportunity for us. We’re a community that works together, and we’re really trying to meet the needs of these families,” the Rev. Fred Mitchell said. “It’s a source of encouragement, saying ‘We care about you.’”  

Such concern and commitment are crucial to the success not only of the rallies but also of the students throughout Fayette County Public Schools. That’s why the YMCA of Central Kentucky stepped up to coordinate this year’s events.  

“It fits so well with our mission in terms of youth development and social responsibility,” said Gail Glasser, the YMCA’s president and CEO. “There are a lot of players who make this possible. Partnerships are important, the grassroots part of it as well as the community just owning it – making sure these kids have the supplies they need to have a super school year.” 

Twenty Lexington neighborhoods hosted rallies Aug. 6, benefiting as many as 8,000 elementary, middle and high school students. Kentucky Utilities contributed the drawstring backpacks, with the YMCA and other organizations donating the contents. Each supply kit cost about $10.  

Incoming Superintendent Tom Shelton stopped by several sites, greeting families and FCPS staff. 

“It is so very important that we set the right tone for the school year,” said Shelton, who stressed the value of engaging parents in their children’s education.  

He also got a close-up look at how Lexington backs its schools. At the Winburn-area rally, for instance, Head Start, the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning, and the county health department set up resource tables. At the William Wells Brown Community Center, neighborhood association secretary Tanya Torp pointed out the advantages of the elementary school’s location. 

“If they’re supporting this community, they’re supporting this school,” she said of local businesses.  

Each neighborhood site plans its own rally activities, including entertainment, workshops, speakers, games and food. The day is all about people reconnecting and renewing ties. 

“Families really look forward to coming out to a park setting and getting together with their neighbors and friends,” said Alice Nelson, the school district’s family/community liaison. “It really creates a sense of excitement and support for going back to school.” 

“Our community really believes in making sure that every child is prepared and ready to be at school and get that quality education we have to offer,” she noted. “And every child knows that the expectation of their community is that they’re going to go to school, they’re going to do well, and we’re behind them.” 

How to help

If your organization, business or church would like to help with next year's Back to School Rallies, please contact one of the following leaders:

  • Gail Glasser, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Kentucky
  • Alice Nelson, family/community liaison for Fayette County Public Schools