Orchard Knob Middle School: Back to School Bash

Earlier this summer, through the Causeway Challenge we awarded grants to 10 different projects that answered the question, “How can parents help transform public education in Chattanooga?”

Last week, Jennifer Whalen’s winning Education Challenge concept came to fruition. Her goal was to bring together Orchard Knob Middle School staff, parents, students and community members to plan and host an epic Back to School Bash. This was a party to celebrate everyone.

Project leader Jennifer created the Back to School Bash with the aim of helping parents take ownership of their children’s education, increasing connectivity and creating lasting relationships between all members of the Highland Park community.

On August 25th, parents, students, community members, and teachers gathered at Orchard Knob Middle School for the Back to School Bash. Attendees had a blast jumping on inflatables, eating snow cones, having dance-offs, and chowing down on great free food. This bash provided school supplies to students, gave them a chance to socialize, and helped 70+ parents actively participate in their children’s education.

Five partnering organizations had booths set up at the Bash, including another one of our Education Challenge projects, Amistad (led by Gabriel Trujillo), who was there recruiting Latino families to participate in his program this school year.

In addition to the Causeway Challenge funding, Jennifer went on to raise another $4,000 to obtain an astounding $7,500 worth of uniforms to donate to the middle school students at the Back to School Bash.

Overall, this was a great event that brought parents together to connect with teachers and students. Easy engagement and fun, interactive activities opened the doors to more parental involvement and stronger communities.