Middletown Schools starts classes later than normal this year because of the final construction and preparation time required for a new Middletown Middle School and renovated high school.
The 6,300-student district will be the last in Butler County to start classes when doors open Sept. 4.
The event was both a reminder of and energizing for the coming start of the new school year in a city school system that is undergoing historic changes both in its infrastructure and through educational reforms.
Sponsored by the Community Building Institute of Middletown (CBI), local companies and community organizations contributed through donations, with many erecting informational tables at the event.
“I think it’s wonderful that the kids get to get things like this from the local community,” said Middletown school parent Byan Moren as he led his son, who was already proudly wearing his new backpack from the backpack giveaway station.
“With our community partners we are able to present this festival and with a generous donation from Hayneedle we are able to take the event to another level,” said Verlena Stewart, director of CBI Programs.
Among the sponsors were the city of Middletown, Quest Church, Solid Rock Church, Sodexo Food Services, the Phoenix Group and Preston-Charles Funeral Home. A $10,000 donation from online retailer Hayneedle and the local Walmart helped this year’s event expand.
“It is truly a collaboration and labor of love that brings this together,” Stewart said.
Karin Maney, CBI’s executive director, said “this event is one way in which we serve the residents of Middletown by filling a need for families and helping to prepare students for success in the upcoming school year.”
Middletown Schools Superintendent Marlon Styles Jr. was among the crowd and said “everyone here is excited to kick off this back-to-school event.
“We can’t say thank you enough to CBI – and the donors and the sponsors – who have wrapped their arms around this community.”
About the Author