NEW YORK—At the East Meadow Section of Central Park on Saturday, enthusiastic parents and kids participated in a Back to School Kickoff event held by the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE).
Schools Chancellor Joel Klein and Associate Commissioner Sheila Evans welcomed parents, and stressed to them the importance of family participation in their children’s education.
“We embrace the opportunity to have a voice; we embrace free speech, we embrace inquiry and togetherness. And we are asking you to understand this American system and know that you have a voice. In a democratic process, you have a voice in the education of your child,” Associate Commissioner Sheila Evans said to parents.
Experts from various services set up tents in the area providing free information, shows, and activities for the students and parents. Useful tips could be obtained from the booths set up by organizations such as Temporary Housing, Office of Emergency Management, School Foods, and the Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene.
In the Wildlife Theater tent, Central Park Zoo Staff presented a few animal puppet shows to the families in the audience, to make learning about wildlife fun and interesting.
Some other organizations offered arts and crafts activities including face painting and shape balloon making. The cotton candy booth in the middle of the site was especially popular among the students, where a long line of families were all waiting with excitement for the delicious treat.
“We insist that our kids will be able partake in the American dream; it doesn’t matter what their skin color, doesn’t matter rich or poor, doesn’t matter when their parents came to America, long ago or two weeks ago. Education is the great game changer and parents can make it happen,” said Joel Klein, the Chancellor of Department of Education.
Kids from various ethnic backgrounds and ages enjoyed the lively activities with their parents. African Dancers, Korean Drum Troupe, NYKAPA Junior HS Dancing Team and many other talented student performers added to the day’s entertainment.
As most parents are concerned about their children’s education in public schools, the event offered many opportunities for the parents to get to know more about their kids’ school environment, and also ways to commit to make their children’s educational lives better.
