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1,300 reasons to celebrate: Family Fun Fest brings joy and resources

On a sunny Saturday morning, Monroe Middle School was lively with over 1,300 parents and children coming together for Union County Public Schools' first Getting U Ready: Family Fun Fest. Held on Aug. 10, this vibrant event supported families in our Title I schools, offering many fun activities, essential academic resources and plenty of smiles.

Families headed to the event, eager to explore the many offerings. The energy was high as children raced to the UCPS Mobile Book Bus, where they could pick out books to kickstart their school year with a love for reading. Parents, meanwhile, took advantage of the health and community resources available, ensuring their families would be ready for the months ahead.

"The Family Fun Fest is all about bringing our community together to support our students and their families," said Tahira Stalberte, assistant superintendent for Communications and Community Relations. "I want to thank our community partners, school leaders and UCPS employees for making this event a success. It was awesome to see our students and parents get excited about the start of the school year.”

Tables lined one of the hallways and gymnasium, creating a bustling marketplace of resources including health screenings, after-school programs, tutoring services, affordable housing, uniforms, job preparation, English as a second language and computer classes, citizenship and immigration information, social services, shelter and food access, Medicaid information, and details on local classes and how to obtain a library card. Families received school supplies and raffle tickets for gift cards as they entered.

“I wanted my kids to experience how our community gathers and supports one another,” said Joni Pinnace, who attended with his four children. “They’re excited about the new books and supplies, and I’m grateful for the resources that help us prepare for the school year. Since I’m often working, I make sure to be involved in these events with them whenever I can so we can spend time together and be part of our community.”

One of the highlights for the children was the face painting station, where they transformed their faces into colorful works of art, adding an extra layer of fun to the day. School mascots welcomed attendees with high-fives and hugs, spreading happiness all around.

“It’s wonderful to have so much support in one place,” shared Sara Costa Torres, another parent at the event. “My child is thrilled with the new school supplies, and the health services are an extra layer of reassurance that families are starting the year off right.”

In addition to the festive atmosphere, there were the food trucks, which offered a delightful variety of treats. Throughout the day, parents waited to hear their numbers called for a variety of giveaways, including grocery store and restaurant gift cards and two toolkits filled with practical items for everyday use.

"I love it when the community comes together like this to support more than one school," said Ilia Belcher, a parent of two elementary students. "We're actually at the school where my husband and I went, which brings back a lot of nostalgia."

The Family Fun Fest was about having fun and preparing for the future. Information booths showcased after school programs, academic and college planning resources, and student support services, providing families with valuable guidance. Each Title I school also had representatives and provided information about open houses and back-to-school activities. Adults also had the opportunity to explore job opportunities, making this a one-stop shop for community support.

Volunteer Iridian Garcia is part of Centro Union, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Spanish-speaking, low-income families, and teaches at Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts.

"I wanted to volunteer because it is a great way to give back to our community," said Garcia. "I think there is a lot of information families need. We are translating so it reaches the Spanish-speaking community and helps break down language barriers."

Attendees walked away with school supplies and uniforms, ensuring students have what they need to succeed. The excitement on the children’s faces as they received their new supplies was matched only by the gratitude expressed by their parents

Linda O'Connor, the district’s family engagement specialist, ensured the event ran smoothly by organizing and coordinating various aspects of the day and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.

"The turnout was incredible! I was so surprised to see the line wrapped around the building. The police department was wonderful in helping everybody with parking. The vendors were so supportive and generous. I appreciate all the volunteers and staff who assisted before, during and after the event. Their hard work greatly contributed to making this all possible."

UCPS would like to thank the following partners for helping to make the Family Fun Fest a success.