Jamie Forzato, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – The countdown is on.
Monday is the first day of school for Montgomery County students. But for those who may have had difficulty stocking up for the new academic year, they had the chance to get supplies and information for free on Saturday.
Despite the threat of rain, thousands of families lined up as early as 7 a.m. to get free backpacks and other school necessities at the Montgomery County Public Schools’ Back-To-School Fair.
Chris Richardson, associate superintendent for Special Education and Student Services, says the backpacks were provided free of charge to Montgomery County families who might not have access to those resources.
Tyrika Bryant, 9, got a pink backpack.
“Pink is my favorite color,” Bryant says. “The bag was a certain pink that I like and it was so cute that I just had to get it!”
Kids could take advantage of a moon bounce, face-painting and fair games, while parents could receive educational resources, including free health screenings and MCPS services.
Rachel Becker, whose 5-year-old daughter will start kindergarten in Montgomery County this year, says she came to see what the fair is all about.
“I’m looking for information about volunteering, boxtops for education, which websites are going to support her school, what we can do to help and how to help her get a better education,” Becker said.
The annual fair was open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carver Educational Services Center.
Maureen Turcios, 9, says she loves school. Her favorite part of the fair is the price.
“Everything is free!” she says.
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