News Summary
Superintendent Denise Watts addressed the NAACP Savannah Branch, emphasizing the need for community partnership as the school year approaches. Her presentation included a symbolic demonstration of unity and strength, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in enhancing student experiences. Watts outlined various initiatives, including a Back-to-School Community Resource Fair aimed at supporting families. The event promises resources and support as families prepare for the new academic year, reinforcing the idea that collaboration among stakeholders is essential for student success.
Savannah, GA – Superintendent Denise Watts addressed the NAACP Savannah Branch meeting held at Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration as the school year approaches. Her message was aimed at fostering engagement between the school district and community partners to enrich student experiences.
During the meeting, Watts utilized a symbolic representation of strength through unity by presenting what some attendees interpreted as a basket of switches. This symbolized the thin sticks historically used for corporal punishment, a nod to the importance of discipline in education. After discussing attendance policies, free school lunches, discipline statistics, and ways to enhance parent engagement, she narrated a fable highlighting the significance of family cooperation.
As part of her demonstration, Watts distributed twigs to Bernadette Ball-Oliver, the retired Deputy Superintendent and current chair of the NAACP Savannah Branch’s education committee, and Reverend Paul Smith, the president of the NAACP Savannah Branch and District 5 school board representative. During the presentation, both individuals were able to easily break individual sticks, which illustrated the theme of isolation and weakness. However, when given a bundle of sticks, Ball-Oliver could not break them apart, reinforcing the concept that collective strength lies in unity.
Watts stressed that the community’s collaboration is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving common goals for student success. This meeting served as a crucial reminder that when stakeholders unite, significant accomplishments are possible.
In anticipation of the new school year, the school district has actively engaged with the community to prepare for the upcoming academic period. An essential event aimed at supporting families is the Back-to-School Community Resource Fair, scheduled for August 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This gathering will take place at the School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High School, located at 400 Pennsylvania Ave.
The fair will offer various resources to help families, including gift card giveaways, free school supplies, and information on financial management, libraries, health and wellness, safety, and literacy. Food items and breakfast will be provided to attendees, making it a welcoming space for all participants.
The fair will feature several community partners and vendors, including Members First Credit Union, Live Oak Public Libraries, Gulfstream, Savannah Technical College, and many others. Together, they aim to provide comprehensive support and resources for families as they prepare for the school year.
Additionally, Parent University will offer information about free parent training sessions available throughout the year, ensuring ongoing support for families. Those needing transportation to the fair can make arrangements by reaching out to Parent University at 912-507-8566 or via email at info@parentuniversitysav.org.
The Back-to-School Community Resource Fair is a free event open to the public, aligning with Watts’ vision of strengthening the ties between the community and the school district. The collaborative efforts demonstrated by the district and local organizations are set to enhance the educational experience and support the needs of Savannah’s families as they prepare for the school year.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Back-to-School Community Resource Event
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Back-to-School Drives and Giveaways
- WSAV: Step Up Savannah Career Fair
- Wikipedia: Community Fair
- Google Search: Back-to-School events
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
