Chattanooga, Tenn. - Hamilton County Schools (HCS) invited the community to join our Better Together district-wide service day on Saturday, July 29, to help ensure students walk into facilities that are ready to welcome them and their excitement on the first day of school.
Volunteers helped complete campus beautification projects such as landscaping, painting, and pressure washing, as well as organizing classrooms.
Over 30 schools across Hamilton County have submitted projects and sought volunteers. Thanks to sponsorship from the HCS Foundation in partnership with Elder’s Ace Hardware and Black Creek Chattanooga, supplies including paint brushes, cleaning supplies, mulch, tools, and other items were donated to make these projects possible.
Better Together is part of the district’s Opportunity 2030 commitment Every Community Served and First Day Ready initiative to make sure students, families, and schools are prepared for the first day of school.
"We want kids to walk in on the first day and be proud of their school and excited for the first day of learning," said Kate Skonberg, family and community engagement coordinator for the district. "This annual event gives our community an opportunity to come together to support our schools and students. It is imperative to student learning to start the year right and provide a sense of connection for our students, families, and community.”
“We know we are better when we connect with our students and families,” said HCS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sonia Stewart. “Our community’s support of this initiative over the past few years has helped create a welcoming space for our students. I am grateful for a community that is dedicated to providing for our kids in all ways.”