Mayor Turner Announces Date for Back to School Fest
Mayor Sylvester Turner is excited to announce the 13th Annual Mayor's Back to School Fest presented by Shell on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
The annual fest presented by Shell USA, Inc. is designed to help economically disadvantaged Houston-area elementary school students and their families as they prepare to return to school.
"Back to school is an exciting time for children of all ages. They should focus on reading, writing, arithmetic and making good grades. We do not want students and their families to worry about basic classroom supplies,” said Mayor Turner. "This event is intended to provide assistance for families who may need it. I thank our sponsors for stepping up to the plate to help. Due to their generosity, thousands of kids will have the tools they need for a successful start to the school year."
Today, Shell employees and Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex-Tatum joined the Houston Food Bank to stuff supplies into hundreds of backpacks to prepare them for distribution.
"Ensuring our students have the necessary supplies at the start of each school year is critical to their success. No student should have to start school without proper supplies and healthcare. The Back 2 School Fest is not only meeting the needs of families but a fun start to a new school year, said Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Castex Tatum.
In addition to distributing 25,000 backpacks with school supplies, the event will feature on-site health screenings to include: dental screenings and sealants, vision screenings, routine immunizations and COVID-19 vaccines. The event also connects families to a wide range of health and social services offered by community agencies. With one in four Texas children living in poverty, the Mayor's Back to School Fest presented by Shell is focused on changing the future, one child at a time.
“The Mayor’s Back to School Festival is a tradition that marks the start of the school year and more importantly supports thousands of students and their families,” said Gretchen Watkins, Shell USA, Inc. President. “Preparing Houston students for the future is the responsibility of our community and Shell is honored to be part of this effort to keep the next generation moving forward.”
Registration is recommended for participation in the fest. To register please click the button below.
