City of Houston, HISD host back-to-school event

A joint venture between the city of Houston and the Houston Independent School District was recently held with the aim of helping 25,000 area students prepare for the new school year.   During Back to School Fest 2012, area students received supplies, services and information for a positive start to the new school year. Among the items students received were backpacks, school supplies, school uniforms, free immunizations and hair cut vouchers from Texas Barber College and Hairstyling Schools. Families also took advantage of free health screenings provided by the city and local health agencies. Fresh produce was donated by the Houston Food Bank, and parents had the opportunity to learn about community services and resources.   Opening ceremony speakers included Mayor Annise D. Parker, HISD Superintendent Terry B. Grier, Shell Oil Company Foundation Vice President Frazier Wilson, HISD Board of Education President Michael Lunceford and Houston City Council District K member Larry Green.   "On the first day of school, we want all of our students to walk into the classroom eager to learn and equipped with the tools that they will need to perform their lessons and succeed academically," Parker said in a press release. "The city of Houston is proud to, once again, join forces with HISD and partner with Shell Oil Company and Motiva to see that no child lacks the supplies, school uniforms and immunizations they need for a great start of the new school year."   "I want to personally thank our business partners and everyone who has donated their time and resources to make this event a success," Grier said in the release. "Because of your extreme generosity, we can help thousands of students get the possible best start to the new school year."   This is the second year that both Shell Oil Company and Motiva Enterprises LLC were presenting sponsors of the event. Other sponsors were Association Management Incorporated, Kroger, Reliant, Summit Dental Center, Amerigroup, Atlas Commodities LLC, Fiesta, KelseyCare, TAM International, Target and Yellow Cab.   For information about Houston departments and services, visit houstontx.gov. To learn more about the Department of Neighborhoods, visit houstontx.gov/neighborhoods.