9th Annual First Day Festival August 14, 2011

What Is First Day?
The First Day of School Initiative is a national campaign to generate widespread community support for schools, excitement about the beginning of another school year and is a celebration of education.
“First Day” initiative encourages parents to take their child to school on the first scheduled day. Employers are encouraged to support education by allowing employees time off (paid, unpaid, or flextime) to participate in activities at their children’s schools.

The Benefits of the First Day of School Initiative
• The greatest benefit of the First Day of School Initiative for teachers is that when parents feel welcome starting on day one, they’re more likely to be allies instead of adversaries throughout the rest of the year.
• Parents, students, teachers and principals begin the year together on a positive note.
• Builds better parent/teacher relationships and offers opportunities to enlist families as partners.
• The First Day of School Initiative is an example of a successful public engagement activity that can occur on an ongoing basis to reconnect the community with our schools.

Why It Works?
• Parents begin the school year right, building better relationships with their children’s teachers.
• Parents feel supported by their employers.
• Parents would feel welcomed by the schools.
• Parents are more comfortable in their children’s schools.
• It generates widespread community support.