Back-to-school shopping time: School system joins mall for special event

He?s a growing boy. Jeffery McCormick, 7, gets his height checked by Sonja Walker during the back-to-school event yesterday.

A number of information booths were set up at the mall to supply important information to parents, along with a wide variety of fun activities and giveaways for students.

Director of Schools Dr. Jerry Hale said the event was a great way for the community and the school system to join forces.

?It?s been a tremendous day,? Hale said. ?What we have is a cooperative effort between Three Star Mall and the merchants here and the school system as far as distributing school information packets, school registration packets and school materials. Students are here for information sessions. We?re talking with them through school personnel and learning things, so it?s just a good thing as far as coming together, and it?s a good kick off for the school year.?

The school system?s director of federal programs, Sherry Trotman, manned one of the information booths.

Professional and community development coordinator Bonnie Collier, who was instrumental in putting the event together, said she was gratified by the turnout and positive comments.

?This day has just been fabulous,? Collier said. ?So many parents have talked to teachers and talked to me and said how much they appreciate being able to get this information at this point, rather than waiting until registration day.?

Collier said she was pleased with the effort local educators put forth for the event.

?I really want to say how much it means that teachers are here on a Saturday and they?re sharing that information,? Collier said. ?We?re sharing Web site information, all kinds of information, so it?s not just getting a school supply list, it?s much more than that, and I think that?s what?s made it so successful.?