Thanks to a Heart of the School Fund grant, Arundel Elementary hosted a Back-to-School Block Party on ahead of the start of school year 2024-25. The event featured meals, games, music and an opportunity to learn about and pick up resources from community partners, including school supplies and food access. Students and their families met their child’s teacher and each child received two uniform shirts.

Below, Principal Machado talks about project and the positive impact it had on her school's students and community:
 
"Our school community is grateful for the grant from the Heart of the Schools, a program of the Fund for Educational Excellence. It was amazing to see so many families join us as we kicked off the new school year with resources, food, and fun! Families received uniforms, sneakers, bookbags, school supplies and met school staff. The Back-to-School Block Party was a success because we have a hard-working school team and dependable partners. We had one goal and that was to remove any barriers that would stop students from attending on the first day of school. Families left feeling cared for and ready!"

Six times a year, the Heart of the School Fund provides grants to Baltimore City Public School principals to support projects that enhance their school buildings, their students’ learning, and their staff’s growth. To read about additional Heart of the School Fund grants, click here.

Check out some photos from the event: