College of Education and Human Development
A Bonanza of Backpacks Donated to Alexandria Schools
August 28, 2013
In what has become an annual back-to-school tradition, CEHD this week donated more than 80 backpacks for students in Alexandria City Public Schools.
Each August, the college begins the new academic year with an Opening Session kickoff as well as an "opening tradition" of collecting school backpacks of all patterns and colors. The backpacks are donated by CEHD faculty and staff and then provided to middle and high school students in the Northern Virginia area.
Two representatives from Alexandria City Public Schools arrived on campus Tuesday to collect the backpacks – Arnecia Moody, homeless education liaison for the school system, and Karima Wade, social worker at Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 School.
A bonanza of backpacks! Karima Wade and Arnecia Moody (center) from Alexandria City Public Schools and Laurie Juliana (left) and Gail Haller (right) from the College of Education and Human Development.
Ms. Wade picked up one of the backpacks with black leopard spots on it. She noted that backpacks with personality are especially appreciated by middle school girls!
Each year, CEHD selects a different local school division to be the recipient of the backpack drive, which is coordinated by Laurie Juliana, administrative assistant in the dean's office.
"We are educators, parents, and neighbors. We know each school year is a new start for students – both students at the university and also students in the schools throughout our region," said Mark R. Ginsberg, dean of the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. "In this small way, we demonstrate that we care that students – no matter what their economic circumstance – start school ready to learn, and that we support them in their learning as much as we can."
Ms. Moody noted that the backpacks will be distributed by Thursday, just in time for the start of the school year on September 3. She received calls throughout the summer from homeless parents and others requesting assistance in preparing their students for school. "We really appreciate George Mason's help!" she said.
About CEHD
George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the largest teacher preparation and education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a comprehensive range of degrees, certificates, courses, and licensure programs on campus, online, and on site. The college is distinguished by faculty who encourage new ways of thinking and pioneering research supported by more than $75 million in funding over the past five years.
For additional information:
- CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
- Graduate School of Education: gse.gmu.edu
- School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism: rht.gmu.edu
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