Savino to host Back to School Blast

Senator says, ‘This is one of my favorite events’

August 8, 2016 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

State Sen. Diane Savino says the event is designed to offer fun and information to families as kids prepare to return to school next month. Eagle file photo by Paula Katinas

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Public school students return from summer vacation and head back to class on Sept. 8, but many kids in Coney Island will be eagerly going to school on Aug. 10. That’s the day state Sen. Diane Savino is hosting her ninth annual Back to School Blast.

Savino (D-Coney Island-Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge) is inviting the public to come to Liberation Diploma Plus High School, at 2865 W. 19th St., on Wednesday, where the event will take place from noon to 3 p.m.

Every year Savino works with community organizations and educational leaders at Liberation High School to host a party that has two main goals: giving kids a day of fun and offering families the chance to pick up school supplies and receive important information about city services available to them in the neighborhood.

Coney Island Hospital, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and the Coney Island Library are all sending representatives to the Back to School Blast, according to Savino’s office.

“This is one of my favorite events. It’s when Coney Island’s nonprofit organizations, state and city agencies come together to offer not only school supplies, but information about the various services they provide to the community. And not only is it a day where families and friends can come out to enjoy a great day filled with fun activities, but they get an opportunity to meet the elected officials who represent them and their communities,” Savino said in a statement.

This year, Savino has also arranged with Community Health Initiatives to provide health screenings throughout the day. “With all the stressors we experience day to day, it’s important to monitor your health. I felt it was necessary to make the neighborhood aware of the many services that are available to them to ensure they utilize those resources,” she stated.

Savino is working in partnership with two other Coney Island lawmakers, Councilmember Mark Treyger and state Assemblymember Pamela Harris, to present the event.

“This useful community event brings local residents together, assists them in engaging with the important agencies and organizations that can provide much-needed services and helps youngsters gear up for the upcoming school year. As a former high school teacher, I am always working to find ways to help the children in our community get the best possible education,” said Treyger, who taught history at New Utrecht High School before entering politics.

“When far too many hard-working families are struggling to make ends meet, events like this where we can ensure our youth have the necessary tools to embark on a successful school year are of the utmost importance,” Harris said.

School supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis, according to Savino’s office. Children must be accompanied by adults and all children must be present to receive supplies.

For more information, call Savino’s office at 718-727-9406.