Oscar Patterson Academy students celebrate back-to-school kick-off

BAY COUNTY, FL. ( WMBB ) – Before they trade the beach for books, Oscar Patterson Academy students ended summer at their back-to-school kick-off.

The Glenwood Revitalization Project, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and PC Senior Living organized the event to raise morale at the beginning of the school year.

“We want the kids to have some fun before school starts. As you know, sometimes kids aren’t able to get out during the summer and have fun, so we wanted to make sure at least one day, before they went back to school, was all about them,” PC Senior Living CEO Michelle Bryant said.

Students had a variety of games and entertainment to enjoy.

“We have Tino’s gaming here. As you guys know, he has a plethora of different games for all ages. We also have the police department here with their games, their CORE trailer. We also have those fabulous mermaids,” Bryant said.

Students didn’t leave without some school supplies.

“Not only are the kids having fun today, they all get to leave with a backpack full of supplies, and hopefully grab a few books so they can practice reading before school starts,” Bryant added.

Oscar Patterson Academy earned an ‘F’ grade this past school year. Glenwood Revitalization Project CEO Brenda Lewis-Williams says it’s their mission to improve the underserved community, starting with students’ education.

“We love the little people here at Oscar Patterson Academy, and we wish to do for them so that they can get that quality of care, that quality of education, and we’re nurturing them within the community,” Williams said.

“We all know that the state testing is hard, so I want to relieve some of their anxiety about the test and just make learning fun in my classroom,” Oscar Patterson Academy 3rd grade teacher Amy Sage-Clark said.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office provided free hotdogs, chips, drinks, and snow cones at the event.

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