**MEDIA ADVISORY**
—For Saturday, September 22, 2018, 1-4 p.m.—
Contact: Libby Smelker, libby@617mediagroup.com, 617-485-4801
On behalf of the Boston Teachers Union
BTU Members Host Back To School Fair for Public School Families on Saturday, September 22, 2018
Educators of the BTU invite students, parents and community members to an afternoon of fun, food and entertainment, including free books, music and activities, educational materials and resources from community partners
BOSTON —Thousands of Boston-area public school families are expected to attend a fun-filled and educational Back To School Fair on September 22 sponsored by the Boston Teachers Union. Among the attractions will be music and activities for students of all ages, free books and educational materials and resources for parents from community partners.
WHO: Educators will host students, parents and neighbors to usher in a new school year, provide resources, have fun, and build community **Mayor Walsh to join teachers and community at 2:00 PM**
WHAT: Back To School Fair
WHEN: Saturday, September 22, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Boston Teachers Union Hall & Carson Beach, 180 Mt. Vernon St., Boston, MA 02125 (off of Day Boulevard, before Carson Beach)
NOTE: Large crowds and great visuals, including local families and educators enjoying the day and coming together around great public education in our state
Interview availability for BTU leaders, parents, and community partners during event. Contact Libby Smelker for details at libby@617mediagroup.com.
The Boston Teachers Union Back To School Fair is one example of the BTU’s commitment to students in and outside the classroom. As the BTU continues to negotiate for a fair contract, serving the whole student is top of mind. Events like the Back To School Fair provide students with resources to help make sure they are ready to learn.
This year, the BTU is particularly focused on three important ways the Boston Public Schools can serve all students better, with the right resources:
Inclusion Done Right: The BTU is advocating for Inclusion classrooms with two certified teachers as the best formula for making sure all students have an equal opportunity to learn.
Social and Emotional Wellness: The BTU wants to make sure the school system has enough nurses and psychologists to help secure our students’ mental, physical and emotional health.
Tackling Homelessness: The BTU wants to take an active role in supporting homeless students short-term and ending student homelessness long-term.
“Events like the Back to School Fair focus our attention on what’s most important, the students and families that make up the Boston Public Schools,” said BTU President Jessica Tang. “This school year kickoff event allows our vibrant school community to come together in an informal setting to celebrate a new year full of promise.”
“It’s a pleasure to be able to see the joy on the faces of families when they’re getting books, getting information from community organizations, or the children getting their faces painted,” said Brenda Chaney, the BTU’s Parent and Community Liaison.
“Each year the Boston Teachers Union and other AFT Massachusetts locals welcome students back to school with free books as part of our First Books program,” said Beth Kontos, President of the AFT Massachusetts. “As Educators, we know the importance of reading and the enjoyment it brings to us throughout our lives. Thanks to all the people who make celebrations of reading and education a success!”
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The Boston Teachers Union proudly represents more than 10,000 teachers and other professionals including school nurses, psychologists, guidance counselors, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers. Together, we advocate for the interests of students, parents and education professionals throughout the Boston Public Schools. We support investment in public education to ensure a stronger future for our students and our city. As a union of educators, we are part of a movement that seeks to improve the quality of life for all working people. We are united against all forms of prejudice and bigotry that would seek to devalue the lives or liberties of our students, families or colleagues.