As parents and guardians spent Saturday picking out clothes and supplies at Tutu Park Mall, the Department of Education greeted them with a back-to-school event at center court. Those who dropped by picked up free school supplies and useful information to help them and their children prepare for the 2025 fall semester.
Organizers said the annual event is intended in part to help offset the cost of getting students ready for returning to classrooms after the summer recess. More than a dozen displays ringed the area with children’s books by local authors, accessories for school uniforms, and tips on the proper use of child safety seats.
Performances by the St. Thomas Majorettes, Keon Harrigan, Sandra Anderson, and others drew spectators and gave shoppers a break from their weekend chores. Emcee Shayla Solomon introduced speakers and invited everyone to participate for raffle prizes.
Deejay Iggy supplied the tunes.
Assistant District Superintendent Symra Brown-Gumbs provided commentary on a school uniform fashion show staged with students dressed in appropriate — or not — attire.
Solomon invited fathers to visit their children’s schools on the first day of classes. She also stressed the importance of regular attendance for all, including youngsters in kindergarten and the primary grades. “We are reminding parents that attendance matters,” she said.
Volunteers from the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands answered questions about Individualized Education Programs. Advocate Shamni Cari said she came to the mall to serve as a resource. “If you’ve got some concerns, whether it’s an evaluation, whether it’s the IEP, whether it’s the follow-up with accommodations — we can provide that information,” Cari said.
Tutu Park Marketing Director Juan Christian said mall executives facilitate the annual back-to-school event as part of their community outreach. “We’re not just a shopping center, but we also have community interest at heart,” Christian said.
Saturday’s event was the first of two Community Connectivity programs being held this year under the theme “Igniting Innovation and Elevating Excellence.” St. Croix will present its Back-to-School Jamboree & Food Truck Festival at St. Croix Educational Complex High School on Aug. 9.
