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With a new school year just around the corner, scores of families came out to the Decatur County Board of Education on Saturday for this year’s inaugural Bearcat Blitz. The event offered free school supplies for students, much of which was provided by community sponsors.

“We had community partners and vendors who were willing to share their resources with our kids, for our kids,” said Dr. Crycynthia Gardner, Family Engagement Coordinator for Decatur County schools and Director of Teacher Induction & Evaluation Programs. “And of course, our Decatur County School System wanted to be a part of making sure our kids have what they need, because we’re in the business of taking care of kids.”

Again, scores of parents and students attended the event. So many attended the event, it ultimately ended earlier than expected. Those that attended were able to meet with each school’s principals, while the BHS cheerleaders and FFA also came to help.

Dr. Gardner encouraged parents to go ahead and begin preparing students to return to school.

“It’s time for them to start getting the kids into a routine of school,” she said. “They need to start going to bed a little bit early, trying to make sure they’re getting their mind prepared for school, start reviewing different things, read, make sure they’re looking to have all the items that they need, and realize that we’re here to learn.”

The event’s sponsors, aside from the local schools, include:

Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army, SWGA Regional Library, Family Connections, District Lead & Healthy Homes, Walmart Vision & Walmart, Apex Services, Southern Regional Technical College, First National Bank, First Port City Bank, 5 Star Credit Union, Regions  Bank, BHS FFA Officers, BHS Basketball Cheerleaders, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Dairy Queen, A1 Industries, and the Decatur County Health Department.

School starts back August 1.