Hosted at the Friendly Inn Settlement in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood, the Ward 5 Back to School Fair provided free haircuts and school supplies for students.
Neshia and TJ make custom buttons at the Cleveland Public Library table during the annual Ward 5 Back to School Fair at the Friendly Inn Settlement in Cleveland's Central neighborhood on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. Credit: Michael Indriolo / Signal Cleveland
Families showed up in droves for the annual Ward 5 Back to School Fair despite the threat of rain moving the event indoors.
Cleveland City Council Member Richard Starr, who represents Ward 5, hosted the fair at the Friendly Inn Settlement on Saturday to connect families with resources as they prepare for a new school year.
More than a dozen local organizations and nonprofits set up tables to hand out school supplies and other goodies. A team of local barbers offered free haircuts for students.
Tracy Hill, executive director of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department, said she set up a table at the fair to build community trust. Keeping families engaged with the school district is essential to student success, she said.
“Our staff thinks critically about building those relationships with families,” Hill said. “If you don’t have a relationship with someone, it’s hard to partner with them.”
From left to right, Kaliyah Ward, Adore Braxton and Dior Hereford pose for a portrait.Families walk through the Ward 5 Back to School Fair at the Friendly Inn in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood. Credit: Michael Indriolo
Mariliana Claudio, a face painter from Rocket Bounce, takes a photo of a child’s butterfly face paint. Credit: Michael Indriolo
A singer in the Unit eXperience Project performs for students and families. Credit: Michael Indriolo
DJ Callahan cuts a student’s hair during Saturday’s Back to School Fair at the Friendly Inn. Credit: Michael IndrioloFamilies pick out shirts and shoes for the new school year at the Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. table. Credit: Michael IndrioloKids color pictures at the Golden Ciphers, Inc. table. The Golden Ciphers is a grassroots African American youth and cultural development center. Credit: Michael Indriolo
Jase Wells-Bogan colors a picture at the Golden Ciphers, Inc. table. Credit: Michael Indriolo
Kids make custom buttons at the Cleveland Public Library table. Credit: Michael Indriolo
Tracy Hill, executive director of Family and Community Engagement at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, watches as a child spins a prize wheel at her table. Credit: Michael IndrioloThe Lady Renegades perform a cheer routine. Credit: Michael IndrioloKevin Daniel, a clean water fellow at the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, distribures gift bags to students and families. Credit: Michael IndrioloThe Lady Renegades perform a cheer routine. Credit: Michael Indriolo
K-12 Education and Youth Reporter (he/him)
As a local visual journalist, I see my purpose in building relationships as much as reporting news. I’ve made my most impactful work only after pouring myself into my community.
