Getting Ready To Start
Berwyn Heights Elementary School during performance.
A Fresh Start: PGCPS Gears Up for the 2025-26 School Year with a Community Celebration
As the summer days give way to the anticipation of a new academic year, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is making sure the 2025-26 school year begins with excitement, resources, and a strong sense of community. On Saturday, August 16, the district will host its annual Back to School Fair—a vibrant, festival-style event designed to equip families with tools for success and a reason to celebrate the season of learning.
The day begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that promises not only symbolic new beginnings but also the rousing sounds of the Frederick Douglass High School Marching Band. Their energetic performance will set the tone for a day filled with music, laughter, and shared community spirit.
From the moment the fair opens at 9 a.m., families will find themselves immersed in an atmosphere where education meets celebration. Free backpacks and school supplies will be distributed while supplies last, ensuring that students start their year prepared and confident. For many parents, this practical support is a welcome relief—helping to ease the financial pressures that often accompany back-to-school season.
The fair will also serve as a bridge between the school system and the broader community. Resource booths will provide information about PGCPS programs, employment opportunities, and essential health services. Thanks to a partnership with Kaiser Permanente, parents and guardians can take advantage of free health screenings, emphasizing the district’s commitment to the well-being of not just students, but entire families.
Entertainment and wellness activities will keep the energy high. Local student performers will take the stage, showcasing the talent and creativity that thrive within PGCPS schools. For those seeking a more mindful moment, a live yoga demonstration will be offered on the main stage—complete with free yoga mats for the first 150 participants. It’s an opportunity to pause, breathe, and center before the busy school year begins.
Adding to the community flavor is the “Cones and Conversations” tent, where attendees can enjoy free ice cream while engaging in casual conversations with educators, administrators, and community leaders. These moments of connection help build the relationships that make Prince George’s County’s schools more than just centers of learning—they are the heart of the community.
The event will bring together key leaders and partners, including Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph, Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy, members of the PGCPS executive leadership team, elected officials, and local business partners. Their presence signals a united commitment to supporting the academic and personal growth of every student.
With live music, games, prizes, and countless opportunities to connect, the Back to School Fair is more than a kickoff—it’s a promise. A promise that the year ahead will be filled with opportunity, collaboration, and the belief that every child in Prince George’s County deserves the resources and encouragement to thrive.
Event Details
📅 When: Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Ribbon Cutting at 8:30 a.m.)
📍 Where: Upper Marlboro, MD
The backpacks will eventually empty, the ice cream cones will melt, and the music will fade—but the sense of community built on this day will carry through the school year, fueling the journey ahead.
