LANDOVER, Md. – With the first day of school just around the corner, hundreds of families gathered on Saturday at the Kentland Community Center for a lively back-to-school block party aimed at helping students start the year prepared and confident.
More than 400 people registered for the event, which was co-hosted by District 5 Council Member Shayla Adams-Stafford. The day blended practical support with festive activities, making it both a resource and a celebration for families across Prince George’s County.
Supplies, Style, and Confidence
The event provided essentials like backpacks and school supplies, but organizers also recognized that confidence matters as much as preparation. Students received free haircuts and hair braiding services, ensuring they head back to school not only ready academically but also feeling their best.
“The way you judge society is how you treat your children,” Adams-Stafford said. “Making sure they have what they need—and that they feel good about themselves—is a reflection of our values as a community.”
Families Grateful for Support
For many families, the event was a much-needed blessing. Parents and grandparents expressed gratitude for the chance to get their children ready for school without the added financial stress.
“I think it’s a blessing,” said Sabrina, who attended with her three children. As she waited with her two sons in line for free haircuts, her daughter sat nearby having her hair braided. “I’m just grateful.”
Inside the hair braiding room, young girls patiently waited their turn. Yvette Pixley, watching her granddaughter Jaziah get the finishing touches on her hair, said the event helps families who might otherwise struggle with the costs of back-to-school preparation.
“There are families who are less fortunate and could not afford these types of services,” Pixley explained. “This is wonderful for them.”
More Than Just Supplies
The block party was designed to be more than a giveaway. Organizers created an atmosphere of fun and community, with food, face painting, line dancing, and a giant moon bounce adding to the excitement.
By combining entertainment with practical resources, the event helped ease the anxiety that often comes with back-to-school season. Children left not only with backpacks and supplies but also with smiles, new hairstyles, and memories of a community that came together for them.
A Community Effort
Adams-Stafford emphasized that events like this highlight the importance of community support. By pooling resources, local leaders, organizations, and volunteers were able to meet both material and emotional needs for families.
“Making sure our kids feel confident and supported when they head back to school is critical,” she said. “This is about more than pencils and paper—it’s about showing our children they matter.”
Looking Ahead
As Prince George’s County students return to classrooms on Tuesday, families who attended the block party will carry with them more than just supplies. They will carry the reassurance that their community values their children and is willing to invest in their success.
For parents like Sabrina and grandparents like Pixley, that support makes all the difference. And for students like Jaziah, starting fifth grade with fresh braids and a new backpack, it means walking into school ready to learn—and to shine.
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