Back-to-School Bash Sets Students Up for Success

Roxy Dunaway
Aug 8
2 min read

In the words of Billy Madison: “Back to school! Back to school!” Every August, JPP kicks off the school year with our Back-to-School Bash, a fun, practical, and empowering event that helps families feel prepared and excited for the year ahead.

Young girl in a pastel tutu and purple backpack smiles in a classroom with gray carpet. Art and backpacks visible in the background.

For many families, school supplies can be a financial burden. The average back-to-school list now costs over $200 per child. Thanks to the generosity of our longtime community partner, The Action Center, every JPP student chose a backpack filled with notebooks, pencils, and other essentials. These backpacks aren’t just filled with supplies; they’re bundles of opportunity, giving kids the confidence to start the year ready to learn.

Beyond school supplies, the event focused on long-term success. JPP Coaches led a conversation about how daily routines, school attendance, and goal-setting help build the foundation for a brighter future. Consistent school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of high school graduation, and graduation is a key to lifelong economic stability. Consider these facts:

Students who drop out of high school are 4x more likely to be unemployed.
High school graduates earn $143 more per week than non-graduates.
College graduates earn an additional $479 per week more than high school graduates.
High school graduates live an average of 9 years longer than those who don’t finish school.
That’s why JPP works to support every student to high school diploma and beyond.

This year, families took part in our first-ever goal-setting activity for kids. Children lit up as they shared dreams of learning to read better, making new friends, or getting good grades. These conversations helped parents think intentionally about the school year ahead and how to support their kids every step of the way.

Smiling child in a red Nike shirt stands with a red backpack in a classroom. Background shows tables, chairs, and colorful posters.

Our event sponsor, Connect for Health Colorado, answered questions about health coverage and connected parents with resources to ensure children are supported both academically and physically.

Throughout the evening, parents shared advice and tips about bedtime routines, morning schedules, and how to stay organized during the school year. The sense of connection and shared purpose was powerful.

It was truly heartwarming to see so many JPP families come together to celebrate the start of the school year. JPP family events cultivate community, build confidence, and create pathways to success.

A huge thank you to The Action Center, Connect for Health Colorado, our dedicated Coaches and staff, and most importantly, the families who continue to show up, support one another, and invest in their children’s futures.

Here’s to a strong, confident, and connected start to the school year ahead!