North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative hosts Back to School event for families

The first day of school is right around the corner for kids in Tulsa.

And on Thursday, they got to start the year off right with some help from the North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative.

More than a hundred Tulsa kids met with teachers and principals and left with giant packs of school supplies and backpacks ahead of the new school year.

The first day of school comes with high expectations.

"I hope that I could be good and have good grades like I did last year and get into a good middle school," said 5th grader Jai'ana Sampler.

"To have A's and be a good kid," Ja'Shewa Lamar-Sampler said.

Ja'Shewa believes that if he accomplishes his goals in the third grade this year, he'll set himself up for success.

"So you can get a good job and provide for your family," he said.

His mother, Brittany Tripp, says Back to School events like this help her provide for her family.

"I have four, and then I have custody of my niece and nephew, so that's six," she said.

And with all the supplies her family received on Thursday, she's able to get ahead.

"That's about a good 200, 300 dollars on supplies that they saved me, so that can go towards more uniforms, new shoes, gas, so yeah, it helps with a lot," said Tripp.

Britney says another reason she brought her kids was to meet other students, watch performances, and meet a special guest.

"We just met the dang mayor, so that was exciting," said Tripp.

"If you need a sick note, call me, I'll write you one. Never mind, ya'll, I can't help you out, but have a great school year," said Mayor Monroe Nichols.

Organizers say this event is a stepping stone for families.

"Really trying to give our families and our students with the resources and supports, with backpacks, school supplies, and other things, so that they can have the same beginning start as other students," President Lana Turner-Addison of the NTEDI said.

There were also Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters, so parents could have access to resources for their students after the school day.