Back-To-Class Bash Creates Smiles At Newark Charter School

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Great Oaks Legacy Charter School. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The smell of hamburgers and hot dogs filled the air as families lined up down South 16th Street in Newark for Great Oaks Legacy Charter School’s annual Back to School Bash. More than 500 Newark families came together for an afternoon of free backpacks, school supplies, community resources, and a celebration to kick off the 2025–26 school year.

Families explored every corner of the Legacy Campus, where basketball games played out on the court, music kept the celebration lively, and partners welcomed students to tables filled with resources and giveaways. Lines formed for free ice cream, while scholars gathered at the backpack decorating station to transform their new school bags into colorful, one-of-a-kind creations.

For GOLCS staff, the day was about more than just giving supplies — it was about building connections.

“Seeing our families leave with smiles, resources, and a sense of connection is what this day is all about,” said Lamar Washington, External Affairs Manager at GOLCS. “The generosity of our partners goes beyond the backpacks and supplies — it sends a message to our students that the entire community believes in them.”

That sense of community was echoed by parents who attended.

“This event was truly top tier. I am blessed to call this school my village,” said GOLCS parent Maikemieh Noel. “It went beyond backpacks and school supplies. Great Oaks was uplifting entire families. They thoughtfully addressed needs like afterschool programs, financial education, energy efficiency, and utility assistance.”

GOLCS Executive Director Jared Taillefer says those moments of joy and connection are a reflection of the school’s broader mission.

“We are preparing our students not just for this school year, but for college, career, and life success,” Taillefer said. “Events like this remind our families that we are on this journey together, and that Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is a place where students are known, valued, and loved from the very first day.”

A Community Effort

Local organizations lined the campus, each adding something special to the day — from food and sports gear to dental kits, laundry cards, and year-round resources:

• Backpacks: Peapack Private, Jersey Cares & Boys & Girls Club of Newark
• School Supplies: Turner Construction, The Gem Project
• Food: New Jersey Children’s Foundation
• Laundry Cards: Suds Management
• Dental Kits: Liberty Dental
• Swag: New York Jets
• Resources & Supplies: United Community Corporation, Honeywell, Programs for Parents, PSEG, Clinton Hill Community Action, The Uniform Store, Burgos Realty, NJPAC, Columbia Bank, South Ward Promise Neighborhood
• Volunteers: Newark EMS Corps

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