OC First Steps and SDOC announce Backpack Project

Oconee County First Steps and the School District of Oconee County (SDOC) are collaborating to provide backpacks to all 4K and Preschool Intervention students in the district’s ten elementary schools. Oconee County First Steps purchased the backpacks, which will each contain two books and a parent information packet, and the SDOC will be delivering them to the 4K teachers in all elementary schools for distribution to approximately 400 PIP and 4K students during Back to School events. “We are thrilled to be able to provide the backpacks, and so thankful the district will be delivering and distributing them for us,” says Marie M. Dunnam, executive director for Oconee County First Steps. “We have always worked well with the district, and have enjoyed various partnerships through the years.” “We appreciate Oconee County First Steps reaching out to us to suggest the backpack collaboration,” says Ann Douglas, the SDOC Director of Early Learning. “We know the children will appreciate the backpacks and books, and we also feel the provision of the parent packet will be a big plus in helping parents understand the “Profile of the Ready Kindergartener.” The “Profile of the Ready Kindergartener” was approved by SC First Steps to School Readiness and the SC Department of Education in October 2015. Ms. Dunnam and Ms. Douglas will be on site for the Aug. 11 Back to School Events at Blue Ridge Elementary in Seneca and Walhalla Elementary in Walhalla.