'Positive energy' flows at Henrico Schools' Back-to-School Kickoff event

Henrico County Public Schools got a head start on the 2025-26 school year July 31 with a packed day of sport tournaments, a live DJ, silent disco and giveaways at its annual Back-to-School Kickoff at the Henrico Sports and Events Center. 

The event brought together school representatives, community resources and families with the goal of helping students start the school year off strong. 

“Our main goal is to support our families and bridge the gap between schools, families and the community,” co-organizer and HCPS Family and Community Engagement Specialist Leslie Velez said. “It’s so important that we start with positive energy and that we gear up to make sure that our students are ready and prepared to start on the first day of school.” 

The kickoff brought together more than 50 vendors, including Feed More, Goodwill and Patient First, to welcome families to the resources accessible through HCPS partnerships. 

“What better way than to celebrate back to school with our Henrico County Public Schools partners. We are so thrilled to be here today,” said Jelisa Turner, the director of Henrico County’s department of outreach and engagement agency.

The event also brought students across grade levels together for activities like basketball and futsal tournaments, STEM activities and crafts. 

One incoming fourth-grader was reminded, after walking into the arena, of the pizza and ice cream parties she had last year. And her mom, a teacher at Varina Elementary School, was excited to see her two kids reconnect with their classmates. 

“It’s an opportunity for my kids to get together with other kids and just do something they love,” she said. 

Her middle-schooler was especially excited to play futsal, or indoor soccer, in the tournament. 

“My son breathes soccer,” she said. “I think he’s really excited that he has another opportunity to play and be with his friends.” 

Many kids walked around the event sporting their fresh backpacks. Another mom of two HCPS students was thankful to see the backpack giveaway at the event. Many families struggle to purchase basic school supplies, she said, and it was nice to see HCPS handing out supplies to those in need. 

For her son, the event brought comfort after recently losing his dad. Showing up, and getting ready for the school year, was one way of representing his dad, he said.