On Wednesday, Atherton Elementary hosted a drive-thru distribution / meet the teachers event where Reliant provided 500 back-to-school kits to students in anticipation of the start of the school year.

The kits included classroom basics like pencils, notebooks, folders, and more, which is part of a larger drive from Reliant to donate 10,000 kids state-wide. Atherton got involved through HISD’s Community Partnership program.

“At Reliant, we believe that investing in the future of young people pays dividends – in the lives of students, their families and our community,” Reliant said in a news release. “We’re excited to partner with Houston ISD. Today we are donating 500 school packs for all students at Atherton Elementary School in Greater Fifth Ward.”

This year, families with children in elementary through high school can spend up to $850, which is a $59 increase from 2020 on back-to-school items according to National Retail Federation. Every student in the school received the supplies, and also books from their teachers, which helped connect the students to their new teachers prior to the Aug. 23 start date of classes. Principal Alynthia Curtis believes events like this are important to build relationships.

“Not only for students, but to have the teachers to work with them to be successful,” said Curtis. “We are going to do the best we can; safety first. If we don’t have safety we have nothing else. Our theme is ‘where excellence takes flight’. Excellence in spite of everything that is going on”