Atlanta Public Schools will send 250 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to Houston students recovering from Hurricane Harvey.
The backpacks are left over from Atlanta's back-to-school bash in July. APS had about 450 packs remaining from its stock of nearly 6,000 that it gave away to Atlanta students before school started, said district spokeswoman Pat St. Claire. The district will send several hundred backpacks to flood victims.
Individual Atlanta schools also are organizing drives to collect hygiene products and other necessities to send to Houston, she said.
Both APS and Houston Independent School District are members of the Council of the Great City Schools.
The 68-member council represents some of the country’s biggest urban public school systems. The organization focuses on improving inner-city education.
Houston school officials announced plans to hold the first day of school on Sept. 11, as long as the weather permits and facilities are ready.
The Texas school district also will relax its uniform policy for the first few months of classes.
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