Vanderbilt participates in Metro's back-to-school efforts

Vanderbilt University, Metro Nashville Government and the Greater Nashville Chamber of Commerce have agreed to participate in the Mayor's First Day Festival by allowing employees to take time off to be with their children on Aug. 17, the first day for Metro schools. As part of Mayor Bill Purcell's pledge to improve education in Middle Tennessee, the event will encourage parents to help their children celebrate the opening day by touring their children's schools, visiting their classrooms and meeting their teachers.

"We want Vanderbilt parents to meet their children's teachers and start building relationships that will help those children succeed in the classroom."

--E. Gordon Gee, Chancellor

Although Vanderbilt employees have been able to take time off in the past on the first day of school, supervisors now encourage them to accompany their children by using personal or vacation hours. In situations where it may be difficult for employees to be absent during the morning, supervisors are urged to offer flexible scheduling so parents can visit their child's classroom at another time.

Chancellor E. Gordon Gee emphasized the importance of Vanderbilt employees taking this opportunity.

"As we approach the back-to-school season, I would like to join with Mayor Purcell in encouraging all parents to take an active role in their children's education," said Gee. "Having parents involved in schools creates a strong foundation for learning. We want Vanderbilt parents to meet their children's teachers and start building relationships that will help those children succeed in the classroom."

For employees whose children attend schools that open on a different day, Vanderbilt will still allow parents to take time off on their child's first day.

Several area businesses and organizations, representing everything from the arts to sports, have volunteered to become partners or participants in the mayor's program. Because Vanderbilt is Tennessee's second largest private employer and Nashville's largest, Vanderbilt's participation will help foster ties between Nashville's schools, businesses and government.

"By creating a family-friendly atmosphere that puts the education of our children first, we can work together to help build a stronger, healthier and happier community," Gee said.

Each school in Nashville is expected to develop some type of activity to recognize the Mayor's First Day Festival. Mayor Purcell asked the schools' PTOs and PENCIL partners to work with school principals to make the day special. In a press conference regarding the festival, the mayor suggested that PTOs have a sign-up table or local businesses provide coffee to the parents in order to commemorate the event.

The day's celebrations will conclude at the Gaylord Entertainment Center from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Students, parents and volunteers are invited to attend the festivities, which will include entertainment, education-oriented games and refreshments.