Pearson Middle School recently hosted its second annual Back to School Bash for over 1,500 families with a fun, colorful, and generous celebration for the Fair Oaks community. The gathering provided free school supplies, food, and essential items to support local families as they prepare for the new school year.

Sponsors included Chick-fil-A, the Atlanta Braves Home Plate Project, MUST Ministries, GracePoint of Marietta, Helping Mamas, Summit Pediatrics, the Lions Club, Cobb County Police, and many others.

There was so much to see and do for families and children. Nearly doubling last year's supply, Pearson had more than 1000 backpacks filled with school supplies to hand out. There were doctors on site to do health screenings, hearing and vision tests, and everything else required for registration. Thanks to the Braves Home Plate Project, MUST Ministries, and Chick-fil-A, no one left hungry or without fresh food and staples to take home. There was even a haircut station with two stylists giving free back-to-school cuts.

"This is a very special area. The Fair Oaks community is great, but the need for things is high," said Pearson Principal Dean Yoder. "When they can help offset finances by these types of events, they come out and really show their support. And the support we get from the District is unbelievable. There hasn't been a time that I've heard the word 'no,' and I've asked for some crazy things. The first thing they say is, 'Will it help the students? Will it help the community? Then do it.' I have never worked with a district like that before. There's no better place."

The Cobb Schools Foundation was again closely involved in the planning, execution, and connecting of sponsors and donors, and it helped distribute the 1000 backpacks to excited children.

The Pearson staff also jumped in to help in any way they could. Teachers, administrators, office staff, and custodians all showed up to support the Bash. 

"I have the best staff of any school," Principal Yoder said emotionally. Any time we have an event, they are here, and they're willing to do anything that's needed. You can look around and see everyone helping. To me, this shows that they're just not coming here for a 9-to-5 job. It's about being committed wholly to the students and the community, and it's a beautiful thing."

Former students even lent a hand with the community-wide event. Jason Robles, now a sophomore at Osborne, came back to support his beloved former principal.

"Mr. Yoder has done so much for me, and I want to give it back to him," Jason said with a smile. "At first, I saw him as just my principal. But now I see him as a good person and a good friend. Pearson is a good school because he is such a good person. Helping our community is a good thing."

Jason also helped Principal Yoder deliver food during the summer. Together, they provided as many as 170 meals to families in the community. 

"We would go to a neighborhood and just give it out to the kids. They were all so happy and grateful, and it made me happy and grateful," Jason said fondly about how he spent his summer months.

A parent at the event who has known Principal Yoder for years also wanted to show his support. Ricardo Munoz has witnessed how much Pearson and Principal Yoder have done for his community, and wanted to be a part of it.

"I have five children—two in elementary, one starting at Pearson this year, and two at Osborne. We are very fortunate in my family, but I have seen Mr. Yoder give so much. I met him during the COVID pandemic, and I saw him walk crates of food to people's houses, and I was like, 'This man cares.' So I'm here to help him give back to my community," Mr. Munoz said gratefully.

The Back to School Bash is just one of the many ways Pearson cares for its community. They have their Fresh Market for food and the Pilots Hangar for clothes. They host a Fall Festival and Spring Fling. They open their doors on Thanksgiving Day to serve a traditional meal for their families. They also have breakfast with Santa in December.

"We have our own version of a grocery store and Goodwill that are open every third Saturday, but we really have it open 24-7. Every family has my phone number, so even if they need something on the weekend, I'll come down here, and we'll open the doors so they can get anything they want. The school building is a hub for the community, and we are blessed to have students and staff who always want to help," Principal Yoder said about his school.