New Birth plans back-to-school weekend for DeKalb families and principals

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church will host a two-day back-to-school weekend Aug. 1-2 in Stonecrest, handing out food, school supplies and backpacks while honoring 138 DeKalb County school principals. The event is designed to support families, strengthen classrooms and remove barriers before the school year begins.

Why it matters: - The weekend is meant to help DeKalb County students start school with supplies, food and encouragement. - The church is also using the event to support educators and recognize school leaders who shape student outcomes. - The effort brings together faith, education and community groups around food security and academic readiness.

What happened: - New Birth Missionary Baptist Church announced a back-to-school weekend for Aug. 1-2 at its campus at 6400 Woodrow Rd. in Stonecrest. - The two-day event is expected to draw thousands of families, educators, volunteers and community leaders. - Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant said the weekend reflects the church’s commitment to helping every student begin the school year with support from the community.

The details: - Saturday, Aug. 1, begins at 9 a.m. with The King's Table Back-to-School Edition. - Families from across DeKalb County will receive fresh produce, nutritious food bags and other essential groceries. - The first 500 children will receive brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies. - The Saturday staging area will be located adjacent to the Family Life Center at 6400 Woodrow Rd. - Sunday, Aug. 2, begins at 9:30 a.m. with a Back-to-School Sunday worship service at New Birth Cathedral. - The service will include prayer over students, parents, teachers, administrators, school support staff and college students. - The church will welcome DeKalb County School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, members of the DeKalb County Board of Education and all 138 principals in the district. - Each principal will receive educational resources and supplies to support students and classrooms during the school year.

Between the lines: - The weekend blends direct relief with public recognition, signaling that the church wants to address both immediate needs and the larger network that supports student success. - The inclusion of principals, district leaders and school staff suggests the event is meant to reinforce relationships between the church and DeKalb County schools. - The food and backpack distribution points to a focus on practical barriers that can affect attendance and readiness on day one.

What's next: - The two events are set to unfold over the weekend of Aug. 1-2 on New Birth’s campus. - Families, school leaders and volunteers are expected to gather for the distribution and worship services. - The church said the initiative will continue its broader commitment to educational pathways and community empowerment.

The bottom line: - New Birth is turning back-to-school season into a countywide support effort, with food, supplies and recognition aimed at helping students and schools start strong.