SPRINGFIELD — The second Family Education Expo, hosted by Springfield Public Schools’ Family and Community Engagement department, will take place at the MassMutual Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4.
The event will highlight resources available to residents through community organizations and Springfield Public Schools, Chief of Family and Community Engagement Jose Escribano told Reminder Publishing.
Ten Springfield schools will also host student performances at the event, such as dance, instrumental and acapella groups, he said. This part of the event is in collaboration with the Community Music School of Springfield.
The expo is designed to be “an intersection of community coming together,” Escribano stated.
He explained that the expo first started in 2023 in response to a push by the Springfield community to have greater involvement with the school system and learn more about community groups in the city.
This request was raised while the School Department was crafting its strategic plan, Portrait of the Graduate, Escribano said. This discussion also is what led to the creation of the Family and Community Engagement Department.
“[The 2023 Family Education Expo] was an opportunity to bring community and family together to understand … what resources are available,” he said, highlighting that he hopes families will “come out and have a good time” at the 2024 expo.
When attending the expo, families will first get the opportunity to learn about resources available from Springfield Public Schools at 10-14 tables at the arena entrance. On the main floor of the center, 96 local vendors will provide information about their community organizations, such as through giving out flyers or giveaways, Escribano said. These organizations will include local sports teams and nonprofits.
Then, off to the side of the vendor tables, a stage will be set up for the student performances. This stage will also occasionally project videos of students’ art, he said.
For more information about the Family Education Expo or to sign up for the event, visit the Family and Community Engagement page on the Springfield Public Schools website.
For local community groups looking to sign up as an event vendor, contact the Family and Community Engagement department. Space is limited, Escribano said.
