SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Held on August 9, the inaugural event organized by Xtratight Entertainment brought students, parents and community members together with exhibitors offering information, services and resources to help families prepare for the new school year.
The exhibition area gave attendees an opportunity to speak directly with participating organizations, ask questions, discover available programs and make connections beyond the classroom.
The program complemented the exhibition with conversations addressing the realities families face. Phycologist Mrs. Sjemila Williams Webster delivered the keynote “Ready, Set, Succeed!” while Ms. Melissa Gumbs, Minister of Education, spoke on “The Future of Education in Sint Maarten: Preparing Our Students for the Upcoming School Year.” KPSM Police Officer Mr. Felix Richards addressed parent-child communication in “Help, My Child Doesn’t Listen? Help, My Parent Doesn’t Understand Me!”
The panel discussions brought an especially personal dimension to the afternoon. The two panel discussions, “Balancing Real-Life School Challenges” and “Real Conversations, Real Solutions” drew active participation from attendees.
Moderated by Ms. Charity Dunker, the panels brought together Occupational Therapist Mrs. D’Antoinette Roger-Sorton, Social Worker Ms. Milangela Francisca, Educator Ms. Tonisha Morris, Court of Guardianship representative Mr. Marciano Geerd, Mental Health Clinical Phycologist Dr. Tameka Lambert and Education Consultant Ms. Alisha Brookes, offering perspectives on education, social support, mental health, guardianship and inclusion.
Attendees actively engaged with the discussions and welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from professionals addressing issues they encounter at home, in school and throughout the community. Parents and participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, while many said they were already looking forward to the next expo.
"We are grateful to our exhibitors and partners, including F.O.C.U.S Foundation, for their support in making the inaugural Back 2 School Expo a success. We also thank Windward Islands Bank for helping students and families begin the process of opening student bank accounts and taking an important first step toward financial responsibility,” said Bertaux Fleming, Managing Director of Xtratight Entertainment.
