FERNDALE, Mich. — Ferndale Public Schools welcomed students and families back for the 2026-27 school year with its annual Back-to-School Blast, bringing the community together for an evening of resources, school supplies, food and family fun.

The event connected Ferndale families with community organizations and local partners committed to helping students begin the school year prepared and supported. Thirteen community partners participated in this year’s event, providing backpacks, notebooks, school supplies, health and wellness information, family resources, giveaways and more.

“This event is about much more than getting ready for the first day of school. It is about making sure our families know they have an entire community supporting them,” said Superintendent Camille Hibbler. “We are incredibly grateful for the organizations, businesses and community members who showed up for our students and helped us start the year with excitement, connection and a strong sense of Ferndale pride.”

Among the participating organizations were Communities In Schools, Ferndale Youth Assistance, RNA Facilities Management, the Ferndale Area District Library, Ferndale Fire Department, Ferndale Police Department, Southeast Oakland Coalition, Oakland County Health Division, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Southfield Alumnae Chapter, Henry Ford Health’s Oak Park School-Based Health Center, Judson Center and Soul Works Mental Health and Wellness.

Resources available to families included backpacks and classroom supplies, health and mental health information, childhood vaccination resources, community and public safety information, games and giveaways. Communities In Schools also provided barber services for students.

The district received additional donated school supplies from Cranes Optimal and Fanning Howey, Ferndale Public Schools’ architecture partner.

Family fun was also part of the celebration. Mr. Inflatable, a former Ferndale Public Schools parent whose children graduated from Ferndale High School, provided two inflatable attractions for students to enjoy during the event. Families were also treated to complimentary food and refreshments.

The Back-to-School Blast reflects Ferndale Public Schools’ commitment to creating strong connections between its schools, families and the broader community while ensuring students have access to resources that support their success both inside and outside the classroom.

As students return to classrooms across the district, Ferndale Public Schools looks forward to building on that spirit of partnership throughout the 2026-27 school year.

About Ferndale Public Schools

Founded in 1887, Ferndale Public Schools serves approximately 3,100 students from the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and portions of Hazel Park. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school, offering rigorous academics, innovative learning opportunities, award-winning arts and athletics, career and technical education, and comprehensive social-emotional supports. Recognized for its commitment to equity, inclusion and student-centered learning, Ferndale Public Schools empowers every student to discover their potential, achieve academic success and become engaged members of their communities.