DETROIT – Detroit Public Schools Community District brought families together for its annual Summer on the Block event, offering educational resources, enrollment assistance and community services ahead of the new school year.
The event was held at Earhart Elementary-Middle School on Thursday (Aug. 6) in southwest Detroit as part of the district’s summer outreach series aimed at preventing learning loss and connecting families with school and community resources.
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Families received help with student enrollment, literacy activities, parenting resources and information about programs available through the district.
The event also featured free food, children’s activities, book giveaways and community resource tables.
During the event, Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti outlined several initiatives designed to reduce costs for families and improve student transportation for the 2026-27 school year.
“We’re going to put no burden on our families going into this school year,” Vitti said. “We don’t expect them to buy any supplies for the classrooms, whether that’s Kleenex, pencils or notebooks. We’re increasing the supplies provided going into this school year.”
Vitti also announced the district will launch a pilot program offering yellow school bus transportation for students at Cody and Pershing high schools.
Detroit Public Schools Community District is continuing enrollment for the 2026-27 school year, with classes scheduled to begin Aug. 24.
District officials encouraged families to complete enrollment as soon as possible before the start of school.
Summer on the Block is an annual districtwide initiative that brings together students, families, educators and community organizations through free neighborhood events focused on academic support, family engagement and access to community resources.
Detroit Public Schools Community District is Michigan’s largest public school system, serving approximately 50,000 students across more than 100 schools.