GENTRY, AR – When Gentry Public Schools launched its “Ready Day One” school supply initiative last year, Simmons Prepared Foods was there to help make the vision a reality.
This year, Simmons is back.
For the second consecutive year, Simmons Foods has contributed to Gentry Public Schools’ Ready Day One program, providing $6,000 to help ensure that every Gentry student, from Pre-K through 12th grade, has the school supplies they need at no cost to their families.
The continued support comes as Gentry Public Schools expands the program significantly. What began last year as a pilot program providing free school supplies to approximately 400 students at Gentry Primary School has now grown into a districtwide initiative serving more than 1,800 students.
The program is designed to remove the financial burden and logistical challenges of purchasing school supplies while ensuring every student begins the school year with high-quality materials.
“Having Simmons Foods return for a second year of “Ready Day One” means a great deal to our district because it demonstrates that their commitment to our students goes beyond a one-time contribution,” said Gentry Superintendent Dr. Tyler Broyles. “They saw the impact this program had on our families last year, and they chose to continue investing in it as we expanded the opportunity to every student in our district. That kind of partnership is exactly what makes a community strong.”
Simmons Foods’ support is part of the company’s longstanding commitment to investing in the communities where its team members live and work. Last year, the company contributed more than $5,000 to help launch “Ready Day One” at Gentry Primary School.
“Seeing Simmons come back for a second consecutive year is especially meaningful because they were part of the beginning of this initiative,” Broyles said. “Their continued support helps us make good on our promise that every Gentry student deserves the opportunity to walk into school on the first day prepared to learn, without families having to worry about the cost of basic school supplies.”
Ready Day One allows Gentry Public Schools to purchase supplies in bulk, helping the district stretch community donations while providing students with high-quality materials. Supplies include essential classroom items such as pencils, crayons, glue, folders, notebooks, dry erase markers and other materials needed throughout the school year.
The initiative also eliminates the need for families to identify themselves as needing assistance. Every student receives supplies, regardless of family income.
That universal approach is an important part of the district’s vision for “Ready Day One.”
“Every student deserves to start the school year prepared to learn,” said Johnny Bullington, President of Simmons Prepared Foods. “We’re proud to continue supporting Ready Day One as it expands to serve students across the Gentry School District. Gentry is home to many of our team members and their families, and investing in its students is an investment in the future of our entire community.”
With the expansion to all grade levels, Gentry Public Schools is grateful for the businesses, organizations and community members who have continued to invest in Ready Day One and in the district’s students.
Simmons Foods’ second consecutive contribution represents that ongoing commitment and helps Gentry Public Schools make Ready Day One a reality for more than 1,800 students across the district.