This past weekend, Stanton Elementary School in Southeast D.C. was abuzz with excitement as Jordan Poole, the Washington Wizards’ standout guard, teamed up with the Wizards organization to host the third annual Back-To-School Tip-Off. For three-and-a-half hours, the school was transformed into a hub of activity, all centered around helping students gear up for the upcoming school year.
In true Jordan Poole form, he brought his energy and commitment to the community to the forefront of the event. In collaboration with the Wizards and the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF), Poole ensured that every Stanton Elementary student who attended received a free Wizards backpack filled with essential school supplies. The backpacks, emblazoned with the iconic Wizards logo, were more than just a token—they were a way to make sure students started the school year with everything they needed to succeed.
But the generosity didn’t stop there. MSEF, always looking for ways to make a meaningful impact, also purchased books for all the students from local bookstore MahoganyBooks. This gesture wasn’t just about providing supplies; it was also a small but significant step in helping students feel prepared and motivated for the year ahead.
“We didn’t have too many back-to-school events where I grew up so if there’s any way that I can help and try to get the kids excited; give them some free gear, Nike backpacks, a little bit of school supplies, I think it will boost their morale just a little bit,” Poole said.
The event also provided an opportunity for students to get a fresh cut—literally. CapeTown DMV set up shop on the school grounds, offering free haircuts for participating students. This thoughtful addition ensured that every child could walk into their first day of school looking and feeling their best.
To make the event even more special, the school grounds were filled with various activities and entertainment. Wizards in-game host Britt Waters kept the crowd engaged, while DJ Heat spun tracks that kept everyone moving. Wizards alumni Etan Thomas and Harvey Grant were also in attendance.
For the students, there was no shortage of fun. Activities like face painting, balloon artistry, and magicians were available to keep the kids busy, and Papa Johns provided a pizza lunch. To help beat the heat, Rita’s Italian Ice offered frozen treats, while Giant provided healthy snacks and Capital City Mambo Sauce samples to add a bit of local flavor.
Coke Consolidated also contributed to the event by handing out water and gifting teachers with classroom kits filled with essentials like Post-it notes, dry-erase markers, and binders. It was a thoughtful way to support educators as they prepared for the new school year.
The event wasn’t just about school supplies and fun; it was also about education and community engagement. Casey Trees, a local environmental organization, was on site to provide youth forestry education. Additionally, the DC Public Library helped students register for library cards and provided information on youth programs, ensuring that the benefits of the event would extend well beyond a single afternoon.
As a final treat, every Stanton Elementary student and staff member received two complimentary tickets to a Wizards home game in the 2024-25 season. This gesture was more than just a gift; it was a way to connect the students to their local team and community, building a sense of pride and belonging.
Jordan Poole’s Back-to-School Tip-Off was a resounding success, not just for the supplies and fun, but the spirit of community it fostered.