Regent Park Students Start School Year with New Backpacks, Supplies Thanks to Amazon Partnership

The start of the 2026-27 school year at Regent Park Scholars was unlike any other.

The school was selected as a recipient of support through Amazon’s “Together, We Give” back-to-school campaign. Students were given backpacks filled with school supplies, making sure they were ready for the first day. Principal Crystal Byse said the event filled students with excitement.

“It was much more than a typical return to school,” Byse said. “Personally receiving backpacks filled with essential school supplies from Amazon team members created a memorable, high-energy milestone.”

This was made possible thanks to the partnership of Gwen Bond and her team at Focused Logistics Corporation. She brought in her team to hand deliver backpacks and supplies, creating a moment of joy and connection for everyone at Regent Park.

As an Amazon delivery partner, Bond nominated the school to receive the honor. On top of the generous donation to students, Bond’s team had the Regent Park logo displayed on their vehicles. Byse said this signage “gave the students a tangible, public celebration of their school community.”

Not only did this partnership put supplies in students’ hands, but it also gave them an emotional boost during a stressful time. It was a lift the entire community benefited from on the first day.

“It sends a powerful psychological message to the children that their broader community cares about them, believes in them, and is actively rooting for their success,” Byse said. “It also creates a robust support network that helps students thrive all year long.”

For staff members, Admissions Team Lead Patti El-Amin said the moment served as a “powerful reminder that the work happening at Regent Park is being noticed beyond our school walls.”

Thanks to the new backpacks on their shoulders and the school supplies in their hands, students walked in with the supplies they needed to start the year strong.

Byse shared her gratitude for Bond and the team at Focused Logistics Corporation. This partnership helped students on the first day of school but will impact them all year long.

What an awesome partnership! Way to go, Regent Park!