DPS “I’m in” 2.0 Parade and Rally
Detroit Public Schools 2nd annual downtown Back to School parade and Rally will feature 40 units, including education-themed floats like the Big Green Bookworm and Energy Innovators, DPS marching bands, clown units and hundreds of DPS student and parent marchers. The Parade Company, which produces the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade, will produce the parade.
Detroit Public Schools is redoubling efforts to recruit and retain students by launching an expanded “I’m in” enrollment campaign that will focus on intensive community and neighborhood-based outreach and include celebrity support, a larger and longer parade, personalized door-to-door visits and a mobile enrollment vehicle that will criss-cross the city touting the new initiatives that parents and guardians will see in DPS schools this fall.
The district is building on its award-winning, successful inaugural campaign to meet and exceed its budgeted enrollment target of 77,314 students for this fall. Last year’s campaign, which centered on the iconic blue door image and the “I’m in” rallying cry, exceeded expectations, bringing in 830 students more than the district’s budgeted goal and generating about $6.2 million.
When
Thursday, August 26, 2010. The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. following by a rally at 12:30 p.m.
Where
The parade will kick off at Woodward and John R, and proceed on Woodward to Jefferson Avenue. The rally will be held at the Hart Plaza Amphitheater.
Who
Bill Cosby
Rickey Smiley
Actor, comedian and activist Dr. Bill Cosby will serve as the grand marshal and comedian and television host and nationally syndicated radio personality Rickey Smiley will host the rally. The Rev. Jesse Jackson will also participate. Smiley will also broadcast the event live on Detroit's 102.7 FM. Smiley will also perform a family-friendly comedy concert to cap the parade festivities.
Featured parade units
Giveaways, contests and more
- 1,500 free backpacks will be available, while supplies last
- DPS’ enrollment campaign is supported in part by McDonald’s/Black McDonald’s Operators Association. A McDonald’s truck will be on hand near Grand Circus Park before the parade begins, offering free tastings
- Two Netbooks will be raffled off
- Free immunizations for DPS parents
- Free DPS “I’m In” T-shirts, lawn signs and lanyards, while supplies last
Parade Map
Below you will find a map of the planned route and for more information visit www.downtowndetroit.org.
Parking
Cobo Hall Garage
475 Washington Blvd. Detroit, MI
(Entrance at Washington Blvd. and E. Jefferson)
Rate: $10
Cobo Roof Deck
625 W. Congress Detroit, MI
(Entrance between Second Ave. and Third St.)
Rate: $10
Cobo Roof Deck
625 W. Congress Detroit, MI
(Entrance between Second Ave. and Third St.)
Rate: $10
Premier Underground Garage
1206-08 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI
(Entrances at Grand River and Gratiot Ave.) Maximum rate: $10
Spirit of Detroit to wear “I’m in, We’re in” T-shirt
The Spirit of Detroit statue, which has become of a symbol of the city’s spirit of rebirth and renaissance, will be dressed in a custom-designed “I’m in, We’re in” T-shirt beginning August 25th as part of Detroit Public Schools’ expanded enrollment campaign, which touts the new initiatives parents and students will see in DPS schools this fall.
The statue, which is located on Woodward Avenue near the entrance of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center downtown, will wear the T-shirt through September 1st and will serve as a focal point during the district’s Back to School Parade and Rally. The custom-designed T-shirt will take 300 square feet of fabric.
