NEXGEN Roofing's 4th Annual San Jose Elementary Workday Kicks Off the New School Year
On Saturday, July 25, San Jose Elementary School opened its doors to volunteers for NEXGEN Roofing's 4th Annual San Jose Workday and Back to School Drive. That morning, the campus became a hub of paintbrushes, cleaning supplies, and community spirit as volunteers gathered to prepare the school for the year ahead.
A Morning Rooted in Service
The day began with a welcome from San Jose Elementary's own team, setting the tone for what volunteers were there to do. In a message shared with the group that morning, one of the school's leaders put it simply: "Your time, your hard work, and your kindness will make our campus a place where every student feels proud to learn." The message continued, "At San Jose, we believe that great leaders don't wait for change. They create it through service, teamwork, and time."
Dr. Christopher Bernier, Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools, joined as a featured speaker to kick off the morning before volunteers spread out across campus for beautification projects, painting, cleaning, and organizing spaces that students and teachers will use all year long.
Turning the Workday into a Back to School Celebration
At 10:00 AM, the event shifted gears as the Back to School Drive opened its doors to San Jose Elementary students and their families. Free haircuts, backpacks, and school supplies were available for students, alongside bounce houses and games that turned the second half of the morning into a celebration. As a Title I school, a significant share of San Jose Elementary's students come from families facing financial hardship, and the goal of the day was to make sure every one of them started the school year feeling prepared and valued.
Why NEXGEN Keeps Showing Up
This is the fourth year running that NEXGEN Roofing, through the NEXGEN Foundation, has partnered with San Jose Elementary for this event. Led by Co-Founder and CEO Tim Betros and Co-Founder Brandon Cornellier, the NEXGEN Foundation organizes the workday each summer as part of its broader mission to support Jacksonville's students through academic, humanitarian, and community initiatives.
As one San Jose Elementary leader told the volunteers that morning, "You remind us that when a community comes together, a magical thing happens." That sentiment is exactly what NEXGEN Foundation hopes volunteers carry with them long after the paint dries.
Looking Ahead
San Jose Elementary students returned to a refreshed campus and a school year that started with new supplies, new backpacks, and a reminder that their community shows up for them. NEXGEN Roofing is already looking forward to next year's workday and the chance to do it all again.
