Guest Post by reader, Danielle:
When my kids’ school opened 2 years ago, I expected they would need a few extra donations, being the first year and all. Since I’m a savvy and ‘Hip shopper’, it was no big deal for me to throw in a few extra pencils and notebooks. It wasn’t until I had a conversation with one of their teachers that I realized just how much teachers spend out of their own pockets on their students, my children.
According to a 2013 report, public school teachers spent $1.6 billion of their own money on classroom supplies during the 2012-2013 school year. That averages out to almost $500 per teacher out of pocket, while some reported spending more than $1000.
WOW.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for teachers! As such, I like to go out of my way to show my support for them. These classroom donation totes are one of my favorite ways to help them out and make them feel appreciated (along with volunteering when I can, and keeping in communication with them about ways to help where it’s most needed.) I also like to resend all of these items in January when things start to run out.
I have a small obsession with tote bins. Actually, with all forms of storage, really. Kids have so. much. STUFF! So when I find a smokin’ deal on totes (usually around New Years or back-to-school), I buy more than I should because you can never have too many, right?? If I need a million totes at home for my five kids, I’m willing to bet that teachers with 30 students could definitely use them as well.
As soon as we got our class assignments for the year, I sent out a quick email to ask what the most needed supplies were for each class, and customized the totes accordingly. Some classes go through insane amounts of tape, some of them need paper in all forms, and one teacher said she’s pretty sure the students eat the pencils with the way they go through them, haha!
Here’s a list of what I’ve included in my totes:
- Tissues
- Antibacterial wipes
- Baby wipes
- Ziploc bags
- Crayons
- Colored pencils
- Liquid glue and glue sticks
- Tape- masking, scotch, packaging, duct, etc.
- Paper- lined, unlined, construction, etc.
- Craft Supplies- yarn, craft sticks, paint, brushes, etc.
- Pack of folders
- A few extra pairs of scissors
- Sticky notes
- Index cards
- Erasers
- Sharpies
- Highlighters
- Dry erase markers
- A pack of pens
- Sponges (the kids use them to wipe tables)
- A couple of books my kiddos have already read
- Starbucks gift card
I even created a fun note to put inside these totes (and you all can print this too)…
Just CLICK HERE to print this “We’re Totes Excited” PDF.
Speaking of teachers and school supplies…
Teachers: Did you know that you can easily create a “School List” on Amazon.com of specific school supplies and items needed for your classroom that you can then share with parents?
Parents: Did you know that you can search to see if your local school has “School Lists” registered with Amazon.com and shop from home?
*Find out more about how it works HERE.
