Thread: Curious

The District has supplies!?! 8O

Cali,

I probably spend too much on my classroom but.... I learned about garage sales and thrift stores after my first year. I have a wonderful, growing library in my classroom. The library books probably cost me the most $$$. At garage sales and thrift stores I have come across books that have never had their bindings cracked...$10 books for 50 cents! Used fish tank & book shelves from a garage sales...I never hesitate to mention I am a teacher and in many cases...I get a better deal. I do buy a package of pencils every time I go to Costco. The only thing I get from the office is paper...and they complain about that. "Mr. D why do you need more paper?" asks the office clerk. "Because those little kids in my classroom keep writing all over them!" I always respond.

Don't be afraid to ask for donations from the community. I never ask for cash but rather I ask for something in particular. (i.e., tee shirts with a local shop's name on it for Christmas gifts, reams of colored paper and such.) Rejection doesn't feel too well but when you find a supplier...it feels great. (Of course a thank you letter and picture from the class always makes everyone feel good too!)

Getting supplies is like having a hobby...it's all in the hunt!

Good luck and next year at this time you'll be surprised at all the stuff you have accumulated!

Otto13

If we have a alloted amount of money for supplies per teacher, I'm unaware of it. Pretty much we ask for what we want. I've never been turned down for anything I've asked for. . . yet, anyway.

I do buy a lot of my own stuff, especially storage-type containers and the like. I also check out back-to-school sales and stock up on paper, pencils, notebooks, folders, etc. when I find them at really cheap prices.