https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:53:33 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/donating-to-classroom#post-2895023 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 08:25:16 +0000 Mommy Finger 2895023@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePeony: Our school allows us to buy a school supply kit or you could buy everything yourself. I will buy that kit every time b/c I don't look forward to buying supplies individually! But I love that you were able to donate extra for those who couldn't. </p> <p>Our kinder teacher last year had a listing of things she needed when we went to curriculum night early in the school year. She wrote things on a card and taped them up on the wall. You could just grab one or whatever you wanted and send them in. Periodically throughout the year, she'd email saying that she needed extra glue sticks, markers or whatever and I'd send them with my son. Love that you were able to reach out directly! I'm sure she appreciated it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/donating-to-classroom#post-2894987 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 18:04:19 +0000 Jess1483 2894987@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePeony: This was my dream when I was a teacher because:<br /> 1) I taught in a low-income neighborhood, so lots of my kiddos wouldn't otherwise have what they needed, so I used my own money to supplement that for them.<br /> 2) I could get things SO much cheaper than parents were finding them<br /> 3) No fussing over which whatever was whose. They were all "ours." I could also buy things as we needed them, because storage was tight.</p> <p>I totally get being a bit bummed about not shopping for supplies, though. But really, my 1st grader's list is so specific, there's not much fun in it anyway.</p> <p>As a former teacher, I would have LOVED a gift certificate. I'll probably do that for my son's teacher this year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/donating-to-classroom#post-2894984 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 17:39:05 +0000 PurplePeony 2894984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DD is about to start K and her school is asking that we not purchase individual school supplies but instead pay a school supply fee. Then the school will purchase everything in bulk and distribute supplies so everyone has the same thing. I tacked on an extra 50% above what they asked for to help cover a kid who can’t afford the fee. I was kind of on the fence about whether I liked this idea or not, since I was looking forward to picking out school stuff with DD, but in the end I can see how it’s so much easier for the teachers and it was easy for us to give a little extra, too. Totally not helpful to you, but if you like the idea you could always suggest it to your school... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/donating-to-classroom#post-2894979 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 16:18:44 +0000 Shantuck 2894979@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I asked my son's first grade teacher last year if there was anything they needed for the classroom. She felt somewhat uncomfortable asking for parents to give anything but I pressed further and she admitted that they did not have a rug for circle time. I ordered a rug from Costco and had it shipped directly to the school. I'd probably ask if there are any specific needs. I rationalized it that as a working parent, I struggle with giving inordinate amounts of my time but that contributing something to the classroom that she needed was something I could do to add value. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/donating-to-classroom#post-2894972 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 15:21:35 +0000 jhd 2894972@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I see that you've already emailed the teacher. I think that's great. DS1 started K this year and the supply list was modest. I bought extra of everything on the required list, plus all of the wishlist items like Kleenex, Clorox wipes, dry erase markers, and Ziploc bags. I also found glue sticks and dry erase markers on super deals on Amazon and I will send those in later in the year. I also offered when we met in person to help with anything she might need. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/donating-to-classroom#post-2894970 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 15:07:54 +0000 charm55 2894970@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As a teacher, this would be SO incredibly appreciated. The fall is always so expensive setting up a classroom and buying supplies for students who can’t afford them. </p> <p>A gift card would be really nice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/donating-to-classroom#post-2894954 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 12:59:43 +0000 ShootingStar 2894954@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I decided to send an email to the teacher and ask. As DH pointed out, it's not like we're buying him into college :silly: . </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/donating-to-classroom#post-2894953 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 12:58:03 +0000 annem1990 2894953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Former primary teacher: I would just ask or better yet give a gift card! Maybe a week into the school year once the teacher knows more of what is needed. I don't think anyone would feel like you're bribing them - unless it's like super extravagant. It's always so random what you're missing and there are many times I'd have WAY too much of something (wipes, hand sanitizer, crayons, etc). She could very well have things left over from last year or could've received a random donation from someone else. So I personally wouldn't assume she needs something in particular because it really varies. She will be so grateful you asked instead of just buying what you think she needs. *Sort of reminds me of when people buy stuff for you for your new baby based on what THEY think you need versus what you just have on your registry.* </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/donating-to-classroom#post-2894952 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 12:40:43 +0000 meadow 2894952@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: I would get a second set of those things.....tissues/ markers/wipes. Can never have too much if these supplies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/donating-to-classroom#post-2894950 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 12:36:37 +0000 KT326 2894950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: I would just ask. The teachers we've had so far will happily let us know what else they may need besides what is on the standard list. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/donating-to-classroom#post-2894949 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 12:33:24 +0000 ShootingStar 2894949@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pinkb: The teacher gave us a list of supplies for the individual kids, and a list of stuff intended for the classroom. Things like wipes, markers, etc. We bought all those but I know that stuff can run out and some families may not contribute to those things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/donating-to-classroom#post-2894948 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 12:26:46 +0000 pinkb 2894948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our teachers always let you know their wish list when they give the normal supply list.</p> <p>ETA I feel like it is always kind of anonymous because the shuffle of the fist day and everything. We just set the bags down inside the room and no one ever really pays attention. The teacher is much more focused on the kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/donating-to-classroom#post-2894947 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 12:23:56 +0000 ShootingStar 2894947@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS will be starting Kindergarten next week and DH and I hear a lot about teachers struggling to purchase supplies. I would like to somehow offer to help out the teacher, but I'm not sure what the best way is to go about doing this. And of course also not seem like we're trying to bribe her, lol.</p> <p>DH wanted to just get her a large Target gift card. I was thinking I'd maybe reach out to the principal and ask what the best way was to anonymously help out with classroom supplies. We both think each other's idea is weird, lol.</p> <p>So, any suggestions? </p>