Administration within a school makes a huge difference in the attitude of the school community. For the past 3 years, I have practically thrown myself at the Principal and Assistant Principal of the school my nephew and niece attend that I am willing to help with all kinds of stuff. I get all kinds of freebies just like you all do, and I get a few perks from running the Penniless Teacher blog as well. For the life of me, I couldn’t get the Principal or AP to respond to any offer of FREE items other than drop them off and we’ll take care of it.
Knowing that there is bias, along with the “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” that is a very large hurdle in this school district, I wouldn’t just hand over items. My purpose and bottom line is the items are for teachers and therefore are the recipients property, not the property of the school that can be snatched away from you in a moment.
New administration this year who is more than happy to speak with me! C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E!!!! I told her to let me know if she needs anything and I’ll try to get it for her. She took me up in a second asking if I could create little items to give to the teachers for the first day of pre-planning. I’ve been hard at work-since Friday afternoon! Believe it or not, all of the gift bags and the contents didn’t cost me anything–all totally FREE.
A friend gave me a TON of the gift bags years ago and this finally gets them out of my house! All of the contents are items I have scored for FREE at @Staples in the past few weeks with their #BackToSchool #StaplesHasIt sales, that are #classroom useful. Hmmm, maybe I should create an inventory of items and calculate the actual retail value?
Teachers return for pre-planning Wednesday (YIKES), so I have to complete the packages tonight for special courier delivery (aka-my sister), then I can resume my bloggy schedule.
The moral of the story…..take volunteers when they appear, you just might hit the jackpot!
Would your administration accept a former teacher volunteer? If you were receiving the goodie bag, what would you hope to find inside….aside from the winning lottery ticket
P.S. Cat not included 🙂
Lion Office Product PINK Day
@Nabisco Mini Tablet A Day Giveaway
@GeorgiaPacific and @TheMailbox “Chillin’ With Idili” Sweepstakes
You are fabulous to do this! The next time a principal is not very receptive then my school would be more than happy to accept your generosity. There are only 7 teachers in my building K-12.
I’ll give you a shout next time Holly!
How awesome! That school is blessed to have you as a volunteer! Glad to hear that the new administration is more receptive! Wish I worked there! 😉
Thanks Rhonda!
P.S. <3 your cat!
When one has cats, a photo without them is rare especially when paper bags are involved!
These bags look so cute. I know a group of teachers missing their summer vacation will really love them!! It is so sweet of you too.
What a lucky Sister, and My school would accept you with open arms!
Thanks Colleen
Jealous! I’m a principal, and I would kill to have former teachers walking in my door to help out. Glad things worked out, and I know the teachers will enjoy their goodie bags. I found that my teachers are grateful for these types of things.
You’re correct Kim, teachers are grateful for any classroom supplies. That is why I make stock up on the back to school items that end up costing me little to nothing. It is WAY more fun to give away stuff you scored for free!
I would be hoping for post it notes and dry erase markers! I’m sure the teachers will love the goodie bags you have made for them.
This year I sent home a wish list. Today was my first day with students and I have already received 7 packs of 4 dry erase markers and bunch of other stuff. It is great when parents want to help. We just need to let them know how to help.
I work at a private school and we have some parents like you. Thanks for your willingness to help.