| Does it seem to you that Back-to-School supply lists | | | | 4. Try shopping at the dollar store. They carry school |
| are getting longer and more expensive? It's true! As | | | | supplies, some of which are brand name. |
| the economy stretches our family budgets, it also | | | | 5. Re-use school supplies from last year. If your |
| affects school budgets. Schools try to save money by | | | | backpack, pencils or crayons still have lots of life left, |
| requesting that parents purchase school supplies each | | | | there is no reason to purchase new ones. |
| year. | | | | 6. If you really can't afford to purchase school supplies |
| Listed below are tips to help the school, while saving | | | | this year, be upfront with the teacher. She may tell you |
| your budget this fall. | | | | not to worry about purchasing the items since the |
| 1. Many teachers request specific items. Wait to | | | | children share. For items that are not shared, the |
| purchase school supplies until you've received a list. | | | | teacher may offer to provide the necessary items |
| 2. Shop using office supply store circulars. Many items | | | | with her classroom budget. |
| are free or as inexpensive as one cent! Don't shop all | | | | Since both schools and families are stretched |
| at once. Pick things up at different stores over the | | | | financially, be sure to help with school fund-raising |
| course of a few weeks. | | | | efforts this year. The more money the school has, the |
| 3. Wait to purchase remaining items until retailers have | | | | better equipment and resources they can provide for |
| placed school supplies on clearance. They'll be on sale | | | | your child's education. It's a win-win situation! |
| shortly after school begins to make way for | | | | Best wishes for a fantastic school year! |
| Halloween items. | | | | |