Happy back-to-school season! You can almost smell it in the air—the scents of freshly sharpened pencils, crisp new shoes out of the box, and eraser shavings. Summer is quickly coming to an end, and parents everywhere are eagerly—or not so eagerly—getting their kids out the front door and into the school building.
There are plenty of things that accompany the start of school—shopping for supplies, new haircuts and maybe even signing up for extracurriculars. Of course, one thing that usually accompanies the beginning of the school season is fundraisers. Fundraisers are an important way to give back to your school and raise money to support causes you care about. However, fundraisers aren’t the only way to get involved. Here are a few ideas we had for how to give back while going back to school.
1. Share extra supplies.
While you’re out shopping for school supplies with your children this year, why not look around and see what extra items you can pick up? Donate any extra items you find to your student’s classroom for those students who might not be able to afford their own supplies. Oftentimes, teachers have to dip into their own pocket to provide school items for students in need, so you can help both a student and a teacher by sharing any extra supplies you have.
2. Help a teacher out.
Speaking of helping a teacher, why not take the extra steps to help a teacher out this school year? Volunteering in your child's classroom can go a long way, but why not do something extra special this year for a teacher? Surprise your student’s teacher with a small gift to start the year, a little treat, or even an uplifting note letting them know how much they are appreciated.
3. Write thank you notes.
Being an educator can often be a thankless job. Give back this back-to-school season by simply writing thank you notes to your student’s teachers, principal, janitor, etc. Show your appreciation for the hard work they do by giving a few words of encouragement. Not only will you brighten their day, but you can brighten your own simply by sharing kind words with others.
4. Stock the shelves.
Everyone loves treats! Check with your school to see what the guidelines are for bringing in food, and what the teacher allows in his or her classroom. If food is allowed, offer up some delicious treats to welcome the students back for the school year. You could even make a trip to a big box store, and help stock the snack shelf with quick snack options. If food isn't allowed, think outside the box! Get boxes of tissues, plastic storage bags and excess school supplies so your child's teacher can focus on the important thing: teaching!
5. Volunteer your time.
Teachers are always looking for adults to get involved and volunteer with the classroom. See how you can give back and make a difference by volunteering your time with a student’s classroom. Maybe that looks like helping to organize the room, or chaperoning a field trip. You might even be able to volunteer your time to help the office staff!
As we head back to school this season, be intentional about how you can give back to your student’s teacher, classroom and school. Living an altruistic life doesn’t just stop with those closest to us; it keeps going and growing to help support other family and friends in our lives. Show your support for others by using these tips to give back while going back to school.
