Tools for Schools Impact on Learning
Parents want the best for their children and to send them to school unprepared puts a large burden on them. For them to know that their child will be provided the appropriate school supplies is a huge relief for them. When a family is so financially challenged that children come to class without pencils, paper or other necessary school supplies, learning becomes a struggle.
Fact: 99.5% of teachers purchase basic school supplies for their students out of their own pocket
A real brick and mortar store, the Tools for Schools Resource Center provides critical school supplies year-round to economically disadvantaged students in Title I schools throughout our community. Title I is a federal designation which signifies that 60% or more of the students in the school qualify for free and reduced lunch programs based on their household size and income. But, not every student who is economically disadvantaged attends a Title 1 school. We want to ensure we meet their educational needs too!
Did you know that about 12,000 students attending Harford County Public Schools qualify for the free and reduced lunch programs?
That number grows each year meaning more and more of our students from hard working families face financial challenges purchasing basic school supplies for their kids.
Fact: Teacher’s out of pocket spending on classroom supplies has increased 10% since the 2010 school year.*
Since 2006, the Tools for Schools Resource Center has given free school supplies to our teachers and students in Title I schools. That translates to helping teachers save money and focus on what they do best.
Fact: Research supports that lack of adequate classroom supplies has a direct impact on teacher morale and retention.
It is something as simple as a pencil and a crayon that can help change a student’s life. It is a problem that can be solved today. The Tools for Schools Resource Center is committed to helping thousands of our students in need and giving them the basic tools to be successful in the classroom today, so they will be prepared to become an active member of our workforce and community.
Fact: Both teachers and parents could benefit from a coordinated process that gets school supplies directly into the classroom.
Everyone would agree that saving money and stretching resources is good. Tools for Schools Resource Center ensures a coordinated process so children don’t come to school with the wrong items, multiple donations to one family is avoided, and teachers have the supplies they need for effective classroom instruction. And even better, every child has school supplies on their desk the first day of school. In addition, school supplies are replenished throughout the school year.
*Based on the 2012-13 study by the National School Supply and Equipment Association
