School Supplies
We are excited to announce that for the 2026-27 school year, the PTA has organized the ordering of back-to-school supplies for every PS 133 student. The cost is $55 per child. Click here to pay or read on for more details.
The supplies will be $10 cheaper per child this year thanks to a grant we received and some unused supplies we had on hand from last year.
Every teacher has provided our squad of PTA volunteers with their class supply list. We consolidated the lists school-wide for volume pricing and bulk ordering. In addition, we established a relationship with Sourcewell, who works with getting non-profits deep discounts with vendors such as Staples. From there, we did some vigorous and frugal shopping, sourcing items from different places for the best price possible.
Purchased individually these supplies often cost a family over $100 per student. Buying in bulk, it works out to $55 each instead.
When we come together as a community, we save each other time, money, and stress. No hauling heavy bags full of supplies on the first day of school. The teachers will have them delivered to the classrooms before school begins.
We are hoping to create a more equitable classroom for our young learners.
Here’s what we ask of families:
- Pay $55 per student. If $55 is too steep, it can be broken into monthly payments. Or simply pay what you can and no more. If you are in a position to do so, consider giving extra to cover the cost of another child’s supplies. If you can really go above and beyond, you could cover an entire classroom’s student supplies with a $1500 gift.
Click here or send payment via Zelle to [email protected] to avoid transaction fees. If you prefer cash or check, put it in an envelope with a note stating, "school supplies" and your child's name and class and give it to Ms. Jones in the main office. She will help get it to the PTA.
- Sign up to organize and distribute supplies to classrooms. The effort will take place in late August or early September before school starts, and will last about 5 days. Be on the lookout for a volunteer sign-up message or join the WhatsApp chat to plug into the discussion and planning. It’s a big project, but many hands make light work.
FAQ
When do I have to pay by?
When you can. Sooner is better, but the PTA will happily accept contributions for supplies via the payment link or other methods anytime in the school year.
What's included in $55?
The teachers create their own lists so it varies per classroom. Supplies that students use individually like folders and composition notebooks are included as well as shared items like crayons, markers, glue sticks, index cards, graph paper, construction paper, post-it notes, erasers, laminating pouches, and copy paper. Additionally, Clorox wipes, soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels, tissues, zip lock bags, and more are included, going beyond what may be expected.
What's not included?
Teachers often have "wish lists" of items they may request directly from class parents that go beyond the "basics" on the list they provide us. Examples would be printer ink, learning toys, and larger purchases like furniture or rugs (Please encourage your teacher to apply for a teacher grant for such requests). Also not included are the 3K / PreK-specific items (ex, crib sheets, extra clothes, diapers and wipes if not potty trained).
$55 is too steep but I still want to contribute. What are my options?
- Choose "Other" on the payment link and type in any amount or send a Zelle/cash/check. No explanation needed.
- Break it up into multiple payments (like $5/month). The PTA will happily accept contributions via the payment link or other methods through the end of the school year.
How do I pay with a check or cash?
Stuff the check or cash in an envelope with a note stating, "school supplies" and give it to Ms. Jones in the main office. She will help get it to the PTA.
Tell me about the shopping process and how you came to $55 per child, please.
PTA volunteers collected and consolidated the individual class supply lists into a school-wide order for volume pricing and bulk purchasing. In addition, we established a relationship with Sourcewell, who works with getting non-profits deep discounts with vendors such as Staples and utilized NYC DOE rates where beneficial. From there, we did some vigorous and frugal shopping, sourcing items from different places for the best price possible. It came to about $33,000 total for the school. Divided by about 600 students at PS 133, we came to $55.
What if not everyone participates or is not in a financial position to pay $55?
Well wonderful community, we are asking that if you are in a position to contribute more than $55 per student, that please do so. Consider paying for the supplies for another student in your child's class, or chipping in any extra you can. Our goal here is to not only make supplies cheaper per child, but to ensure no child goes without school supplies, creating a more equitable classroom for our young learners.
Is this a fundraiser?
The PTA fully expects to spend more than it collects. We do not see this as a fundraiser, but rather, a trade for the past class supplies list a family received and was expected to purchase for classroom use. BUT contributions are tax deductible because the PTA is a 501(c)3 and we are outfitting classrooms.
What if families end up paying too much and we collect more than the $33,000 cost for the entire school?
If we are fortunate enough, any overage will go toward the PTA mission of funding the enrichment of our students' lives, including lunch and recess staff, the arts residencies, an intervention teacher, and more. The PTA will be completely transparent with the amount collected for school supplies and our budget overall.
Questions? Reach out to [email protected]