School Supplies

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 “traditional” class supplies list a family receives and is expected to purchase for classroom use. BUT contributions are tax deductible because the PTA is a 501(c)3 and we are outfitting classrooms.

 

$65 per child is more than I was expecting. Why so expensive?

It's actually much less than if items were purchased individually. Last year, through the PTA vendor, the cost ranged from $100-$130 per child. Parents who purchased on their own found the cost to be closer to $200 per child for some class supply lists.

 

Still, I cannot afford to pay $65 per child. I'd rather choose what supplies to purchase on my own.

Please pay what you can though this PTA program and be assured that your child will receive ALL the items on their class supply list. You don't have to pick and choose. Choose "Other" and type in an amount or send a Zelle/cash/check. No explanation needed.

 

Yes. You can choose the amount to pay and simply come back when you're ready to pay more. You set the amount and frequency. The payment form will be open throughout the year, and the PTA will accept any payment and contribution throughout the year as well. 

 

Stuff the check or cash 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.

 

Each class teacher has their own, so it varies. They will include the usual suspects: pencils, folders, markers, composition notebooks, scissors, so much glue, many different kinds of markers, zip lock bags, and more. Hygiene wipes and cleaning supplies such as soap, paper towels, and hand sanitizer are also included. 

 

We have discouraged the teachers from sharing the lists individually to ensure PS 133 families use this PTA ordering process. It is we, the community, that will make this effort possible and sustainable by participating in it and benefitting from it. Once the order is done, we can and will share the inventory for the entire order.

 

The PTA is facilitating the ordering of supplies for all students in all classrooms for PS 133. It is not logistically possible to exclude the supplies for those who opt out. These supplies are mostly shared classroom supplies. We are relying on families who can afford supplies to make the purchase via this process. You are free to purchase any extra supplies you wish.

 

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 $39,000 total for the school. Divided by about 600 students at PS 133, we came to $65.

 

Well wonderful community, we are asking that if you are in a position to contribute more than $65 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.

 

We are not anticipating that happening. If we are fortunate enough and it does, 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.