Friday, June 22, 2012

What Would You Do With $100?

For the past several years our PTA has been kind enough to give (reimburse) each teacher $100 for classroom supplies.  I wasn't really expecting it for the coming school year, but when I popped into the school a couple weeks ago and was talking with my principal he mentioned that we would be getting this money again!  Yay!

I've done a really good job of not spending a lot of extra money on school items since last summer.  I felt like I went a little crazy last summer, so I tried to cut back on school spending this year.  With the exception of about $20 on a book and some reading spinners, I really didn't spend anything on school stuff this past year. Now, of course, that doesn't include stuff like pizza parties, Christmas gifts, or craft supplies that I purchased on my own, but as far as decor and books I really kept it to a minimum.  

Since I wasn't planning on having that $100 to spend, I was really going to try to get by on prepping for the coming school year on $50 or less.  It's not like there's much I really need for my classroom, but I do have a couple things that are necessary and a few wants as well.  I'm trying to hold out for Mardel's Teacher Appreciation Sale (usually at the middle or end of July) and either make a trip to Mardel or hit up their online sale.  Lakeshore also typically runs a good clearance sale around this time, so I need to check out their site as well.  

So, my question to you is...

What would you purchase for your classroom if you had a $100 budget?  

What are your must haves?

Would you splurge on anything special?

Before I share the things that I'm considering getting I want to hear from all of you!  Please let me know in the comments what you would get for your classroom!


11 comments:

  1. I am buying new chair pockets. ;) Our PTO usually gives us 100 dollars too. I love that they do this.

    April
    Wolfelicious

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    1. I'd love chair pockets! Our old principal made them for the lower grades and I know they are super handy!

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  2. WOW, that is awesome that your PTA gives you $100-I don't know what I would do with the extra money? Hmm, I think that I would probably buy books for my classroom and through Scholastic so that I could earn points to get even more books. Have fun shopping!!!

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    1. I'm debating on books as well! I have too many to fit in my classroom library, but with the way we've changed our reading instruction I need more shorter books for teacher read alouds! I plan to hit up one of our used bookstores to try to find a few goodies.

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  3. I'm extremely fortunate and we always get about $150 from our PTA and then about $50 from the school...I always struggle with what to buy because there usually isn't anything I "need"

    This year I bought name tags (with pockets-we have doube desks an it's so much easier) some chart paper and markers so far....I am stuck on what else to buy!! Can't wait to hear what everyone else does with their money!!
    ThirdGradeIsaHoot

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    1. Needs and wants are a hard one for me as well. I look at some of the things I have purchased in the past and that I don't use and I wonder why I bought them. Oh well!

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  4. Wow...I guess I'm really spoiled at my school! I get $250 from school for supplies and $960 from PTA each year to spend ($30/student, and I usually have 32). My favorite purchase last year was a voice amplifier which was about $50 from Amazon. It is often hard to hear students when they are doing presentations because they speak so softly, plus it makes them feel special when they get to wear something that the teacher uses. It also helps me to retain my voice!

    I look forward to reading what your purchases are!

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    1. Oh! That voice amplifier sounds awesome for presentations! And wow, I can't imagine having that type of budget for my classroom. You're very blessed! Maybe I'll suggest that to my PTA for next year... *wink wink*

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  5. I've been at schools where the PTA gives you money - so nice! Our state also gives teachers $275 to spend on classroom supplies. I'm not sure what I usually spend it on, but I never have a problem spending it! lol

    Amanda
    Teaching Maddeness

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    1. Yeah I don't usually have trouble spending money! I've got a wish list about 2 miles long! :)

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  6. Hmm! I think I would buy new containers for center materials and books! You can't go wrong with books.

    TIPS: Teach, Inspire, and Prepare Students

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Comments make me smile! :)