GREEN COVE SPRINGS- As a new science teacher at Orange Park Junior High, Kathy Harper wants to make the new school year the best she can for her incoming students. That means obtaining the resources …
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GREEN COVE SPRINGS- As a new science teacher at Orange Park Junior High, Kathy Harper wants to make the new school year the best she can for her incoming students.
That means obtaining the resources they need to be successful. Making a stop at Tools 4 Clay Schools was the first step. The supply shop at Garber Auto Mall is ran by Clay Education Foundation as a way to give teachers a helping hand.
Harper and at least 45 new teachers in the school district arrived to stuff their bags with school supplies and classroom materials on Tuesday— all at no cost.
“To make sure that every student has what they need to be successful is really important. So being able to come and get the pens and the paper and the notebooks, to have it there [and] ready for them is great," Harper said.
In addition to extra notebooks and pens, teachers also sifted through erasers, markers, crayons, pencils, binders and miscellaneous items.
The program aims to alleviate the financial burden on teachers and low-income parents. Teachers often spend an average of $600 from their pockets on supplies, according to the foundation. That, they said, often causes financial strain.
Harper, who will be teaching five classes and roughly 100 students this school year, said providing simple classroom necessities on her teacher salary is difficult. That's why having resources like Tools 4 Clay Schools is important.
“Little things like that make the classroom experience more enjoyable and it helps the students focus and helps them enjoy being in class," she said. "If they’re comfortable, if they feel safe, if they have a positive classroom experience, they’re going to learn better, and we are all going to get better outcomes."
All teachers will be able to schedule a 15-minute shopping window during open dates and times each quarter.
The next shopping dates at Garber Auto Mall will be on Aug. 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aug. 7 from 12- 3 p.m. and Aug. 17 from 4-6 p.m. The Keystone Heights Elementary location will be open on Aug. 5 form 12-3 p.m.
Those interested in donating to Clay Education Foundation can visit clayeducationfoundation.org.
