Cost:
Varies according to item. It can be as little as $1.

Description:
School budgets often cannot provide all the items that teachers desire and require for their lesson plans. When teachers are asked to complete simple wish lists for their most desired teaching tools, parents can use the opportunity to make a donation to a teacher in their childÆs class that will be used this year and in years to follow.

Preparation:
The Parent-Teachers Association or Organization can make up standard wish list forms for teachers to complete prior to a ?Back to School Night? or before a day when many parents attend a school function. Using good judgement, the teachers list as few or as many items on the form. If possible, they may also list an approximate price and where an item may be purchased. This is particularly helpful if an item is a specialty item. Prior to the designated night, a communication is sent home to parents explaining when and where the wish lists will be available. Also prior to the evening, the teachers?wish information is typed on a form that is reprinted as the sign up form. A line is left blank next to the item for parents to sign up. On the designated night, the wish lists are spread out on tables in a room where they can be accessible to many parents. This might be a gymnasium or in the individual classrooms. Placing their name next to an item means a parent will purchase the item and either send it in with their child or deliver it to school themselves. Doing this at a time when many parents are together guards against duplicate purchases. Additionally, it allows parents to discuss donations and possibly make a combined donation in the event that the item is a high dollar item.

Other comments or suggestions:
Items can be as simple as sticky notes or tempera paint to a video cassette tape or a mini-vacuum. Teachers love this. ItÆs like Christmas in early fall. And speaking of Christmas, an alternate way to handle this might be to use this method in the spirit of giving during the holiday season. Many times you just donÆt know what type of holiday gift to give a teacher. They end up with lots of needless things given in love. But if you used the wish list method at Christmas, teachers could avoid getting things for themselves but get wonderful things for their classroom by way of this communication. Parents feel good because what they give will be used.