This post is sponsored by General Mills, but all opinions are my own.
on me: Target Avocado Tee (XS/TTS) – (similar) | Target Mom Jeans (00/size down) | Espadrilles (5.5)
on Mei: Target Striped Dress
on Dylan: similar Minecraft tee | Cargo Shorts | Nike Shoes
Education is one thing that Adrian and I always have agreed upon when it comes to prioritization in our family. We actually moved about 3 years ago to be closer to some of the better schools in town. It’s actually still an adjustment we’re getting used to as we are two city dwellers doing everything we can to resist the push to suburbia. 😂 Thankfully, both our kids love their school and have had some of the best teachers, so as parents we try to do everything we can do to give back as well. While time and finances can be limiting at times, I’m sharing 5 easy ways that you can still give back to your kid’s school!
5 Easy Ways to Give Back to Your School
1. Volunteer
Teachers can always use a helping hand, and it’s one of my favorite ways to connect with my kids while they’re in school. Whether it’s coming in to be the weekly “mystery reader”, helping cut out or laminate papers, or even assisting in a hands-on activity. I love getting a first-hand glimpse at what my kids are learning in school. Similarly, I know the teachers always appreciate getting a little help as well!
2. Send In Extra Supplies
Teachers can have tight budgets, and it’s no secret that sometimes they are even paying for supplies out of their own pocket. In the past, we’ve donated extra diapers to the toddler classroom while other times we’ve donated new books to the older classrooms. The next time there’s a sale on some of the classroom basics you know will get used, pick up a set or two to help out!
3. Scan In Your Box Tops For Education
Finally, this option is definitely the easiest and one that everyone can do! Box Tops can be found on most popular General Mills products such as Cheerios Cereal, Nature Valley Granola Bars, Mott’s Fruit Snacks, and even Annie’s Mac n Cheese. I still remember collecting Box Tops when I was a kid — cutting out the Box Top from the packages and stuffing them in envelopes once I got to school. We had a giant meter that we would color in as more Box Tops were collected. I still remember how exciting it was as we worked to reach our goal. Each Box Top collected translated into money earned for the school!
Now, it’s even easier to collect Box Tops with my kids as it’s gone digital!! I recently went to Costco and stocked up on all our snacks to get ready for back-to-school. All you have to do is download the new app on your phone, scan your Costco receipt and BOOM, instant earnings. Right now Costco is offering 10 Box Tops for every participating item. PLUS 5,000 members will win an extra 100 Box Tops. How cool is that?!
I love that I can still give back to the kids’ school. Even during those times when I’m limited on time and resources!
4. Get Involved In Extracurriculars
Being involved in extracurriculars is one of the most fun ways to give back to the school! Whether it’s coaching at soccer practice or rehearsing lines at the school musical, there are countless opportunities for this. Plus, it’s so easy and fun!
5. Offer Your Expertise
You’d be surprised how much we as parents have to offer when it comes to teaching the kids about something we are experts in. Whether it’s sharing something unique about your culture. Or coming in to give a career talk. There are many ways that we can contribute something valuable to the kids. Dylan even had a field trip once to a spinal surgery office because one of the parents in the classroom was a surgeon. That is an experience that Dylan still talks about!
So if you are looking for more ways to be involved in your child’s school listen to these tips! Remember that the Box Tops for Education Program is such an easy, fun go-to with helping out! Happy back-to-school!!
Did you ever collect Box Tops as a kid?
Let me know if you have other ways that you give back to your school!
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It is so great you are teaching your kids so young the importance of giving back!
thanks Ashley! it’s always nice when it’s easy and fun too! 🙂
xo,
kileen
This is such a wonderful post. You are amazing and i love your avocado tee! 🙂
https://colorandgrace.com/
thanks Grace!
xo,
kileen
These are SUCH great tips and it is so important to give back if you are fortunate enough to be able to do so 🙂
xx rebecca // the crystal press
I love this so much! It’s so important to give back and this is the perfect way!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
This is such an informative post, and has some great ideas!
Such great ways to give back! I remember collecting cereal box tops when I was younger. I thought it was so fun!
xx Mollie
These are amazing ideas babe!
x Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Teaching them right from the beginning … Great initiative.
❥ tanvii.com
I’m not a parent but I recently learned from some of my teacher friends how often teachers buy classroom supplies out of their own salaries. I think it is so helpful to pitch in and provide extra supplies for the classroom, and to donate time if possible as well!
Sending extra supplies along is really so helpful to the teachers! I was a full-time nanny for a few years and we’d always have the kiddos bring in extras of anything from tissues to pencils. 🙂
Such a great blog post! Many times we look for the meaning of life, and some say that the meaning of life is to give. Many people have found their meaning in giving themselves to others.
I guess I’ve never really thought too much about all this. I was home-educated, so schools weren’t really something in my spectrum, and now I don’t have any children, so again, I haven’t given it much thought. But now that I’m reading through this, I’m thinking I need to find my own ways to give back to the schools in my community, even just to benefit the kids I’ll never know!
What generous ideas and suggestions. There is definitely something for everyone to try! And P.S. your kiddos are adorable!
Yes, giving back to the school is important, as that is the second home of our children, and they take care of our kids, so giving them gifts is great.
Marie
The Flower Duet
Volunteering with your kids is so fun for both you and them! They will remember those days for sure!
These are such great tips, it’s always so important to give back!!
I’m planning to save my box tops for friends with school-aged children this year! We go through SO many and I think that’s a great idea to give them back to the schools!
It’s always great to gibe back especially to schools! Such great tips and suggestions.
So loving how box tops are making a comeback! Great way to support your school.
I totally collected box tops as a kid! It was always a contest in our classrooms. So good to see that you’re doing something to give back.
These are all great ideas! I need to look into how I can help since I don’t have any kids yet. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips! We just stocked up today!
I love all of these ideas! I know classrooms always need extra supplies so that’s a great way to give back!
I’m so happy to hear they have now gone digital because I would always cut off the box tops and forget to take them to school and then lose them! So happy I can do it immediately and give back to the community!
As a homeschool parent I sure wish people would donate to our school! 😂 Education is expensive!
This is such a sweet post gal! A great idea and great way to motivate/inspire people!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
I absolutely love this post!! It is so important to give back and I love you are teaching your kids the importance at an early age!
every time I see these littles I just smile, they are so precious! The ONLY reason I agreed to move out here in the burbs is bc this area is always top ranked for their schools. But yes, being a city girl in the burbs is a transition to say the least!
This is awesome, so cool you’re teaching them about giving back!
I remember been part of the Box Top Recycle thing in High School, I would always save them when my mom bought cereal. This is a great way to encourage our kids to give back to the community
this is such a great post! love teaching our kids these kinds of things!
Bringing extra snacks is such a smart idea. I think that really benefits the class and the teacher.
I LOVE that Box Tops are still around – I remember them being sucha thing back in the day when I was in elementary school myself!!!!
Coming Up Roses