Agree with all here. If I encountered a post like this on next door, or in my Facebook network, I would deliver supplies and/or money asap. Don’t be shy about posting either. It’s not a poor reflection on you. Frankly, it’s a poor reflection on schools that they don’t help in this way.

I know you said it was low income, but do you have a PTA? Some schools, the PTA will help out. Let them know that you are a new teacher, have not been paid anything yet and need some help outfitting your classroom for next year. Some PTAs will ask you for a wishlist and others can allocate you some startup money to outfit your room. As others said, look at buy-nothing, freecycle, and neighborhood groups including nextdoor.

Anonymous wrote:I’m just in tears, since I’m not currently getting paid, I do not have any extra funds. My coworkers are talking about buying legos for back to schooo night, wallets for their class cash, prizes for the treasure box. I can’t even afford a bookshelf to my books on! I don’t have decorations, posters, supply carts, organizers, clipboards….I don’t have anything and I don’t know what to do. I mean I always knew teachers had to spend some of their own money, but I never realized how much. It’s a low income school so we also have to make sure to have extra supplies on hand for the kids who do not bring anything. We also cannot ask parents to donate. I’m just so discouraged and have cried all day.

Teacher here. Definitely ask for things on your neighborhood list serve and Facebook-people want to help out. You really don’t need as much as you think you do. Your kids can help you to decorate the room—this builds classroom community and helps them feel ownership. You don’t need fancy organizers or carts
At this time of the year, Target dollar spot has cheap organization bins if you really want some. Your principal should be able to get you furniture if you need it as well as supplies for kids who need them.

If you are at a Title 1 school—check out First Book. They provide free books to classrooms.

Kids don’t need a pinterest classroom. They need a loving adult who will provide them with structure and routine. You will be great!

DM your Amazon Wishlist to Bravoandcocktails_ and blocked_by_jax. Both constantly share teachers Amazon wishlists to their thousands of followers. I have contributed to random teachers this way. Also, agree with set up a Donors Choice. Get on your local FB group and also ask for donations. Especially for something like a bookcase - look on the buy nothing groups.

Have you asked if you have a sister school? Not sure if that is the right word, but my sons elementary school (in a higher income area) would often collect donations for a school in a lower income area. It might be worth asking.

I woukd also try the neighborhood listserve. Bookshelves and books are still usable if used. And people may have unused school and art supplies.

And definitely check out the PTA situation. I was part of one at a poorer school a few years ago and they did not give out $ to every teacher but they did take requests up to a certain amount from teachers.

Post on your Facebook account. I think plenty of people would be happy to help with small items or chipping in to help a new teacher set up.

Buy nothing group.

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a nieghborhood listserve? There are probably a bunch of lego boxes, books, and games gathering dust on a few shelves. Monitor freecycle Can you do a DOnors Choice request?

This. Or Nextdoor. I’ve donated to teachers through their wishlists on both forums. Check FB marketplace and join some buy nothing groups too. People give away a lot of stuff for free. Like, A LOT. My neighborhood lists etc is filled with people giving away stuff all day.

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a nieghborhood listserve? There are probably a bunch of lego boxes, books, and games gathering dust on a few shelves. Monitor freecycle Can you do a DOnors Choice request?

I have picked up lots of books at garage sales/goodwill and have some board games. I need to buy several book shelves, a rug, calendar set, calming toys for the calm down center, books bins, desk caddy’s, I’ll need storage carts, and supply organizers. I’m so overwhelmed. When I taught preschool we got a budget at the beginning of the year to set up our room and I naively thought elementary school would be the same. The only thing in my new classroom is desks, a projector, a small group table, a teacher desk and some filling cabinets.

GoFundMe. Craigslist. Neighborhood listserves.

I'm so sorry to hear this. As a parent I would love to donate money to the teacher for classroom supplies but I understand you have set up before school starts. Is there a PTA?

I suggest joining your local buy nothing group (on Facebook) and making a request for classroom supplies, explain your situation. I guarantee people will help you out and find things that you need. Teachers frequently post in my neighborhood group looking for supplies. I've also seen a lot of teachers leaving and gifting all of their teaching supplies as well.

Thank you so, so, so much for being a teacher.

Do you have a nieghborhood listserve? There are probably a bunch of lego boxes, books, and games gathering dust on a few shelves. Monitor freecycle Can you do a DOnors Choice request?

Tell the principal you need school funds if they want you to supply the classroom

I’m just in tears, since I’m not currently getting paid, I do not have any extra funds. My coworkers are talking about buying legos for back to schooo night, wallets for their class cash, prizes for the treasure box. I can’t even afford a bookshelf to my books on! I don’t have decorations, posters, supply carts, organizers, clipboards….I don’t have anything and I don’t know what to do. I mean I always knew teachers had to spend some of their own money, but I never realized how much. It’s a low income school so we also have to make sure to have extra supplies on hand for the kids who do not bring anything. We also cannot ask parents to donate. I’m just so discouraged and have cried all day.