Support Teachers This Back-To-School Season

Thanks to Staples for sponsoring this post and supporting teachers in our community.

With the new school year around the corner many parents are busy buying school supplies. I know sometimes as a parent I look at the list of supplies needed and wonder why we have to purchase so many things and I know many other parents have the same thoughts. The truth is though, as much as we spend on supplies, most teachers spend even more. In fact, according to the Education Market Association, an estimated 99.5 percent of all public school teachers’ use their own money to equip their classrooms- to the tune of over $400 per year out of their own pocket.

Staples and Katy Perry teamed up to help teachers across the country this back-to-school season as part of the Staples for Students program. They’ve been funding projects posted on DonorsChoose.org as part of Staples’ $1 million donation to support teachers and schools. Donors Choose is a charity that has funded more than 700,000 classroom projects for teachers and has positively affected more than 18 million U.S. students.

I’m excited to share that they’ve funded a large number of programs right here in Chicago! Staples announced this morning that it is funding all middle school and high school literacy projects, and all career & college prep projects listed on DonorsChoose.org by Chicago teachers. This donation, worth a total of $134,733, will fund projects in 86 schools, impacting 106 teachers and over 13,000 students. For example, Mrs. Shippy from Dawes Elementary School received over 90 books for her classroom library, so that her 7th grade students have ample reading options. Her school does not have a school library, so Mrs. Shippy’s classroom is the only place for her students to get books.

If you want to get involved, use the Staples for Students Snapchat Geofilter. Through August 10th, every use of the Geofilter will trigger a $1 donation (up to $5,000) from Staples to be used towards Chicago classroom projects on DonorsChoose.org. The Geofilter is available for use in the Staples store at 111 North Wabash Ave., and in the surrounding area.

I hope this news has inspired you to support teachers by helping give them the tools they need to create enriching learning experiences for the students in their classrooms. You can make a $1 donation either in Staples stores or online at www.StaplesForStudents.com, with proceeds funding DonorsChoose.org projects. As a thank you, every customer who donates in-store will receive a free, exclusive Katy Perry pencil, while supplies last.

There is also a fun sweepstakes going on. Now through September 10, 2016, fans who spend $25 or more in any Staples store will receive a unique entry code on their receipt to enter the sweepstakes online at www.StaplesForStudents.com. One grand prize winner will win a $50,000 scholarship plus a trip for two to Los Angeles to meet global pop music star, Katy Perry. Four first prize winners and one guest each will also win air travel to Los Angeles and accommodations for two nights to meet Katy Perry at the VIP Winners Celebration.

Entries must be submitted before September 10, 2016 at 11:59 PM ET. Entrants must be 13 years or older. Visit www.StaplesForStudents.com for official rules.

To learn more about all of Staples’ initiatives please join me at the #StaplesForStudents Twitter Party on Tuesday, August 30, from 7-8PM EST.