Here are Mr. Moose’s 5 Favorite Back-to-School Tools!
- Well-fitted and supportive backpack – AÂ well-fitted backpack is important to the healthy development of posture, bone, and muscle growth
- Headphones – School isn’t what it was 5 years ago let alone 10, classes now often take advantage of tools like computers and tablets to support lesson plans. Headphones are not only needed for this, but they also help with the overstimulation of being back in class after the Covid-era.
- Blue Light glasses – or nightlight filter on all tech devices. Eye strain from computers and tech devices is something many people experience. Changing the settings or limiting your exposure to blue light can do wonders for limiting eye strain and pain.Â
- Easy snacks and lunches for back-to-school – Every good tool kit has an emergency snack supply. And your back-to-school tool belt should be no different! A good meal keeps our bodies and brains ready to face the day.
- This year’s Ohio Tax-Free Weekend dates are Friday, August 4 through Sunday, August 6, 2023. Here are the school supplies eligible. We know your back-to-school bag will need more than these 5 items which is why our 5th tool is a tool to get all the other tools you will need for the best price you can.Â
- Bonus – Community SupportOur Community is the best tool we have to support kids going back to school. That is why Mr. Moose and his team at Muth are running a school supply drive! If you need free supplies check out Neighborhood Services Inc. (NSI) and Gahanna Residents In Need (GRIN) If you have extra supplies make your own donation to our office by August 8th or directly to the organization of your choice.
This year, total back-to-school spending is expected to match last year’s record high of $41.5 billion, according to the National Retail Federation.
Families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $890 or more on school supplies. That’s approximately $25 more than last year’s record of $864.35 and a new high.
Today teachers are very sensitive to the fact that having the right school supplies can immeasurably help students’ organization and preparation. They also can provide comfort and a sense of stability. This boosts students’ confidence.
Having your very own supplies also can be a source of pride and independence.
According to Kids in Need Foundation (KINF), teachers report that supplies positively impact their ability to create a more equitable learning environment, meet students’ educational needs, take the focus away from needed supplies, and increase classroom participation!
So let’s do our part!
Mr. Moose is encouraging everyone to do what they can to help out students this year in Central Ohio.
Studies show that children having back-to-school tools of their own can improve grades, creativity, attitudes toward learning, behavior, peer relationships, and self-image. Education is the first step to overcoming poverty.
A single pack of pencils and paper could be the gateway to a bright promising year!
Neighborhood Services Inc. (NSI) is dedicated to serving the community kindly, respectfully, and equitably. NSI was founded in 1965 by 12 University District churches, in response to the growing need for food and increased homelessness in the community. The pantry’s convenient, central location, located on the #4 bus line, allows NSI to impact people in need from all over the city of Columbus. Here is a link to their wish list!
Established in 1972, the mission of Gahanna Residents In Need (GRIN) is “To alleviate hunger for Gahanna-Jefferson school district and 43230 zip code residents.” As they state, Good Stewardship, Respect for ALL People, Integrity Focused, Nurturing Relationships.