It’s hard to believe that in a short time, students will leave summer behind and return to school. Teachers are already working hard to set up classrooms and ensure they create warm, welcoming environments for their learners. As I enter my 34th year in public education, I am grateful to work in a profession where every year is a new beginning full of new challenges and promise. And best of all, each year brings new school supplies.

According to AdoptAClassroom.org, teachers spent an average of $895 out of pocket on school supplies for the 2024-2025 school year, a 49% increase since 2015. I’m not talking about fun extras like bean bag chairs or board games (though some would argue those are necessities, too). I mean paper, pencils and pens, tissues, markers, books and other essentials necessary to run a classroom.

When I was hired for my first classroom position in 1996, I had a discretionary budget of $650. In today’s dollars, that’s over $1,330. While inflation has averaged 2.5% since I started teaching, classroom budgets haven’t kept up. For the 2025-2026 school year, my budget is $250 to purchase all necessary supplies for 20 second-grade students.

Make no mistake: 7-year-olds are just learning to take care of their belongings. We go through hundreds of pencils and reams of paper. And don’t even get me started on cold and flu season — we blow through two boxes of tissues a week.

So, what’s the solution? I’m a taxpayer and know that Maine communities already contribute significantly to our schools. Property values are skyrocketing, and taxes have followed suit. Municipal budgets are stretched thin.

To fill the gap between what my school can provide and what I actually need, I’ve relied on the generosity of my students’ families and donations from complete strangers who believe in public education.

How can you help? If you’ve received a supply list from your child’s teacher, consider doubling the order if you’re able. Many of your child’s peers can’t afford supplies this year, and their teachers will ensure no one goes without, even if it means digging into their own wallets.

While I appreciate the occasional mug or coffee shop gift card, what truly brings me joy is receiving materials that benefit my students. One Christmas, my neighbor gave mittens and hats for my students instead of a gift for me — still one of my all-time favorites.

If school supplies aren’t your thing, consider donating a gift card to a local bookseller. Every one of the hundreds of books in my classroom library (usually chosen by my students) was purchased through generous donations. Students benefit, and you support a local business at the same time.

If you don’t have a child in school, reach out to your local school and ask if there’s a classroom you can adopt. Offer to support a new teacher. Ask if any teachers have an Amazon wish list you can contribute to.

In 2000, Bronx teacher Charles Best founded DonorsChoose, a crowdfunding platform for teachers. Since I started using it 20 years ago, I’ve received more than $30,000 in donations to support my classroom. When my students return in September, they’ll have access to new books, fossils to examine in science and ergonomic chairs to sit in — all funded by donors from across the U.S.

DonorsChoose has received Charity Navigator’s highest ranking since 2005. There are teachers across Maine with active requests. You can narrow your choices by focus area. It’s a way to donate with just a simple mouse click.

It’s hard to believe the school year is almost here, but what gives me hope — year after year — is the way our communities show up for our kids. Just like teachers are working hard to create welcoming spaces, there are so many ways for others to help set students up for success.

Whether it’s tissues, pencils, a favorite book or a DonorsChoose donation, these small acts of generosity make a big difference. After 33 years in education, I can tell you: every fresh start is made a little brighter when we do it together. And yes — new school supplies still bring me joy.