Thanks to Great Clips for sponsoring this post and encouraging parents to support teachers!
We’re gearing up for back to school in 8 days. Last week, I took the kids shopping for school clothes. This week is school supplies, since we got their final schedules yesterday.
And then there are the “unexpected” expenses — the little things that happen around a new school year that get left off the budget. I’m planning ahead this year, determined not to let anything surprise me.
Here are 7 items on our back to school list we often forget:
- Check-Ups/Immunizations: Back to school time is when I always realize it’s time for another physical, get a letter from the school that one of my kids needs a new vaccine, or spend a fortune updating glasses. This year, I planned ahead and completed physicals and eye exams over the summer.
- Sports Registrations: The start of a new school year also brings the start of a new sports season — cross-country, volleyball, soccer, and fall softball are starting here. That means a new round of registration fees and updated sports equipment.
- Haircuts: Along with the new school clothes and the fancy first day of school outfit, it’s time to update the kids’ looks with new haircuts. Luckily, Great Clips always helps out the budget with back to school specials on haircuts.
- Gym Gear: Today I had to pay $13 for a required middle school gym uniform. I’ve also been surprised by sudden gym shoe needs when our new school shoes don’t cut it.
- Lunch Supplies: During the summer, we often eat leftovers or fix an actual meal the kids can quickly share. If they plan to pack a lunch, our needs are a little different. The first week of school always results in a higher grocery bill as I buy the foods we need.
- School Pictures: The teen has school pictures on day two. Yeah, the second day of school. The others follow suit within the next two weeks, so a photo order gets piled onto school supplies, backpacks, and new tennis shoes.
- Teacher Gifts: Many parents choose to send teacher gifts for the first day of school, and some sort of teacher appreciation day is probably just around the corner. Plus, there are plenty of classroom supplies the teachers will need as well, like tissues, hand sanitizer, and dry erase markers.
Great Clips understands the burden placed on teachers and wants to help support their efforts. That’s why they’re donating money to Adopt-A-Classroom, in honor of each smartphone user who downloads the Online Check-In app. View wait times and add your name to the list so you can be first in line when you arrive. It’s exactly how we handle the kids back to school haircuts and saves time and money!
This post was sponsored by Great Clips, but all opinions — and love of teachers — are 100% mine.
moosh in indy. says
PHYSICALS. I always forget about those and all their paperwork (and expense, gag.)
Chelsea_Gerrard says
This is so nostalgic 🙂 Reminds me of my school days and all the preparations we use to make! I was very particular about my teacher’s gifts and loved planning in advance. Well, kudos to Great Clips for initiating such funds. I am sure this will be a great help for many. All the best!