By Rhys Baker

USD 379 Staff Members are preparing to wrap up the end of the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year. Each year in USD 379 Schools, teachers make wish lists of items they would like for their classrooms. Garfield School’s Parent Educator Partnership Anna Knepper discusses how the idea of teacher Christmas lists came about, “Teachers are buying books, materials, decorations, supplies, rewards. So we thought, why not allow families to give a meaningful holiday gift? Each staff member fills out a wish list of items they’d love for their classroom that directly benefit students. Then, Garfield School shares those lists with the community using Sign-up Genius. Families can browse the list, choose an item, and sign up to purchase it. Once they’ve got the item, they can send it with their student to school before winter break.”

The lists range from small to larger items that families or multiple students in a classroom could purchase together. Knepper says PEP, or teachers and staff, want students, parents, and community members to know they are not obligated to make purchases, “these lists are a mix of classroom supplies and other items. You’ll find practical items like books or art supplies and things that make the classroom environment more inviting, like flexible seating or student rewards. We want to stress that this is optional. It’s not a request or obligation, just a way to make gift-giving meaningful if families want to participate. We’ve been so grateful for the generosity shown over the years, and we know this is a busy time for everyone.”

The Teacher Wish Lists not only provide much-needed supplies and enhancements for classrooms but also strengthen the connection between schools and the families they serve.