Beyond the Basics

When you think of school supplies, what comes to mind first? Probably the basics: pencils, paper, notebooks, backpacks, and folders. While these traditional items are essential, they’re only part of the story. Every day, teachers rely on a wide range of often-overlooked supplies to support their students and keep classrooms running smoothly.

1. Anti-Bacterial Wipes

In a classroom full of students, messes are inevitable. While schools have custodial staff, teachers often need to act fast. Anti-bacterial wipes are invaluable for quick cleanups, wiping down desks after a spill, or sanitizing a workspace when a student goes home sick. Having wipes on hand helps keep classrooms clean and safe throughout the day.

“I loved getting disinfecting wipes from TEP because it allows me to keep my classroom clean and more germ-free. While our classrooms get cleaned on a regular basis, having disinfecting wipes allows me to clean the room more frequently or clean computers that students have to use in my class on a daily basis. Students are willing to help keep the classroom clean, and when I have wipes, it allows them to help take responsibility for their space.” – Teacher at Dickson STEAM Academy

2. Socks

This may come as a surprise, but socks are a real classroom necessity, especially in underserved communities. When families are facing tough times, basics like socks can be hard to come by. Whether a student gets caught in the rain or forgets to put on a pair before school, a clean, dry pair of socks can completely turn their day around.

“I have personally been grateful for the socks that there were so many of last year. We often have students who come in without socks on, and they end up complaining about their feet hurting, and they have visible blisters. It is so nice to be able to pull out a pair of socks to put on them.” – Teacher at Pittsburgh Classical 6-8

3. Snacks

Anyone with kids knows this one well: hungry children struggle to focus. When students don’t have enough to eat, learning takes a back seat. Keeping snacks available for students who need them helps ensure they’re able to stay engaged, focused, and ready to learn. 

As a teacher from New Academy Charter School shared with us, “A hungry learner isn’t a good learner.”

4. Hygiene Products

As students grow and their bodies change, managing personal hygiene can be a challenging transition. By keeping items like deodorant, menstrual products, and dental care supplies available, teachers help students feel comfortable, confident, and ready to focus on their schoolwork.

“The hygiene products are useful to my students who come from households that struggle to maintain during economic inflation. It has meant the difference in attendance for students who can receive small things that they might need and focus on being in class without the worry of not having some basic hygiene needs met.” – Teacher at Clairton Elementary School 

5. Vitamin C and Multivitamins

Let’s face it, classrooms can be a breeding ground for germs, and when teachers get sick, learning is disrupted for everyone. Immune-supporting essentials like vitamin C and multivitamins help teachers stay healthy and keep classrooms running consistently.

“As a teacher, I’m constantly around germs, so having The Education Partnership provide things like vitamin C and multivitamins helps me stay healthy and keep my students healthy too. It makes a real difference in keeping me in the classroom and learning on track.” – Teacher at Clara Barton Elementary School

6. Tables, Storage Bins and Shelving

Classrooms require a lot of materials, and storage is often in short supply. Teachers need space for assignments, projects, supplies, and students’ personal belongings. Bookshelves, storage bins, and filing cabinets help keep classrooms organized and functional.

“I received furniture this year. I use the larger table for group work. I used a small table to pull my students to assess them individually. The other small table I received is used for individual, independent work. I was also fortunate enough to receive three swivel chairs.” – Teacher at Pittsburgh Beechwood K-5

7. Desk Chairs

A proper desk chair is a basic workplace necessity, yet many teachers aren’t provided one. Some make do with broken chairs or folding chairs that offer little support. A sturdy, comfortable desk chair is essential for teachers to work effectively and take care of their own health during long days.

“I have personally gained two office chairs for my classroom, replacing old, worn out chairs that no longer rolled, which has made my classroom more functional and comfortable.” – Teacher at West Hills Primary School

8. Cold-Weather Clothing

For many students, lacking cold-weather gear can mean missing school altogether. Without hats, gloves, coats, or scarves, getting to school safely, whether by bus or on foot, can be impossible. Having extra cold-weather clothing available removes barriers to attendance and helps students stay warm and ready to learn.

“Our school partnered with Operation Warm to get our scholars winter coats. However, one of my scholars was absent on that day and there was not an extra in their size. I walked into the education partnership on my shopping day thrilled to see they had brand new coats in his size. I hung it on his coat hook and he was very grateful to have it when he returned to school.” – Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School

Do you have any of these items that you no longer need? Consider donating them to The Education Partnership, where they’ll be put directly into the hands of teachers and students who need them most.

Follow this link to learn more.