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Fundraising, Supplies, & Equity: How PTOs and PTAs Can Support Schools Without Doing It All

Clare Richards — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:29:00 GMT

Back-to-school season can ask a lot from PTOs and PTAs. Families need information, teachers need support, and school leaders need help solving practical problems before the year starts. At the same time, many PTOs and PTAs are expected to raise money, build community, and keep volunteers engaged, which can cause work to pile up quickly even when the group is doing its best.

How School Leaders Reduce Back-to-School Stress Without Adding More Work - Impacks

Brandon Richards — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:17:00 GMT

Back-to-school season puts pressure on every part of a school, and leaders usually feel that pressure first. Staffing, schedules, family communication, classroom readiness, and budget questions all hit at once, so even small operational gaps can turn into recurring problems. Supplies are one example. They may look like a narrow task on paper, but they often create more friction than school leaders expect because they affect teachers, families, office staff, and students simultaneously.

School Supply Kits vs. Traditional Supply Lists: Which Works Better for Schools? - Impacks

Brandon Richards — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 19:22:00 GMT

Traditional school supply lists have been the standard for decades, and for many schools, they still work. Teachers build their lists, schools send them out, and families shop on their own before the first day. That approach is familiar, and in the right setting, it can still be workable.

Why Schools Are Switching to School Supply Kit Programs - Impacks

Clare Richards — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:24:00 GMT

If you don’t know what a school supply kit is, you should check out this blog first.

How Much Should a School Supply Kit Cost? A Realistic Breakdown for Schools - Impacks

Brandon Richards — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:12:00 GMT

If you don’t know what a school supply kit is, you should check out this blog first.

School Supply Kits: FAQs for Schools, PTOs/PTAs, and Families - Impacks

Clare Richards — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:12:00 GMT

School supply kits are familiar to most administrators and PTO or PTA leaders. The basic premise is clear: kits can make back-to-school easier for families.

How Much Should School Supplies Cost a Family? - Impacks

Clare Richards — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:30:00 GMT

Are You Asking For Too Much?

[Updated Jan, 2025]

Top 5 School Fundraisers: Proven Ways to Raise Funds for Your School - Impacks

Clare Richards — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 13:30:00 GMT

Whether you’re a public, private, or charter school, fundraising is likely an inevitable aspect of your annual school goals and budgetary prospects. Fundraisers, often led by the PTO/PTA, provide resources to support critical areas of need within a school or district. The best types of fundraisers encourage an environment of giving and inclusivity within a school community. They help parents and community partners understand the impact of dollars donated, and tie meaning to outcomes. In this blog, we’ll share five ways to raise money for your school. Some focus on raising large amounts (typically involving a heavy lift from volunteers) through singular events, and some offer a sustainable, evergreen way to raise funds.

Classroom Planning for Fall 2022: How to Build a Great School Supply List - Impacks

Clare Richards — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 13:30:00 GMT

Is it time to reevaluate your school supply list?

[Updated Jan, 2025]

How Covid-19 Has Changed Back-to-School Shopping Permanently - Impacks

Brandon Richards — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 14:30:00 GMT

Unsurprisingly, the pandemic has changed many aspects of the school experience. This includes back-to-school shopping.