The Highland Parent-Teacher Organization has organized a school supply drive. PTO member Lorri Capistran said the need includes regular school supplies but also things like cleaning supplies and disposable cups dictated by COVID-19. “It’s our second year hosting a school supply drive,” said Capistran. “Obviously, going back to school this year looks a little bit different, so we had Mr. Trostad check-in with some teachers to ask about supplies they thought they’d be looking for this year. I think the water fountains are going to be shut off, so they are looking for things like reusable water bottles and disposable drinking cups, rubber gloves. I think they’re going to be a lot of cleaning. And then the general school supplies that kids will need. Things like dry erase markers, glue sticks, notebooks, paper, and pencils too.”
If the drive generates enough supplies, the PTO would also like to make those available for students partaking in distance learning, explained Capistran. “Later, if we can get a good stash of supplies donated, we’re planning to put out some boxes along the street by Highland,” said Capistran. “They are old newspaper boxes that Jess Bengston over at the Times was able to get for us, and we’re going to see if we can get some of the supplies stashed out in those boxes too. So, the kids that are doing distance learning this year will also be able to access some of the supplies that maybe they are short on.”
Supply lists for Highland Elementary School can be found here. Capistran said the PTO will also take monetary donations to use toward school supplies if anyone wishes to donate but doesn’t feel comfortable out in the stores. “We’re just thankful for anything that people are willing to buy extra,” said Capistran. “If they don’t want to venture out shopping and would prefer, they can send monetary donations over to the school, and our PTO members can go do the shopping for them if they don’t feel comfortable venturing out right now.”
Capistran said donations can be dropped off inside the main doors at Highland School. “We have put some boxes just inside the main doors at Highland,” said Capistran. “So, you don’t actually go into the school but just through the first set of doors. I think those doors are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., possibly longer, but for sure during those hours. We were hoping to get supplies collected by the time school starts, but we will definitely accept donations throughout the year. We know that sometimes the teachers need to replenish supplies throughout the year, so we will be happy to take them at any time.”
The school drive runs through Tuesday, September 8.
