I brought this idea to my PTO after attending the PTO Today expo back in April. We chose to go with SchoolKidz. Everything has gone smoothly - but we were really under the gun. We just closed the sale on Friday and I have until this coming Friday (May 30) to get our order and money in if I want to garuntee that we get our supplies the week before school starts!
We got a fair number of orders (for a small school doing this for the first time). Assuming delivery/etc goes well - I'm sure this will be done again next year....though we'll get a MUCH earlier start!
Not true--we do it every year and haven't even passed out the fliers yet. You are getting close though. You can start by getting the supply list for each grade and getting it approved by the principal - at least that is how we work-and then going to Walmart and getting the costs associated with the supplies. Figure out how much each grade's packet will cost and then distro a note home via backpacks, email or website to let parents know of the program. (FYI: We add a standard 5 dollar fee and as the orders come in and we accept orders until July 2d). We collate the quantities and put the supplies on order from Walmart. The assembly line takes place about a week before school and the supplies packets are delievered at the children's desks the night of orientation so the parents can verify that the supplies are there. We've had a 2 person committee work this successfully for the past 2 years. Granted they are dedicated...and efficient but it isn't too much for them. We in turn make about 1500 dollars before school ever starts. We have a school of about 780 students and get about 160 packet orders. We also accept donations to sponsor packets for children that may not be able to afford them...
Has anyone done this at the last minute and had it work out. I am a new incoming PTO Co-President and think it is a good idea but am now finding out that you must start it in March to get it to work. If we can't do the actual kits because we are starting too late, can we have supplies on consignment to sell at our open house before school starts? Any advice on vendors? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
