The Tools for School program is taking registrations in Barrhead and Fort Assiniboine. This program provides a backpack of school supplies to kids who need them to prevent barriers for children from successful learning and participation in school.
Savannah Belyk, Family and Youth Coordinator with Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), explained that they are seeing a surge in families accessing services and expect the Tools for School program to see more registrations.
“If it is a decision for families to buy groceries or school supplies, they are buying groceries and kids will have to go without if the family doesn’t register for the program,” stated Belyk.
There were 152 backpacks handed out last fall with some going out in September.
Last year, the program supported school-aged children in the Barrhead and Fort Assiniboine areas. This year, it is being expanded to include the Neerlandia and Dunstable areas.
FCSS has partnered with the United Way for the Tools for School program.
New backpacks are received from the United Way with a binder, notebook and a few pens and pencils.
FCSS takes these backpacks and fills them with additional supplies. Belyk works with the Pembina Hills School division and understands the different requirements needed for different grade levels.
The supply wants list posted on the FCSS Facebook page outlines what is needed.
The basics asked for pencils, erasers, pens in all colours, highlighters, felt markers, glue sticks, white glue, calculators, protractors, whiteout, and geometry sets. The list goes on to include duotangs, graph paper, interlined notebooks, blank notebooks, headphones, pencil crayons, crayons and markers.
“We had a lot of donations and deals coming from Red Apple and from Everyday dollar store on Main Street so they were fantastic to work with,” said Belyk.
“Calculators are an item that we are always short on in the donations. Junior high students need a calculator for their classes.”
"More families are struggling and school supplies seem like something that could get scrimped on."
Students may be embarrassed or be withdrawn if they don’t have to the tools to participate or complete their school work.
The Tools for School addresses that difficulty by making school supplies available.
The needs have increased and the areas covered has increased and that will mean more backpacks need to be made available for these children and youth.
School supply donations can be dropped off at the FCSS office.
High school students have a need for scientific calculators and FCSS purchased five such calculators and delivers them to the high school to distribute as needed.
Supporting community kids and their education is important in their development and the Tools for School program is an advantage.
