A kindergarten teacher at Simon Kenton Elementary heads to the store to buy several of her new students' school supplies out of her own pocket. She knows their families wouldn’t be able to purchase them otherwise.
Anecdotes like these helped to solidify the decision to continue purchasing school supplies for K-8 Springfield City School District students. What began as an initiative to relieve strain caused by the pandemic is now heading into its fifth consecutive year after the District saw the impact on its community.
The District will provide all necessary school supplies for students in grades K-8 for the 2025-2026 school year, including supplies such as pencils, crayons, scissors and pocket folders, as well as several other items necessary for academic success in the classroom.
The SCSD has approximately 5,400 students enrolled in grades K-8.
“Back-to-school season should be a time of excitement and new beginnings — not anxiety over what families can or cannot afford,” said SCSD Superintendent Dr. Bob Hill. “By providing these supplies, we’re removing a major source of stress for parents and caregivers, especially those with multiple children. This initiative allows families to focus on what really matters: helping their children feel confident, supported and ready to learn on the first day of school.”
The first day of school for SCSD students in grades 1-9 is August 18. Grades 10-12 will begin on August 19, and the first day for Kindergarten students is August 20.