When I come across a business that is smart and clever AND truly helpful, especially to parents, I admit that I swoon a little. When I find out that it’s run by moms, I get a little excited even. Then, to discover that these are Ottawa moms, it’s all I can do not to shout about it from the rooftops. Since this blog is my rooftop, here I go:
Best Tools for Schools is a business I came across thanks to my new friend, Twitter. Once I clicked on the Best Tools for Schools link and read about their venture, I was hooked.
Best Tools for Schools provides customized back-to-school supplies packaged in personalized kits. Teachers sign up and provide their class material list, therefore each kit is custom made to match the teachers’ requests. Parents order the kits online and their child’s kit is conveniently delivered to their school. No shopping at busy, over-packed stores. No hunting for the specific items on the list. Just point, click, buy and go back out on the patio for a drink.
It was started earlier this year by two busy moms: Candace Derickx and Laurie St-Julien. Both are highly involved in their local school and saw a need for a better way to shop for school supplies.
I asked Candace about some of the reasons behind Best Tools for Schools and she gave me a bit of a summary that I’m sure you all can relate to:
“Most parents dread the inevitable back to school rush – the whining, crying, temper tantrums and uncontrollable fits of rage. And that’s just the adults, heaven forbid you have to bring your children with you. You know the scene, the one in which you and your child argue over the well-made item that will last the year, over the celebrity endorsed brand which will fall apart somewhere around September 10. Then there’s the quest for the very specific items teachers ask for. It very often requires several trips to complete a list. It’s enough to drive a parent crazy.”
Why use Best Tools for Schools?
I don’t have school aged kids yet, but in speaking with friends who do, the thought of the back to school rush sounds stressful. So when they asked themselves about a better way, Candace and Laurie brilliantly thought of one. But, don’t take it from me, take it from another parent who has recently been able to use the program. Kelli, a mom of four, tells me “I think most parents with school age kids really struggle with back to school shopping and this program certainly takes all the hassle out of it.”
Teachers benefit from the service because they can specify exactly what they want and are ensured that all their students receive the same supplies. Since my sister is a teacher, I know for a fact that a lot of her own money goes into buying class supplies, especially since not all kids are able to afford the supplies each year. But, anyone can purchase extra kits for the classroom as a donation to help those students. Another great aspect of the program.
Naturally, the kits have a cost, but since Best Tools for Schools work to get some great pricing in their kits, you should find the prices competitive – especially if you factor in your time (and sanity!) to drive around getting everything. And since they use high quality items, they’ll last longer into the school year. (Spider Man or Hannah Montana probably can’t say that about their crummy binder…).
Giving Back
I’m a sucker for programs that give back, and Best Tools for Schools does it in a big way. Schools receive an added benefit – Best Tools for Schools donates $4 from each kit to the school for their fundraising initiatives. Isn’t that great? You are benefitting from easy shopping, the classroom teacher is getting exactly what they need and the school gets some extra bucks. A win-win-win.
End of the Year
It won’t take long for your children’s teachers to have to start thinking about the next school year and what they will need. As this year comes to an end, I strongly encourage you to let them know about Best Tools for Schools and the benefits they can get from it.
Looking for a year end gift for your child’s teacher? How about offering to buy an extra kit for a child in your classroom that otherwise may not be able to.
I think Kelli, the parent who already is able to order her kit for next year sums it up well: “’I appreciate any opportunity that I can get to make my life easier and contribute to my kids school as well.”
Although the company has just begun, school principals, teachers and parents should all see the value in this service. Best Tools for Schools is already servicing many schools in the Ottawa area, but is quickly expanding to the rest of Ontario.
Well done Candace and Laurie on providing something for parents and teachers to make all of our lives easier. I hope that many schools, teachers and parents are able to use Best Tools for Schools.
