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Education news and issues in the Ozarks.

Ready, Set, Supply! Collects Items For SPS Students For The Coming School Year

Pasco Schools

A school supply drive for Springfield Public School students looks different this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Things being collected for Ready, Set, Drive! include notebook paper, highlighters, markers and crayons.  But also on this year’s list are disposable face masks, hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes.

Dr. Bret Range, executive director of Student Services at SPS, said the district hasn’t finalized plans for the next school year.  The items will help them get ready for what could happen.

He said there’s always a need for school supplies for students whose families can’t afford them, but this year the need is likely to be even greater.

"We know that there are equity issues in the school district even prior to the pandemic.  There are ongoing equity issues," he said, "and this pandemic magnifies that.  It makes that gap between kids who have school supplies on the first day and those that won't even wider, and that's our concern.  And, so, this drive is important because we want every kid, every kiddo, on the first day of school to be excited about going to school and then also to feel like, 'hey, I've got the stuff that I need to be successful.'"

The district partners with organizations in the community like businesses, nonprofits and churches to help them collect items, but individuals may donate supplies and money, too, Range said.

To arrange for pickup or drop off, call (417) 523-0315 or email lrsearles@spsmail.org.  Monetary donations can be made here.

Items needed are:

  • notebook paper (college and wide ruled)
  • comp books (college and wide ruled)
  • highlighers
  • Crayola crayons (24 count)
  • headphones
  • Crayola markers (10 count)
  • hand sanitizer
  • disposable face masks
  • Clorox wipes

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.