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Your Classroom Cleanout Guide
The end of the school year is finally here! While many of our great teachers, faculty, and staff are ready for a relaxing summer break, there are typically a couple of final things that we must deal with before we say goodbye to our classrooms for the summer. Whether you're moving to a new classroom, changing grades, or just had a hectic year full of clutter, we all must make decisions on what to keep and what to get rid of come this time of year.
Ask Around!
There will always be fellow teachers, especially new teachers, who may be looking to add to their classroom library, or just have some new and engaging materials. Consider having a grade-level "yard-sale," which is also a great way to organize everything that's unwanted into a designated spot.
Facebook Marketplace also opens up opportunities for various individuals, from moms embracing homeschooling challenges, to fresh graduates preparing to embark on their teaching journey in the following year. By listing items on Facebook, you can connect with a wide range of potential buyers. However, it's important to prioritize safety – always arrange meetings in public spaces and avoid sharing personal information or phone numbers through the app.
Assessment & Organization
If you are making a big change for the next school year, for example moving to a different grade level or changing schools, you may be wondering what you should do with any instruction materials or grade-level specific materials that you don't anticipate using for a while.
One of the best ways to responsibly archive your teaching materials comes through assessment and organization. Ask yourself when the last time you used certain materials was, if they still are relevant to Georgia education standards, and if you have the room to store them without getting in the way. When storing materials away, be sure to use a system you can follow to remember where things are if you don't know the next time you'll want to access them.Donating & Recycling
Once you've exhausted some of the earlier options, you might find yourself pondering on throwing supplies and other materials out. While there are probably instances of supplies that are damaged or have seen better days, its always a good idea to consider more sustainable ways of decluttering your classroom beforehand!
For usable items, such as paper, pencils, binders, etc., take a look at Give a Kid a Chance, they will accept these gently used items. If your classroom has a lost and found bin that wasn't emptied out, consider donating to local organizations that accept gently used clothing or toy donations.
When it comes to recycling, Terracyle has boxes specifically for pens, pencils, and markers. All you have to do is go onto their site, pick out the box that fits your needs, and load it up! They provide the pre-paid shipping label, and they'll take care of the rest. They also have a "all-in-one" box that accepts everything from books and magazines, to art supplies and fabrics. Don't feel like buying a box? They also have free recycling programs! Just go online, print a free shipping label, and they'll do the rest!
Don't forget, Cherokee County also has a Recycling Center that is free to Cherokee County Residents!
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