SC4K’s 2026-2026 School Year: Small Moments, Big Impact

As my fifth school year at SC4K ends, I’ve been thinking about all of the teachers, school staff, and volunteers who came through the Teacher Resource Center this year. Every school year is different, but some things never change, especially our teachers’ dedication to their students and how much they appreciate having resources they can count on.

One of my favorite parts of this school year was meeting first-year teachers visiting the SC4K Free Store for the first time. Many didn’t know exactly what to expect. It is always fun to see their reactions when they realize just how many classroom supplies they could take back to their students without spending money out of their own pockets. You could see the relief on their faces.

Throughout the year, teachers came looking for all kinds of specific items, but pencils and folders were always in demand. We also saw more requests for STEM-focused supplies, prizes and incentives for students, sporting equipment, and clothes. Teachers are constantly finding creative ways to engage and support their students, often while working with limited budgets.

A few moments really stand out when I look back on the year.

• We welcomed several new eligible schools and experienced their educators’ discovery of the Teacher Resource Center for the first time. They learned about everything available to them, which is rewarding.
• I also enjoyed watching volunteers experience the program firsthand. Many of our volunteer groups had never seen what a teacher shop looks like. Helping teachers check in and out, loading supplies into carts, and packing their vehicles gave volunteers a better understanding of the challenges teachers face and the difference the resources at the SC4K Free Store can make.
• There were plenty of wins, too. One of the biggest was seeing veteran teachers bring newer teachers from their schools and introducing them to the Teacher Resource Center. Nothing speaks more highly of a program than someone recommending it to a colleague.
• Another moment I’ll remember was being able to fulfill a teacher’s request for copy paper. It may sound like a simple thing, but the teacher shared how much of their school budget was already being spent on basic classroom needs. Knowing we could help provide something so essential felt like a real win.
• We wrapped up the year with our Taco ‘Bout Amazing Teachers Teacher Appreciation Day celebration on Cinco de Mayo, and it was the perfect way to end the school year. Teachers enjoyed increased shopping limits, a nacho bar, prizes, and special items that aren’t usually available in the store, including educational toys and organization bins. The gratitude and excitement from everyone who attended made the day especially memorable, not to mention watching teachers take a swing at the piñata!

Like any program, we faced challenges behind the scenes. I spent a lot of time helping teachers navigate our registration platform and troubleshooting issues when they came up. While those situations can be frustrating in the moment, it’s always worth the effort when a teacher is able to get the supplies they need for their classroom and students.

As I look ahead to next school year, I’m grateful for every teacher who walked through our doors, every volunteer who gave their time, and every donor who helped make this program possible. Thank you for helping us support local educators and the students they serve every day.