Back to school rush well underway

The end of August means it’s time to get the kids prepared for school for parents across the country.

Saskatoon is no different as a constant stream of traffic is in and out of retail stores ahead of the first day of classes.

Dylan and Leah Kartch were busy ticking items off the supply checklist with their three children. As the family has grown, back to school season has become an unpleasant time of year.

“The fact that the kids are going back to school, that is exciting,” Dylan said. “The spending the money is not.”

With growing children and a variety of other things beginning at the end of August and early September, Leah was quick to remind that school supplies aren’t the only thing that lead to a sizable bill at the till.

“Between school supplies and registering for sports, it’s a big chunk of change,” she said. “If you take everything into account — the back to school supplies, the clothes, the shoes, the sports — we’re looking at at least $1,000.”

Doing her best to help keep costs low is Melissa Koroll, a grade 4 teacher at Hanley Composite School.

Each year, she prepare lists ahead of time, compares it to her class list and then co-ordinates with stores and parents to buy all the necessary supplies for students in her class.

“That’s very popular,” Koroll said between a chuckle, understanding the relief it provides for parents. “I’ve had very good feedback over the years, that’s typically what I do. This week I will be doing that.”

Koroll doesn’t mind getting all the supplies for her students, and just asks parents to bring $35 dollars to the first day of classes to cover the costs. She’s even able to ensure there are extra items like glue sticks, pencils, and erasers that are replenished throughout the year.

Being a teacher also helps eliminate items off the list that might not be used as an added bonus to keep costs low.

“Sometimes when (the school list) specifies brands, I know that other brands are just as good,” she said.