Back to school shopping on a budget

(ABC 6 NEWS) – Back-to-school shopping, may not be your kid’s favorite time of the year, but it’s a sign that the summer is ending.

This year, educators and parents have their own reason to groan at back-to-school shopping.

Inflation is taking starting to take a toll on parents and teachers looking to get their kids and students supplies this school year.

Fortunately, there’s some hope for parents and teachers looking to save some money.

Ashley Swensen is a 2nd-grade teacher at Gibbs Elementary says teachers in the greater Rochester area doing their best to ease the pain for both parents and their colleagues.

“We as teachers, have been very careful about only putting things on shopping lists that they really truly need,” Swensen said.”…with the lists I have seen, there are no specific brands (for some supplies) being requested. Which gives families more flexibility with prices.”

But back-to-school shopping isn’t just for parents. Teachers also have to do their part to provide supplies for students. But Ashleys husband Tanner says teachers have built a strong support group to help each other out.

“Teachers are very resourceful and they have each other’s back,” Tanner said. “If there’s a plethora of something, they share it for sure.”

Some other tips the Swensens recommend families take advantage or are:

Reusing supplies from last year if they are still in good shape

Call your school district to see if they can assist you with any supplies.

Ashley also encourages anyone who is in a position, to buy extra supplies for families and teachers.