Starting the Year Strong:
Supplies, Support & Giveaways Await | | |
Hi Amazing Educators,
Welcome back, and happy new year!
As you step into a new month, a new year, and the final stretch of the first semester, I want you to know how excited we are to continue supporting you and your students in the months ahead.
January can feel like a reset and a restart all at once—new goals, new energy, and the familiar work of re-establishing routines after the break. Whether you’re feeling refreshed, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, please know that Classroom Central is here for you. Our goal is to make sure you have access to the resources, supplies, and support you need so you can focus on what matters most: your students.
This month’s newsletter is filled with shopping updates, classroom resources, and a few surprises just for you. We hope these offerings help you start the year strong, stay encouraged, and feel supported as you work toward finishing the semester with confidence.
Thank you for everything you do—for showing up, for caring deeply, and for making a difference every single day. We’re grateful to be part of your journey and look forward to supporting you all year long.
With appreciation,
Chelsea Davis
Director of Educator Engagement
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- Join our educator communities
- This month’s giveaways
- Shopping schedules and important dates
- Top shoppers of the month
- Upcoming in-person PD registration
- Plus, more resources
Be sure to read to the end so you don’t miss important information, sign-ups, and opportunities just for you!
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Educator Connect is your space to connect, collaborate, and recharge. This is the space for all of our educators to be supported—a new extension of Educator Exchange. We know that some of you don’t use Facebook, and now with this new community, you don’t have to. While our Facebook group will still offer extras, special opportunities, and giveaways, Educator Connect is designed to bring all of our educators together in one place.
Whether you’re swapping ideas, solving challenges, or just looking for a little inspiration, this is where educators come together to support one another, share experiences, and grow.
Current Membership: 64 members
| | Click the link and create an account to join. | | Teacher Fam Facebook Group | | |
Looking for a place to be inspired, supported, and celebrated every day of the school year? Join our private Teacher Facebook Group—where connection, community, and teacher love come together. Whether this is your first time or you’re a returning member, we’re thrilled to have you with us!
If you're already a member, share this with your teacher friends!
Current Membership: 1.8k members
| | | Beginning Teacher Support Facebook Group | | |
A Facebook Group Just for Beginning Teachers! Join our new space created just for you—where support, celebration, and connection are always just a click away.
As a Group Member, you’ll get access to:
- Exclusive resources made with new teachers in mind
- Early updates on Classroom Central programs
- A supportive community of fellow beginning educators
…and more surprises throughout the year!
Current Membership: 65 members
| | | The Leadership Lounge Facebook Group | | |
Welcome to the Leadership Lounge—your space to connect, collaborate, and grow. We’re excited to invite you to this supportive community created just for school leaders. This is your place where we provide teacher appreciation resources and you get to connect with fellow principals, share ideas that are making a difference in your schools, collaborate on new initiatives, and seek advice in areas where you’d like to grow.
At the Leadership Lounge, we believe in the power of shared experiences and mutual support. Whether you’re celebrating a success, navigating a challenge, or simply looking for fresh perspectives, this is your safe, judgment-free zone to learn and lead together.
Let’s collaborate, share, and grow—because together, we’re stronger. This group is not only for principals—it’s also open to school support leadership including Assistant Principals, Deans, Facilitators, MCLs, Expanded Impact Teachers, Coordinators, Coaches and more.
Current Membership: 22 members
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Enter this month’s giveaways! Click the links below to participate.
Some giveaways are exclusive to specific educator communities, so membership may be required to enter. Don’t miss your chance to grab these fun resources and special surprises!
| | Teacher Spotlight: Share the Impact! | | |
Do you know a teacher who’s making a difference in their classroom or school? Or maybe you want to share your own story? We’d love to celebrate their hard work, creativity, and dedication!
Submit a short story and a photo to highlight a fellow teacher—or yourself—and inspire others in our educator community. Your story could be featured in an upcoming newsletter or on our social channels!
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| Student Spotlight: Share the Moments! | | |
Want to showcase your students in action? We’d love to highlight how they’re using Classroom Central supplies in creative, fun, and meaningful ways.
Submit a photo and quote for a chance to be featured in next month’s newsletter and celebrate the amazing work happening in your classroom!
| | | Celebrate Supply Impact & Savings | | These amazing teachers and schools are making a real impact in their classrooms — empowering students and creating equity in education. Let’s give a big shout-out to our Top Shoppers! | | December Top Shopper of the Month | | Ms. Landry saved $2,438.44 on supplies! | | | |
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Porter Ridge Elementary School saved
$19,949.58
on classroom supplies through a total of
25 teacher shops!
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Lisa Landry saved $2,438.44
H. H. Beam Elementary
Britnee Reid saved $2,324.32
Gaston Virtual School
Hallie Powers saved $2,218.24
Walter Bickett Elementary
Keerthana Radha saved $1,964.68
Stoney Creek Elementary
Jarrody Messina saved $1,917.76
Villa Heights Elementary
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Porter Ridge Elementary
Saved $19,949.58 with 25 Teacher Shops
Woodhill Elementary
Saved $10,792.80 with 12 Teacher Shops
Harding University High
Saved $7,888.52 with 13 Teacher Shops
Lancaster High
Saved $7,371.41 with 22 Teacher Shops
Oaklawn Language Academy
Saved $7,012.06 with 13 Teacher Shops
| | The Top 5 Teachers and Schools are determined by the amount of money saved through our Free Shopping Programs at Classroom Central in the previous month. | | Free Supply Shopping Info & Schedule | |
January Updates
We do have some availability for January shopping! Here’s what’s still open:
- Gastonia MFS – 1/12
- Curbside – 1/14
- Curbside – 1/21
- KCS MFS – 1/26
- Free Store – 1/27
- Curbside – 1/28
- Free Store – 1/29
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If any cancellations occur, they will appear in the portal, so be sure to check back! While our capacity usually doesn’t allow us to add or reschedule appointments, we always do our best to accommodate whenever possible.
If you have any questions:
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If you're shopping the Free Store this month, don’t forget to:
- Arrive on time for your appointment
- Bring your school ID
- Bring your own reusable bags or cart to carry your supplies
| | Each month, we’re spotlighting Free Store finds you’ll want to grab before they’re gone! Here are this month’s must-haves: | | |
8-Drawer Organizer
This one’s a gem—and we only have one available! If you’re shopping today, keep an eye out for this 8-drawer organizer. It’s perfect for keeping classroom materials tidy and within reach.
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Assorted Arts & Crafts
Get creative with this assortment of arts and craft supplies! Perfect for classroom projects, hands-on learning activities, or seasonal crafts that inspire imagination and student creativity.
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Swab Sampling Sticks (15 cm)
These long swab sticks are surprisingly versatile! Use them for science investigations (sampling surfaces or simulations), art projects (fine detailing, texture work), STEM challenges, or sensory and fine-motor activities in early grades.
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Assorted Incentives
Celebrate your students’ hard work with this assortment of incentives! Great for classroom rewards, behavior recognition, or motivating small groups, these items help keep students engaged and encouraged.
| | Keep an eye out—new treasures arrive monthly! | | Looking Ahead: February Shopping Appointments | | | | |
Mark your calendar!
Appointments for February open:
January 19th
Appointment dates for February will not appear in the portal until then. Each month, you’ll receive an email letting you know when you can schedule your shopping appointments for the following month.
Spots fill up quickly, so please keep in mind, for the remainder of the year, all shopping appointments will open on the third Monday of each month for the following month.
| | If appointments are full, don’t worry—you can still get what you need through our Volunteer to Shop program. Just lend your time or expertise and earn a shopping appointment in return! | | | At Classroom Central, we’re committed to walking alongside you every step of the way—providing the tools, resources, and support you need to plan and deliver your best instruction throughout the school year. Your success is our mission. | | |
While you're planning, don’t forget—all of this and more is available to support YOU this school year:
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Free Supply Programs — Three easy ways to shop and stock up on classroom essentials
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EdExchange – Professional development and resources to support you in the classroom
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Lending Library – Learn about all the hands-on kits we offer for every grade and subject
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Teach Prep – Schedule time for lamination, copies, and die-cutting
| | Lending Library: Literacy Kits - Ready for Checkout Soon! | | | | |
Our kits give students hands-on opportunities to build foundational reading skills while making small-group instruction easy and effective.
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More focused skills: Each kit targets specific reading skills (e.g., CVC words, blends), so you can match it to a particular group.
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Ready to use: Kits include three pre-planned lessons—just pick up and go!
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Science of Reading aligned: Lessons follow the LETRS framework and current research.
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Clear instructional sequence: Each kit builds on the last, with a new combination of books for fresh resources.
Kits are created for elementary students, with flexibility to support any learners needing targeted literacy support
| | | Use the navigation bar below to discover EdExchange PD opportunities and ready-to-use resources designed to support your classroom. | | Learning Together: Upcoming Schedule | | Exciting PD opportunities are coming your way for second semester! These sessions are open to all grade levels and content areas. Join us for engaging sessions, enjoy breakfast, win fun prizes, and click the links below to register for one—or all three. Let’s learn, collaborate, and make an even bigger impact in our classrooms together! | |
Turning Data into Engagement
Ready to turn your classroom data into powerful lessons that reach every student? Join us for a hands-on session where you’ll learn simple strategies to analyze data, spot trends, and create lessons that keep your students engaged, growing, and excited to learn—beyond just test scores!
Download the PD Flyer
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The Buy-In Blueprint: Unlocking Student Engagement
Want to see your students excited, engaged, and ready to dive into learning? Join us for a hands-on PD all about Student Motivation & Buy-In! You’ll explore proven strategies, try role-playing and gallery walk activities, redesign lessons for maximum engagement, and leave with practical tools to get every student excited to participate.
Download the PD Flyer
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Ignite Your Why: Celebrating the Joy in Teaching
Take a break from the daily grind and reconnect with your ‘why’! This immersive PD gives you time to reflect on your impact, celebrate the incredible work you do, and leave feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and ready to bring even more joy to your classroom.
Download the PD Flyer
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| | | Academic Resource of the Month | |
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Classroom Expectation Reset for the New Year
This gamified activity allows students to "unlock" classroom expectations through a series of challenges. Each challenge reinforces key classroom procedures, such as respecting others, staying on task, and following directions. Students earn points or rewards for each successful challenge completed. The game is adaptable for all grade levels and can be easily integrated into any subject area.
| | | | Resources and tips designed for beginning teachers—and those who support them—to help you start strong and stay confident in the classroom. | | |
This Month's Tip for Beginning Teachers: “Plan in 3 Layers”
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, break your lesson planning into three simple layers:
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Must-Have: Core content and skills students need to learn that day.
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Engagement: One activity, question, or discussion that sparks curiosity and participation.
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Stretch: An optional challenge or enrichment for students who finish early or need extra rigor.
Pro Tip: Keep a running “go-to” list of quick engagement strategies or enrichment ideas. This makes planning faster and ensures you always have something ready to keep all students involved.
| | Refresh your lesson planning and classroom management strategies with these ready-to-use resources! | | | Planning Support and Essentials | | |
TeachPrep
Your New Teacher’s Assistant!
TeachPrep is here to make educators’ lives easier! It’s a handy resource designed to help you manage your instructional materials hassle-free. Whether you need copies, laminating, or die-cuts, we’ve got you covered—so you can spend less time prepping and more time teaching.
How It Works:
- Register for a Free Store shopping appointment.
- Check your email for your appointment confirmation.
- Click the TeachPrep link in your confirmation email.
- Submit your request for classroom materials.
- Pick up your completed items when you shop!
| | TeachPrep is about making essential services accessible to teachers and saving them precious time. | | | | |
Innovation Station
Materials That Inspire Creativity and Innovation in Students!
Looking to boost problem-solving and critical thinking in your classroom? Innovation Station is your go-to stop in the Free Store! This program offers hands-on materials and ready-to-use supplies that encourage students to explore, design, and think outside the box. From STEM challenges to creative building tools, shopping Innovation Station means you're equipping your students with the skills they need to innovate, collaborate, and succeed—now and in the future.
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| Question: What’s Your 2026 Self-Care Goal? | | | | Vote now & see the results in next month’s newsletter! | | Wellness and Balance Corner | |
You give so much—don’t forget to give to yourself.
This corner offers quick wellness tips, time-saving hacks, and gentle reminders that rest, joy, and boundaries matter too.
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This Month’s Tip
Set Your Daily Anchor
Start each day with a simple ritual that grounds you and sets a positive tone—whether it’s 5 minutes of deep breathing, a short walk, or jotting down three things you’re grateful for. This small daily anchor can help you stay focused, calm, and ready to tackle the new year with intention.
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What to do: Start each day with a small ritual to ground yourself and set a positive tone.
Examples:
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Morning Journaling: Write down 3 things you’re grateful for or 1 goal for the day.
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Mindful Movement: Take a 5-minute walk, stretch, or do gentle yoga to wake up your body and mind.
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Breathing Pause: Close your eyes for 2–3 minutes and focus on slow, deep breaths to center yourself before the day begins.
Pro Tip: Keep your anchor simple and consistent—doing the same 1–2 minute ritual each morning helps it stick and creates a habit that powers you through even the busiest days.
| | Educator Discounts & Perks | |
National Teacher Discounts
Take advantage of these popular nationwide offers designed just for educators.
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Take advantage of these popular nationwide offers designed just for educators:
Target Circle Teacher Perks
Get 20% off a one-time purchase of classroom essentials and supplies.
🔗 Sign up here
Staples Classroom Rewards
Earn 5% back on every purchase and get access to exclusive deals.
🔗 Join now
National Retailer Discounts
These perks help stretch tight budgets, and give something back to you - offering teachers savings on everything from tech and office supplies to travel and entertainment.
🔗 Learn More
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Office Depot Teacher Discount
Save up to 20% on school supplies and tech when you register as a teacher.
🔗 Learn more
Apple Education Pricing
Discounts on Macs, iPads, and accessories for educators.
🔗 Shop Apple Education
Lands’ End Teacher Discount
Get up to 20% off apparel and accessories for work and casual wear.
🔗 Shop Lands’ End
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Local Savings by District
These will return soon! Currently sourcing new links.
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