A Whimsical Back-to-School Adventure
By Susan Kimmel, Director of the Purchasing Consortium
Greetings esteemed educators, technical wizards, facilities thaumaturgists, business office and HR virtuosi, maestros of the library, and lustrous academic leaders! While the temperatures in your town may still be blazing, it's time to boldly board that thrilling rollercoaster that is the "Back to School" season. It's not just the kids who are getting fresh cuts, new kicks, and shiny new notebooks, we know you are too! Together, let's embark on the fun-filled, exhilarating, and sometimes terrifying journey of returning to the hallowed halls of learning. Buckle up Buttercup, we are going on a bit of adventure and MISBO will be by your side the entire way!
A tech Director's Guide to Tranquility
You may be asking, "Can that even really occur?" Between troubleshooting devices, managing Wi-Fi networks, and preventing cyberattacks, the life of a technology director at an independent school can be anything but tranquil. We know that. We see you! WE APPRECIATE YOU! And these MISBO partners can help you find just a slice of peace in your day.
ThreatAdvice: Threats Facing Schools Today
Howard Technologies: Solutions for your School
NEW PARTNER! SENSO: EMPOWER YOUR SCHOOL
2ndGear: Back to School Pricing and Specials
The Frenzied Facilities extravaganza
Shout out to our frenzied facilities directors. Summer was NOT a vacation for you! Your school's buildings and grounds are the first thing your students and parents see. And we know you are orchestrating everything behind the scenes to make your campus beautiful, functional, and efficient. And at MISBO, we've collaborated with these partners to help you do what you do best - make your school look and feel magical!
Tradesmen International: We help staff your projects.
Carrier Enterprises: Keep cool with HVAC Supplies & Parts
Batteries Plus: Free Campus Assessments
Batteries Plus: Back to School Checklist
FLOOD BROTHERS: HELP YOU WITH MOVES & INSTALLATIONS
Cintas: Fire Protection for your school
Building Solutions: Your Back-to-School Checklist
The Furniture Formulation
Sure, bean bag chairs are fun and groovy, but not the most conducive for forming and educating young minds. Did your school unexpectedly increase enrollment? Did you find furniture that needed retiring this summer and now you are a desk or twenty too short? Do you have some classrooms that need a refresh? We've got you covered! These partners can help fill your needs with in-stock furniture! Whoop Whoop!
METEOR EDUCATION: Last-minute needs covered
Lakeshore Learning: 21st Century Classrooms in stock
Demco: Classrooms of the Future
The Great Dodgeball Debate
Let's get ready to RUMBLE! Hard red rubber ball connecting with my upper right arm… no other feeling like it in this world. I'm out! But watch out Johnny – I've got my eyes set on you in the next game. I play for keeps!
Don't waste your time getting caught in the unwinnable dodgeball debate. Instead, save time and money by checking out these MISBO partners for your school's athletics needs. From sports field maintenance to gym floor coverings, bleacher parts and PE equipment, MISBO partners can help!
SportBiz: Back to School Sports Checklist
Enhance Mats: Gym Floor Coverings
Advance Sports Group: Sportsfield Maintenance Video
The Bridge to Terabusiness Office
(See what I did there?) Having a great imagination like Leslie and Jessie and creating a magical business office in your imagination would be fantastic! These MISBO partners are here to help you make the business office of your dreams IRL. (TRANSLATION from my teenage neighbor: "In real life.") Don't sleep on these great partners, they want to make your work life delightful!
Revolution Office: Your Back-to-School Checklist
STAPLES: OFFICE SUPPLIES FOR EVERYONE
Oh the Human(ity) Resources
In today's market, finding and keeping great employees is a never-ending job. Our HR peeps are always looking at salary, work-life balance, benefits, work environment …the list never ends. We get that. Take a peek at these partners who want to help you provide great options for all your employees.
OneDigital: Trends to Consider in your plan design
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS AT WORK: LONG TERM CARE
dance of the school supplies
Who can forget the annual school supply waltz? Armed with lists as intricate as a secret spy code, your students may have to fight the crowds at the local stores. Here's the good news... YOU DON'T! Find great deals for your classrooms right here with these MISBO partners:
Lakeshore Learning: Supplies & 1,000 Free resources
Staples: Classroom supplies for everyone
School Specialty: Supplies & Organizations
the classroom chronicles
Find that little key, unlock your diary, and write down your hopes and dreams for the new school year. Let's chronicle your best year ever! Those first few days of school can be daunting and overwhelming for teachers, students, and staff. Use these useful ideas and activities from our partners to get the school year headed in the right direction.
Swank: Back to School ideas with Swank
BrainPop: Back to School Activities
Learning A-Z: The importance of Writing Instruction
Scholastic Digital: What's new for Fall of 2023
Lakeshore Learning Materials: 1,000 free resources & Classroom Curriculum
The Library Labyrinth
Thump, thump.
Thump, thump.
Thump, thump.
What is that? It's the heartbeat of your school – the library! Get that heart healthy and in shape with these great ideas and offerings from our MISBO partners.
Sora, by Overdrive: Back to School Library Checklist
Springshare: Back to School preparations
Demco: Libraries of the Future
ProQuest: Get your trials now!
Factcite: Icebreakers for building your library community
Infobase: upcoming webinars for you!
Science & Music & Art! oh my!
Do you suppose we'll meet any wild students?
Hmmm… we might.
Students who like math?
Some, but mostly Science & Music & Art!
OH MY!
We've got you covered with these MISBO partners!
Thermo Fisher: Lab Checklist for BTS
Thermo Fisher: Flashback Sales
Wenger: why should you spend a little more for posture chairs?
Blick Art Materials: Art Lesson Plans
Ship Me with Your Best Shot
Did you know MISBO has a contract with FedEx? For all your shipping needs...and more! Receive great MISBO negotiated rates!
To set up a new account number or to confirm you are currently on the MISBO program, contact Bobby Bledsoe at 901.219.6964 or rdbledsoe@fedex.com. Identify yourself as a MISBO member. For shipping customer service, call 800.463.3339.
the school bus diaries
Seat to Seat, Back to Back! Three to a seat! Words on repeat by your school's bus drivers! Check out these MISBO transportation partners and their advice for back to school!
Samson Tours: CAN GET READY FOR RETURNING BACK TO SCHOOL
BUSMAX
Does your school face transportation challenges year after year? Busmax can help reduce maintenance costs, and depreciation loss for your school. With a school-term rental of a 15-passenger MFSAB bus, 25, 33 or 44-passenger bus, your school is only responsible for preventative maintenance like tires, wipers, brakes, and oil changes every 5000 miles. If our current model bus goes down for mechanical maintenance, we’ll either bring you a replacement bus within 48-hours or issue a credit for days lost. It’s a win-win for schools! Busmax also offers 2–3-year leases. Busmax Rent-A-Bus has more than 48 years of experience, and we always remember that the reason we are still in business is because of our customers. We also purchase older buses with up to 100K, that are aging out of your fleet. We are very proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization such as MISBO.
Please contact Meryl Healy for more information – 678-410-4890.
Search all of our MISBO contracts for your Back to School needs!
Susan Kimmel
Director of the Purchasing Consortium
susankimmel@misbo.com
404.920.8844
Susan curates the MISBO Purchasing Consortium by maintaining and enhancing current partner relationships and pursuing new partnerships based on the needs of our members. Susan educates on and informs members of the benefits of utilizing the MISBO Purchasing Consortium. She facilitates communications with partners concerning contracts and product offerings and assists in providing optimal partner exposure. Susan has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, an MBA with an emphasis in MIS, and a certificate in Social Media Marketing. In her spare time, Susan is a mom to 4 grown kids, Gigi to two, a personal growth junkie, crochet hobbyist, travel enthusiast, dog lover...cat tolerator, DIY wanna-be, outdoorsy-ish, and an occasional binge watcher.