Yes, but did you know?
By Susan Kimmel, Director of the Purchasing Consortium
I like to think we are all friends here, and the MISBO community is a safe space to be myself. So, I'm going to get super vulnerable. I have a toxic trait. I know – hard to believe, isn't it? All kidding aside, it's a trait that runs deep and wide to the core of my being. I'm not proud of it. It doesn't look good on me. For years, I have worked on correcting and minimizing this flaw. I have learned to suppress it. But, alas, at times it rears its ugly head. My toxic trait is …
I like to be right. Admittedly, I can be a bit of a know-it-all. 
I like to be right so much that I'll even summon my good friend Google to back me up and prove I am right. Before Google, I would pull out an encyclopedia, dictionary, or any other reference source that would have my back, even if it took days to prove my rightness. Gosh darn it, I would prove myself correct!
Can any of you relate?
Throughout my mere 15 months as the Director of the Purchasing Consortium, I have definitely had to humble myself! I have realized I don't know everything, and I'm NOT always right!
Imagine my surprise as I have come to learn more about our MISBO Consortium Partners and all the unexpected little jewels they offer. Sure, I know Staples sells office supplies and Meteor Education sells furniture, but did you know Staples also offers Ice Melt and Meteor Education offers Environmental Orientation? (Read more to learn what that is!)
I thought I KNEW our partners. And I do … kind of! But I am still learning about all the delightful surprises they offer that you might not expect either!
Please keep reading and you too might stumble upon an unexpected treasure trove of good stuff from our partners that will make your job a little easier, and most definitely save your school some money!
Yes, ProLogic ITS sells SmartBoards ...
But did you know that ProLogic ITS can help you with your campus physical security and communications?
Our experts can provide a full communications signal diagnostic for your campus to ensure your RF, WiFi, Cellular signals do not have vulnerabilities during regular operations and especially in times of crisis. Contact us here for more information on our signal assessment or anything Classroom Technology, Campus Security, Client Devices, Bus & Fleet Technology, STEAM/STEM & Traditional IT
Yes, Tradesmen International has project based staffing ...
But did you know Tradesmen International can help you right-size your staff, subcontract less, and still cover needs with significant cost savings?
Yes, userway offers an affordable easy to use AI-Powered Accessibility widget ...
But did you know only 3% of the top million websites are accessible to the 1 in 4 adults in the U.S that live with a disability? UserWay can help make your website accessible!
Yes, Learning A-Z offers resources that ignite a passion for reading ...
But did you know Learning A-Z has invaluable Professional Learning opportunities available for your dedicated educators?
Learning A-Z has thoughtfully curated three exclusive FREE webinars tailored for MISBO teachers.
However, seats are limited, so make sure your teachers act swiftly to secure their place:
- Raz-Plus: November 7th at 11 am EST. REGISTER
- Vocabulary A-Z: November 9th at 1 pm EST. REGISTER
- Foundations A-Z: Stay tuned for the date in January 2024.
For a more personalized and in-depth learning experience, reach out to Amelia Daul to guide you through the process of acquiring Professional Learning solutions that are finely tuned to your school's unique needs. Elevate your teaching game with Learning A-Z today!
Yes, KI offers Furniture for your school ...
But did you know KI offers inclusive learning environments with WiggleRoom AND, you can specify your entire project on KI?
Yes, Mackin offers over 3.5 million print titles for your library and classrooms ...
But did you know Mackin also has a free Custom List Request service to assist you in curating the perfect classroom book collection?
Yes, Korkat offers playgrounds ...
But did you know Korkat offers commercial shade structures and pavilions as well as site furnishings like benches and tables?
Yes, Literati offers book fair events ...
But did you know that with Literati you can build school-wide reading excitement beyond book fair week with Literati Book Clubs?
As a book fair customer, in addition to book sales, your school benefits from every shopper who signs up for our monthly book box. For as long as they’re members, 10% of every dollar spent will continue to go back to your school. The team at Literati is excited to help bring reading to your students all year long! (833) 758-0217 | bookfairs@literati.com
Yes, Ward's Science offers lab and science equipment ...
But, did you know that Ward’s Science offers grant services – at no cost?
Ward's Science has an in-house grants specialist who will review your text and budget, offer suggestions, and examples, and even suggest funders supporting your science and STEM education programs. Bring your potential funder to Ward's for assistance with your application or consult with them to see what suggestions we might be able to offer from their past experiences. The important thing is that you have a need and a project you hope to complete for your school. Reach out to your Ward’s Science representative or access the grant services request form via our website – https://www.wardsci.com/store/. It can be found under the “Services” tab.
Yes, USI provides access to an unsurpassed variety of premier benefits and insurance solutions ...
But, did you know that USI offers underwriting and financial analysis of your renewals so you can make informed decisions for your faculty and staff?
Yes, Springshare offers LibGuides and
LibGuides CMS ...But did you know that Springshare also offers a whole suite of tools and services designed just for libraries?
LibCal manages library events, room bookings, and appointment scheduling all from one platform. LigInsight simplifies collection management and analysis of your library statistics!
Yes, Meteor Education sells furniture ...
But did you know Meteor Education continues supporting your school after the new furniture is installed with services such as Environment Orientation and ongoing Learning Services?
Environment Orientation helps your teachers feel comfortable and successful in their newly designed learning spaces. Our educators work with your educators to make sure they feel empowered to use their new environment as a tool for learning and ensure their students are engaged throughout the day.
And with ongoing Learning Services, Meteor’s team of educators work alongside your educators to design student experiences that are based on the latest research and instructional-best practices.
Hear what educators have to say about how Meteor’s Learning Services have helped their students and teachers.
Yes, Staples has office and school supplies ...
But did you know Staples offers an entire selection of ice melt to keep your students and teachers safe this winter?
Yes, Flood Brothers can assemble and install your furniture ...
But did you know Flood Brothers can move your computer labs and data centers too?
Yes, SportBiz offers fall sports equipment ...
But did you know SportBiz also offers green screens, safety straps for backstops, and shot clocks?
Yes, Revolution Office offers copier and printer technology at an unbeatable 30-50% savings to independent schools ...
But did you know Revolution Office can work with you even if you’re in the middle of a contract?
Not only will your school realize savings on best-in-class machines and servicing, but our team will also take care of remaining lease obligations. Plus, we simplify administrative tasks by handling invoice consolidation and implementing automated supply replenishment.
Contact Steve Petralia, spetralia@revolutionoffice.com, to learn how Revolution Office could help your school step forward with an efficient, cost-effective, and hassle-free printing solution.
Yes, FMX offers a robust facilities management platform ...
But did you know FMX is easy to use, configurable, and has outstanding customer support?
Yes, Samson bus tours offers charter bus services ...
But did you know Samson has been in business for 40 years, has unmatched customer service and fleet options?
Yes, Tappy offers an advanced web-platform designed to improve teachers’ work-life balance ...
But did you know Tappy harnesses AI agents to attain unparalleled feedback on your pedagogy and lessons?
Whether you're a dedicated educator or an innovative administrator, you're constantly striving to elevate your teaching or leadership.
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Yes, FactCite offers a collection of research databases that has easy-to-use citations (MLA, Chicao, AP) on every page ...
But did you know but did you know FactCite is fully integrated with NoodleTools?
Consortium Hot Topics Blog
AI CAN HELP SCHOOLS SAVE 14 OUT OF EVERY 100 GALLONS
OF WASTED WATER ...
... and avoid catastrophic water damage to their buildings.
New advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology are opening up new ways to conserve one of our oldest and most precious resources: water.
With more than 40 states expecting water shortages by 2024, according to the EPA, schools can do their part to curb water waste. One important component is addressing leaks across water systems, which account for 14 out of every 100 gallons of water being wasted.
Meet MISBO Consortium Partners in our interactive Snacks & Partner Facts!
See the upcoming Snacks & Partner Facts
Watch the replays on our YouTube Playlist
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 three, a personal growth junkie, crochet hobbyist, travel enthusiast, dog lover ... cat tolerator, DIY wanna-be, outdoorsy-ish, and an occasional binge watcher.
MISBO is here to help you find great products and services at great prices! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions, need help finding a partner to fill your needs, have recommendations, or just want to talk about purchasing!
You can reach me at the number and e-mail above, or set up a Zoom call with me here: