Local teachers stocking up on supplies too

It's back to school next week for just about every school district in this part of the state except Tulsa Public Schools. <br><br>Parents and students are scrambling to get all the supplies they need,

Friday, August 9th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

It's back to school next week for just about every school district in this part of the state except Tulsa Public Schools.

Parents and students are scrambling to get all the supplies they need, and as News on Six reporter Rick Wells explains they're not the only ones. I always wondered where my teachers got all those bulletin board materials and pictures of presidents they decorated with.

Probably at a place like this. Who knew there was a school supply store for teachers? This is the Apple Tree; it's been here for 22 years. Started by a former teacher, Suzann Ham says they have to try to stay ahead of the latest trends. "You see the cycle of things it goes all phonics, then it was away from phonics to something, whole language, now it's back to phonics."

Which just proves there's more than one way to skin a cat, or teach a kid to read. Lisa Crabtree teaches 7th and 8th graders in Ralston. She's got a basket full of maps and books to help with Social Studies. Rick Wells, "Is the school buying all this stuff?" Crabtree, "Yes we set aside money for that." Not every school is willing or able to cover every teacher expense. Suzann Ham, "there's always that one more thing you can use to help that one child."

These teachers from Pryor brought swatches. They re-painted the room. Kelli Mills, â€œIt's pretty but my primary colors don't go with it.â€ There are resource books for science teachers.

Workbooks to help students get a leg up, or for parents whose child need a little extra help, even motivational posters.