schools
5A
The Paper | Thursday, July 30, 2015
Back-to-school shopping tips to spark future buys All parents backpacks, and see know about the if there are any coustress of back-topons available to school shopping. pair with the sale. At the beginning At this time of of summer break, year, Publix will it seems like there put various school is plenty of time supplies on a buy to gather supplies one, get one free for the upcomFarah Bohannon sale — everything ing school year, rings up half-price, Columnist and the focus so there is no need is primarily on to buy more than spending days one item. Pair that at the pool or enjoying a sale with manufacturer much-needed vacation. coupons from the Sunday The thought of markers, newspaper and save even binders, notebooks and penmore money. cils are a distant memory, Luckily, there are several and visions of watermelon, Publix stores nearby so fireworks and Popsicles are check out the sales before fresh in everyone’s mind. In they end as many cannot the blink of an eye, June and be beat. Some of this merJuly pass by and it is time to chandise will end up costing meet new teachers and gear more than 50 percent off of up for a new school year. the regular price if coupons During the final days of are factored in. July and even the first days Kroger is another store in August are spent searchthat carries a decent selecing for that back-to-school tion of school supplies, list and scurrying to shop and the Jefferson location with the rest of the world to never disappoints with purchase everything on that their general selection and list. It can be overwhelming sales. Kroger is famous for parents to see a long list for their wonderful clearof items that children must ance section, and as the have before the year begins, school year starts, lots of and the cost of said items leftover back-to-school can turn into a massive exitems will make their way pense. to this section with hefty Luckily, there are ways discounted prices. Look to lower the cost of back-tofor lunch storage items, school shopping, even after school supplies, teacher the school year has already gifts and much more. The begun. The effort will be Jefferson Kroger even worth it in the end. carries a small selection One of the most important of children’s clothes, so ways to save on back-tokeeping an eye out for school items is to take the clearance deals is benefitime to look for sales. Scour cial. Kroger does accept store ads to look for what is manufacturer coupons, so needed, whether it is school those will bring the price supplies, clothing, shoes or down even lower on your
Just in time for back-toschool purchases that matter
back-to-school merchandise. CVS Pharmacy is a great place to shop as well, and luckily there are several conveniently located nearby. Shopping CVS sales is a great way to save money, as well as participating in their rewards program. It is easy and free to join, and all it takes is signing up for an ExtraCare card. (Check with a store employee to see how this can be done.) The deals change every Sunday, and CVS is generous enough to send store coupons to customers. The great thing about these coupons is they can be stacked with manufacturer coupons for an even greater savings. School supplies are available at CVS, but it may also be the one stop shop for medicines and vitamins to combat inevitable sicknesses that are brought home from school. CVS is also a great place to purchase cosmetics and beauty products because of
their Beauty Club, which is also easy and free to join. Again, check with a store employee to see how to sign up. For every $50 spent before coupons, a $5 reward will trigger. To find these rewards, log in to your CVS. com account or scan your ExtraCare card at the CVS coupon center at the front of the store. Use those rewards to save money on items that are needed as the school year passes by. As for apparel, Tanger Outlets Commerce is a great place to shop. It is conveniently located, has a great selection of brand-name items and their Facebook page is updated regularly with coupons, happenings and notices about great deals that cannot be beat. All parents know that children’s growth can happen overnight sometimes, so last-minute shopping trips are necessary. Tanger Outlets Commerce offers everything from Nike to Ralph Lauren and much more.
are not and neither are computer bags or other cases for electronic devices. Hard drives, computers, scanners, data storage devices, modems and printer cartridges are exempt but surge protectors, game controllers, cell phones and TVs are not. School supplies for noncommercial use with a sales price of $20 or less per item will be exempt. Also lunch boxes, pencils and sharpeners, reference books, paper, paints and paintbrushes for artwork are exempt but briefcases, envelopes and medical or janitorial supplies are not. The GCUA survey revealed that 51 percent of respondents prefer to buy school supplies as needed while 42 percent stock up when they run across a bargain. Stephen Smith, president and CEO of Fulton Teachers’ Credit Union, recommends that whether a parent or educator, when it comes to back-to-school shopping consumers should shop wisely and not wait until the last minute. “The tax-free holiday is a great time for members to save additional dollars,” said Smith.
Back to School
Now accepting consignments. Bring in your seasonal clothing items.
There’s a rumor goeral weeks can become ing around that schools a time for building some are starting back up. Oh great lasting memories. the joy and celebration Here are a few suggesof a fresh new school tions to make the most year for our commuof the fresh start. First, nity. These times can you get to choose your also be filled with other Dr. Rusty Newman own attitude, so make it kinds of emotions as a good one. A good attiThe Pastor’s Pen well. Nerves, fears, tude will take a long way trepidation, and tiredto success. Second, you ness maybe felt in your have a fresh start on this household. adventure in life. Take this opportu“At times like these” Paul Harvey nity to build on past success and learn said, “it’s good to remember that from past failures. Third, set some there have always been times like realistic challenging goals for your these.” It is amazing how real it can student. Make a goal that is attainbe if it’s in your home. The next sevable, trainable and admirable.
Let’s consider one last and best item that will set your school year off in the right direction. Make prayer a priority for your family. Bless your children through praying over them for faith, family and friends. Pray for your teachers and administrators to have the best school year ever. Set a specific time everyday to pray and keep this appointment. You just may discover that this is the start to an amazing school year that your family needs. Dr. Rusty Newman is pastor at Walnut Fork Baptist Church in Hoschton. He can be reached at pastorrustyn@ gmail.com
AUTO • HOMEOWNERS • COMMERCIAL
Call us today and find out why our clients love Bingham Insurance Group
706-684-0040 • info@binghaminsurancegroup.com 6454 Highway 53, Braselton, Georgia 30517 www.binghaminsurancegroup.com
Jefferson City Schools 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR July 2015 5
6
7
August 2015 1
2
3
8
9 10 11
September 2015
4
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
10 11 12
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
26 27 28 29 30 31
23 24 25 26 24 28 29
27 28 29 30
30 31
October 2015 4
5
6
7
November 2015 3
4
5
December 2015
1
2
3
1
2
8
9 10
8
9 10 11 12 13 14
6
7 6
7
1
2
3
4
5
8
9 10 11 12
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
29 30
27 28 29 30 31
January 2016 3
4
5
6
February 2016 7
1
2
8
9
7
March 2016
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
10 11 12 13
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
8
9 10 11 12
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
28 29
27 28 29 30 31
April 2016
We also consign Jewelry, Purses, and Sandals.
Cathy’s Boutique 678-450-1544
•
Farah Bohannon is a writer for The Paper. She is also a savvy and smart shopper who also enjoys sharing her tips on her blog and on Facebook.
31
Specializing in Chicos Resale & Other Name Brands.
4311 Mundy Mill Rd
year and start early. Write down a list and make it easily visible so it is not forgotten. Every time marked down items are seen in a store, purchase them and save them for the following school year, whether it is clothing, shoes, school supplies, and much more — do this throughout the summer, and even throughout the school year. For some, it may seem pointless to purchase something that is not needed at the moment, but it will help in the long run — less money spent out of pocket and necessary items are already stocked up and ready to go. Save yourself the stress of last-minute shopping and a huge dip in your bank account and hunt for deals — it will be worth it.
Going back to school the right way
July 31 and Aug. 1 – sales tax holiday in Georgia is here Nearly half of Georgia consumers schedule their back-to-school shopping around tax holidays. According to the Mid-Year 2015 Consumer Survey conducted by the Georgia Credit Union Affiliates (GCUA), 46 percent of respondents plan to take advantage of a tax-free holiday. That means Friday and Saturday could make for a busy shopping time for families getting ready to outfit their children for school and college with clothing and school supplies including computers. On July 31 and Aug. 1, clothing, including footwear, with a sales price of $100 or less per item will be exempt from sales tax. But there are exceptions such as jewelry, handbags, eyewear, watches and sewing materials. There are also other exceptions which can be found on the Georgia Department of Revenue website. Computers, computer components and prewritten software for noncommercial home or personal use with a sales price of $1,000 or less per item will also be exempt. Batteries for a computer are exempt but regular batteries
Zulily.com is also a great choice for back-to-school. At Zulily, an online retailer focused on helping customers discover special finds every day, their fashion buyers and experts noticed a trend in what our vendors are selling, what consumers are buying and what their very own kids want to wear. Experts examined the top kids clothing and accessory purchases and determined that popular trends from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s are definitely are coming back around. The results for purchases in Georgia included overalls, leggings, tunics, leg warmers, and skinny jeans are some of the most popular items—why not purchase what is currently in style for a great deal? Zulily also sells a wide variety of home décor and accessories as well as apparel. If you are too late to the game this year and still paid a pretty penny for back-toschool items, do not fret. Make a game plan for next
Oakwood, GA 30566
3
4
5
May 2016 6
7
1
2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
8
9 10 11 12 13 14
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
29 30 31
Regular School days Student/Teacher Holidays Teacher Planning/ Workdays