School supply demand surges following middle school tech limits
McPherson Middle School seeks $40,000 endowment to support students as classroom screens are turned off
MCPHERSON, Kan. — A recent policy limiting personal computer use at McPherson Middle School has sharply improved student focus, but the shift back to traditional learning has depleted the school's physical supply inventory.
Principal Inge Esping said the screen restrictions have reduced digital behavioral disruptions and boosted classroom engagement, though the transition means the school is consuming paper and basic materials at a faster rate this year. With supply lists now estimated at more than $80 per student, the increased need for physical items threatens to strain family budgets — particularly for the more than 40% of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
To offset rising out-of-pocket costs, administrators are working to build a $40,000 endowment to permanently sustain the school's Supply Closet program. Established in 2021, the program currently relies on local donations to distribute between $1,000 and $2,000 in essential supplies annually to as many as 150 students. To ensure no student falls behind in the newly screen-restricted environment, the school is calling on community organizations to help bridge the gap while the endowment fund grows, and is developing a targeted donation list for those wishing to contribute.
The endowment effort is being administered through the McPherson Community Foundation, which is accepting tax-deductible contributions on behalf of the Supply Closet program.
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