Academic Toolbox Newsletter September 2011
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT NEAR BOTTOM
Hello to all! It is long past newsletter time so will try to keep it short and sweet. August was a busy month but, unfortunately, not as busy as past years. With all the budget cuts to schools and teachers we can no longer expect to be doing as in the past. We were blessed to have many out of area visitors that really helped. They were mostly from the Tri-cities and Seattle area. Because of this downturn we are adding more and more toys and games to our mix, which is both exciting and scary at the same time. Scary in that I know the store will have to be rearranged several times to make it all fit. Don’t worry teachers, we are not cutting the ed supply but tightening so the games, for example, may have the side facing out rather than the front.
Spent the Labor Day weekend in Bellingham celebrating the 4th birthday of our little Maggie girl. Had a great time as the weather was great and the company fun.
Have several so will mention quickly. If you “like us” on Facebook you can be updated as each new items arrives. First from Orbcraft are some jewelry boxes that can be decorated with many jewels. Then Magic Milk straws. Drink through them and the milk becomes flavored with chocolate, strawberry, or cookie ‘n cream. 3rd is Groovy Girl soft dolls. Can’t forget Uglydolls.
Thinking putty is awesome. A little hard to picture for you as it changes shapes slowly. One set comes with eyeballs so you mold it like a funny face and it overnight has a completely different look. Also some magnetic putty that wraps itself around the magnet over time. 6th is wooden 3D puzzles from small animals with few pieces to a large train with over 200 pieces. All made of unfinished sanded wood so they can be easily painted if you so desire. EeBoo is manufacturer of very artistic and quality books and games. The girls “swooned” over them, especially the growth charts that are unique.
Lastly is a new category – jewelry. We have MOGO magnetic bracelets and charms and from Ganz necklaces and bracelets with “kid” charms that can be added with or without initials. These would be great for mom and grandma to have as well as all the kids. The MOGO, by the way, was invented and designed by a lady from the Westside, Woodenville if I recall right. MORE ON THE WAY!
Have received several dozen used books and curriculum the last couple of weeks. Seems to be catching on. Remember we will accept games, puzzles, etc also if in great shape.
And the winner is - - - Suzanne Porter of Wenatchee. She wins $25 to spend here in the store.
THANK YOU TEACHERS! Each year we are reminded of the teachers that put in the extra time and effort to make sure they are doing their very best for the children. As you meet these hard working people, give them a little encouragement and praise for the effort they give. We at the Toolbox say thank you!
We still have quite a few desk calendars in stock. They a $2 apiece, go through next July, have corner protectors to keep them flat, and coupons each month to save you money. This years sales will determine if we can have at all next year.
Obviously, there is little you can learn from doing nothing.
If you teach, do or help with homework, or are a student, this is for you! I don’t want to shoot ourselves in the foot, so to speak, but I am going to share with you a website that has me excited. www.khanacademy.org will take you to a “free” site that has over 2000 short math videos that vary from 2 to 5 minutes in length. Also on the site is software that can be downloaded to let you use the videos in order, gives problems to solve, and shorter videos explaining the answers if the student chooses. Other subjects are being added and expanded on all the time. If you download the software the person using it receives virtual badges and awards to reinforce their desire to continue learning. Had a homeschool mom tell me her daughter did a trial run for her to earn the right to play on Webkinz, and after completing 10 problems decided to play Webkinz and “play” math too! Check it out and let me know what you think. It is tough to compete with free.
That is it for now. Stay healthy, choose to be happy, and God Bless!
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On the web www.academictoolbox.com
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On the phone 667-8746 or toll free at 866-458-0239
E-mail atbox@nwi.net
Hours: 10-6 Weekdays, 10-5 Saturday, Closed Sunday