New survey finds teachers and parents are more confident going into 2022 school year

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office DepotWhile last year’s back-to-school preparations were full of uncertainties, 2022 seems to be less stressful for many students, parents and teachers. A recent survey of 1,000 K-12 teachers and 1,000 parents of school-age children conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Office Depot found that over half of parents (55%) and 44% of teachers are feeling less anxious about the upcoming school year compared to last year. The survey also noted 57% of parents said their kids seem less anxious, too.What helps students, parents and teachers feel more confident about school? Active conversations between parents and kids about what is needed to be successful in the classroom. Parents in the survey say they want to stay involved, with nearly half (49%) saying they plan to talk more with their kids about what they want to feel more prepared in the classroom this year.Based on the survey’s findings, here’s what parents said their kids needed to have most to be ready for this new school year:2022-2023 Student Must-Have Supplies According to Parents1. Basic supplies (41% of parents)Students always need pens and pencils, highlighters, rulers, folders, binders and notebooks. Consult your school’s current list to make sure you have an idea of everything required for each subject. But don’t make the mistake of thinking all pens and notebooks are alike. Kids like to express their individual personalities through these items so ask them which supplies align best with their personal style.2. Laptop/tablet (38% of parents)If you’re looking to upgrade your kids’ electronics, you can find tech to tackle any subject at Office Depot. From top-brand desktops, laptops and tablets, to monitors with built-in technology to help minimize eye fatigue, students and teachers can find what they need to power through the school year with ease and efficiency. You can also find printers with wireless connectivity, data storage devices, Texas Instruments® calculators and more.3. Backpack/lunchbox (32% of parents)For those students returning to class in-person, make a confident entrance with a stylish backpack and lunchbox that reflects their personality. At Office Depot, shoppers can save on school backpacks and find plenty of fun lunch bags and boxes at a wide variety of price points to suit any budget.4. Retro supplies (31% of parents)A massive trend this school year is nostalgia. Students of all ages, and parents too, are crazy about items from the ‘90s like gel pens and scented markers. Even Trapper Keepers are making a return with a variety of retro patterns to help keep loose-leaf papers trapped on-the-go.5. Headphones (27% of parents)To help kids stay focused and even look forward to studying at home, consider choosing a unique set of headphones that your student would love, including on-ear headphones with padded ear cups for comfortable listening sessions and ones that come in fun designs.Top Resources and Savings for TeachersWhen asked what they’re looking forward to most this school year, nearly half the teachers surveyed (47%) said they couldn’t wait to customize their rooms with new supplies, furniture and learning tools.To help teachers create a conducive learning environment, Office Depot carries a wide assortment of curated tools for teachers, including classroom and teaching supplies, instructional resources, storage solutions, whiteboards and bulletin boards, teacher planners, classroom decor and more. Office Depot also offers flexible delivery and pick-up options that work for busy schedules as the new year approaches.More than half of teachers (59%) also shared that they expect to spend more this year than last year on school supplies.When shopping for classroom needs, teachers can look for loyalty or discount programs to help them save and make their budgets work harder. For instance, with a free Office Depot® OfficeMax® Rewards program membership, teachers can earn 20% back in bonus rewards on qualifying in-store purchases until September 24. And now through September 10, teachers can also score 40% off print services for new classroom posters, student activities and more. To redeem each in-store offer, teachers should present their valid teacher ID, Rewards Member ID and coupon at checkout.For additional products and solutions to help students, parents and teachers succeed this school year, visit officedepot.com/school or an Office Depot or OfficeMax store near you.