Photo: Notebooks, pencils and other classroom essentials signal the approach of another school year as Laurie from Uptown Office Supply prepares grade-specific bags filled with fun, age-appropriate supplies for the store’s annual school fundraiser.

Most people are not eager to think about back to school in August, but at Uptown Office Supply in Stettler, preparations have been underway for weeks.

The store has been working on its 2026-27 Back to School Parent Council Fundraiser for Byemoor School, Stettler Elementary School, Botha School, Donalda School, Erskine School and Christ-King Catholic School.

Inside the store, coloured bags help staff keep everything organized, with a different colour assigned to each grade.

The bags are filled with more than the standard pencils, notebooks and erasers found on most school-supply lists. Staff take time to select fun, age-appropriate items for students and bring in supplies that are not commonly available at other stores specifically for the fundraiser.

That extra attention means younger students might find something colourful and playful among their classroom essentials, while older students receive supplies suited to their grade and changing needs.

The project also supports participating school communities. Last year, Uptown Office Supply donated $2,500 to Stettler Elementary School through the fundraiser.

For staff, back-to-school work begins long before students return to their classrooms. Supplies must be ordered, sorted and carefully matched with the requirements for each school and grade.

Although August may still feel like the middle of summer, the rows of colourful bags at Uptown Office Supply are a cheerful reminder that a new school year is not far away.