The Back to School Issue
As summer winds down, it’s time to talk Back to School—but it’s not all about the kids. From fun and functional back-to-the-office supplies to movies that embrace learning in all its forms, we’ve got you covered. Discover local nonprofits helping kids to thrive at home and at school, and explore resources for adults eager to learn something new.
It’s that time of year again! Whether you’re sending your kids back to school or just taking note of all the back-to-school sales, here are three standout movies that remind us learning is a lifelong journey that can unfold in unexpected ways.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
With the recent release of Andrew McCarthy’s film Brats, Emilio, Molly, Ally, Judd and Anthony Michael are back in the Zeitgeist. So it’s the perfect time to revisit John Hughes’ quintessential coming-of-age film. Over the course of one Saturday in detention, it’s a poignant exploration of adolescent self-discovery and the universal desire to be accepted.
Whiplash (2014)
Winner of both the Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, this intense drama follows the journey of a young drummer as he strives for greatness under the relentless and abusive tutelage of a demanding instructor at an elite conservatory.
The First Grader (2010)
Based on a true story, this uplifting film follows Kimani Maruge, an 84-year-old Kenyan who overcomes numerous challenges to enroll in primary school to learn to read and write. It’s an inspiring film about the transformative power of education and the unyielding human spirit.
New notebooks. New backpacks! Why should kids have all the back-to-school excitement? Here are some cool supplies to make your return to the office a bit more fun, even if you didn’t have the whole summer off.
1. Happy Camper Pencil Holder
Start with the Happy Camper Pencil Holder from Amazon or direct from Genuine Fred. This vintage-vibe camper parks on your desk to hold pens and pencils. It’s retro, white and blue—and come winter, it will be a cheerful, nostalgic reminder of summer adventures. bit.ly/happycamperpencilholder
2. Scented pens
Feeling a case of the Mondays? Scented pens from Paper Mate are here to save the day! Tapping into the powerful link between memory and smell, their Sunday Brunch-Themed Scented Flair Pens come in a pack of 16 tempting scents including Strawberry Scone, Cappuccino, French Toast and Blueberry Pancake—perfect for evoking your favorite weekend memories. bit.ly/sundaybrunchscentedpens
3. Bento-style lunch box
Elevate your lunch game with a bento-style lunch box from monbento. Developed by the iconic French car company Peugeot, these multicompartment lunch boxes start at under $50. Functional and stylish, they are airtight, leakproof and safe for freezer, microwave and dishwasher. bit.ly/bentostylelunchbox
With students returning to school, it’s important to ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed. Dream Town is especially proud to partner with Cradles to Crayons Chicago (bit.ly/cradlestocrayonschicago), a remarkable organization that provides clothing, shoes, and school supplies to children. Through partnerships with a wide variety of social service agencies, Cradles to Crayons ensures that children across Chicagoland have the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play.
With a focus on literacy, Bernie’s Book Bank (berniesbookbank.org) collects, process and distributes new and gently used children’s books, empowering more than 300,000 Chicagoland children to explore new ideas, gain knowledge, and improve reading skills through book ownership.
Both groups rely on donors and volunteers. At Cradles to Crayons, you can make a financial contribution or donate new and like-new items at 42 locations in the city and suburbs. Volunteering at their Giving Factory on Chicago’s northside is another way to make an impact as you sort and package items for distribution.
Bernie’s Book Bank has more than 100 locations where you can donate new and gently used books. At their Lake Bluff facility, children and adults can volunteer their time to sort, sticker and pack books for distribution. Individuals, families, social clubs and business groups are welcome to register for volunteer sessions that last from 90 minutes to two hours.
Your support of either or both organizations can have a significant impact in the lives of local children, giving them the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
