As summer is almost here, the new school year is just around the corner.

For faith-based schools, ensuring that everything is in place for a smooth transition back to the classroom is essential. From stocking up on supplies to preparing facilities, a group purchasing organization (GPO) like Entegra is here to help you get ready for a successful school year. With the integration of CORD, Entegra offers support to your faith-based organization.

Entegra leverages its extensive network of 2,500+ suppliers to provide competitive pricing and a diverse array of options to fulfill all your school's needs. Whether it's classroom furniture, teaching materials, cafeteria equipment or renovation supplies, we've got you covered.

Here's our comprehensive back-to-school checklist for faith-based schools:

• Classroom supplies:
  • Stock up on essential classroom supplies such as notebooks, pens, pencils, markers and other stationery items at a discount from Entegra partners like ODP Business Solutions.
  • Ensure you have an ample supply of textbooks, workbooks and other educational materials for each grade level.
  • Consider investing in educational posters, charts and hands-on products to enhance the learning environment.
• Furniture and equipment:
  • Evaluate the condition of classroom furniture and equipment. Replace any damaged or worn-out items to provide a comfortable and functional learning environment.
  • Check AV equipment such as projectors, screens and speakers to ensure they are in working order for multimedia presentations and educational videos. Need to replace anything? Use a reliable supplier like B&H Photo.
  • Don't forget about teacher desks, chairs and storage cabinets to support faculty members in their daily tasks.
• Cafeteria and food service:
  • Inspect cafeteria seating and tables for any repairs or replacements needed. Comfortable and durable seating is essential for promoting a positive dining experience.
  • Stock up on kitchen supplies, including utensils, cookware and serving trays, from a supplier like Edward Don & Company to facilitate meal preparation and service.
  • Review your menu options and consider incorporating healthy and nutritious meal choices for students.
• Cleaning and maintenance:
  • Develop a cleaning schedule to ensure that classrooms, hallways, restrooms and common areas are kept clean and sanitized regularly.
  • Arrange for any necessary maintenance tasks such as painting, floor waxing or HVAC system inspections to be completed before the start of the school year.
  • Consider partnering with professional cleaning services such as Belfor and ServPro for deep cleaning and disaster recovery services as needed.
• Safety and security:
  • Review and update your school's safety and security protocols, including emergency evacuation procedures and crisis response plans.
  • Ensure that all fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and security cameras are in working order, and consider Konica Minolta for advanced security solutions.
  • Schedule training sessions for faculty and staff on emergency preparedness and response procedures.
• Procurement partnerships:
  • Take advantage of Entegra's procurement partnerships with our trusted suppliers to save time and money on purchasing school supplies, furniture, equipment and food service items.
  • Explore Entegra's comprehensive solutions for faith-based schools, including discounted pricing and dedicated account managers to assist with procurement needs.

Entegra understands the distinctive requirements of the faith-based segment and delivers customized contracting, culinary expertise and digital tools that bring in-depth insights into your spend, enhancing efficiency and allowing you to focus on serving your ministry and community.

By partnering with a GPO like Entegra, your faith-based school can be well-prepared for the upcoming school year. By following this back-to-school checklist, you can ensure that your classrooms are stocked, facilities are maintained and safety measures are in place to provide a conducive learning environment for students and faculty alike.

Learn more about Entegra’s faith-based segment.

May 29, 2024