Have you ever wondered what essential items teachers rely on for the school day? We asked some of our teachers, and while some carry the basic supplies you’d expect, others keep with them very unique items you never knew they needed.
We first visited some teachers in the English department:
Mrs. Bastedo, a bird lover, brings to school a bag of birdseed for her bird feeders outside her windows. Unique!
Mrs. Farrell carries around basic but important necessities in a backpack: “I am not a purse person.” Chapstick and school supplies help her thrive throughout the day.
“I am the most disorganized human being on earth,” claimed Mr. Ferrara, but he has many essentials he needs during the school day, one being a very specific pen called the Uniball Vision Elite Blue Ink Pen. He pairs it with many notepads for his ideas.
Mrs. Perrilo, adviser of The Pulse, OPHS literary and arts magazine, carries her writer’s notebook to write down her daily thoughts and ideas.
Ms. Rodemeyer, adviser of The Voice, is like many students: “Stuff that I carry around but don’t need,” she stated when asked about what’s in her bag.
We also visited a number of other teachers throughout the building:
Mrs. Caulder can relate to many students as well, as she always has her airpods and also brings in a makeup bag from time to time.
Mr. Norvilitis, a swim coach here at OP, carries around a key to the pool, as well as a CPR mask and a stopwatch for the team.
Mr. Reesor stated that he dislikes carrying bags and prefers to be as minimalistic as possible when coming to school. He leaves everything in his classroom but brings his keys, water bottle, and occasionally treats for his classes.
Teachers juggle so much each day, and these essentials help them navigate their responsibilities with ease. What other items do you think teachers can’t live without? And… What’s in your bag?
