The cost of educational materials for use in the classroom can add up to a hefty out-of-pocket expense for teachers.
Monica Grays, a Euclid resident who has taught in the Cleveland School District for more than 20 years, was keenly aware of that fact when she decided to open 2nd Semester Consignment and Resource Shop in Wickliffe.
The store, located at 29302 Euclid Ave. near Wickliffe Middle School, offers a convenient and economical option for educators and parents to buy and sell resources to create long lasting experiences for children.
From glue sticks to microscopes and a myriad of materials in between the shop is full of resources that can be used in the traditional classroom, for homeschool purposes or by children who just enjoy playing school.
When Grays transitioned from a classroom environment to Campus International School where she works in a special gifted students program, she was faced with the dilemma of having to condense 20 years of educational materials.
“It was extremely challenging to find a good home for my vast investment of educational supplies and materials,” she said.
Although some Internet sites are available for such purposes Grays noted that a physical store set up on a consignment basis didn’t exist in the area. Thus, the idea for 2nd Semester Consignment and Resource Shop was born.
Since opening the doors in November, numerous consignors have brought materials to the business. Puzzles, activities, bulletin board supplies, games and more are stacked on shelves arranged by educational subject. Books ranging in price from 25 cents to a few dollars are sorted by specific grade levels.
Recently, a Doodling Robot kit in the arts and craft section was selling for $8.99 and a Food Pyramid game was priced at $2.
A popular chart regularly sold for $99 in stores offering new items at full price was nabbed by a thrifty shopper at Grays’ store for $27.
“It’s really worth coming in,” she said.
Grays noted that customers have told her they would rather shop in the store and pay a few dollars than buy supplies brand new.
“This is a great, cost-effective way to help educate children,” she said.
In addition to consignment sales tutoring in all subjects for grades one through eight is available on-site.
Free game nights complete with popcorn take place from 6 to 8 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month.
Grays said that in addition to those who come to buy and sell at her shop she is grateful for the community support offered by neighboring businesses, city officials and the Wickliffe Forever Foundation.
Store hours are 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/2ndsemestershop.com or call 440-373-4116.
