Clear the List Challenge 2026

Right now, teachers across our communities are preparing.....

They are rearranging furniture.

Labeling bins.

Planning lessons.

Creating calm corners.

Organizing books.

And imagining the children who will soon walk through their classroom doors.

Many are also opening their own wallets.

Again.

What Teachers Are Quietly Carrying

A teacher’s classroom wish list may include pencils and paper.

But it often tells a much larger story.

Snacks for children who arrive hungry.

Headphones for students who need help concentrating.

Sensory tools for children learning to regulate.

Hygiene products for unexpected moments.

Books in which more students can see themselves.

Extra clothing.

Cleaning products.

Calming materials.

Flexible seating.

Small prizes and incentives.

Supplies that make a classroom feel less institutional and more like a place where children belong.

These are not simply decorations.

They are tools educators use to meet needs that may never appear in a lesson plan.

The Challenge

Last year, our communities were invited to help clear local educators’ classroom lists.

This year, we are doing it again—and we want to reach even more schools, grade levels, educators, and support staff.

Macaroni KID Clinton–Sedalia–Warrensburg–Whiteman AFB is inviting local educators to submit their classroom wish lists.

Teachers.

Paraprofessionals.

Special-education professionals.

Counselors.

School nurses.

Librarians.

Therapists working inside schools.

And other local educators directly supporting students.

Families and Community Members: Choose a List

You do not need to clear an entire list by yourself.

Choose one item.

Purchase a pack of markers.

Send a book.

Provide a box of snacks.

Share a teacher’s list with your workplace, church, organization, or neighborhood group.

Ask a local business to sponsor a classroom.

Every item removed from a list is one less item an educator must purchase personally.

Businesses Can Join Too

Local businesses, organizations, clubs, and community groups are invited to adopt an educator or classroom.

Clear several items.

Purchase a larger classroom need.

Challenge employees or members to participate.

Share your support publicly and encourage others to follow.

This is a simple, direct way to invest in local children and the adults serving them every day.

More Than Supplies

When a teacher opens a package from a stranger, they receive more than the item inside.

They receive a reminder.

Someone sees the work they are doing.

Someone understands that classrooms require more than a district budget can always provide.

Someone believes their students are worth investing in.

That is the heart of the Clear the List Challenge.

It is not only about pencils.

It is about support.

Belonging.

Encouragement.

And reminding our educators that they are not preparing for another school year alone.

Let’s clear the lists.

Here are our first submissions...