Family
Target Announces Back-to-School and College Savings, Including 20 Must-Have Supplies for Under $20 Total, and Exclusive Savings for Target Circle Members
- Target makes back-to-school shopping more affordable with introduction of 20 must-have supplies that – in total – are under $20, and its lowest−priced backpack in over 10 years, for just $5
- The retailer introduces monthly subscription pricing for Target Circle 360, starting at $4.99 per month for verified college students and $10.99 per month for all consumers, with unlimited same-day delivery. For a limited time, teachers can join the annual subscription for just $49 for the first year
- Target extends its popular one-time 20% off college student appreciation discount, adding an extra month to save, and brings back the one-time 20% off teacher discount
MINNEAPOLIS /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) is delivering more value than ever for back-to-school and back-to-college shoppers. The retailer is kicking off the shopping season with more ways to save for teachers, parents and students preparing for the school year. From 20 must-have school supplies that add up to less than $20 and the lowest priced backpack in over 10 years, for just $5, to new ways for members of the retailer’s free-to-join Target Circle program to save big, Target has consumers’ backs when it comes to shopping for back-to-school.
Unbeatable value on must-have items
This season, Target is introducing new savings on top items for back-to-school and back-to-college, offering consumers both the style and value they’re looking for. Consumers can shop Target-exclusive brands like Cat & Jack, Art Class, Mondo Llama, Room Essentials and Brightroom, alongside national brand favorites like Crayola, Jansport and more. New, must-have savings include:
- 20-for-$20 supplies list: For the first time, Target is introducing a list of 20 must-have school supplies that add up to less than $20 in total. The list offers 20 popular supplies – like Mondo Llama 12-pack colored pencils, up&up liquid glue, notebooks and more.
- Summit Ridge Kids’ $5 backpack: Target offers high-quality backpacks for just $5, ensuring all students can express themselves with a bag they love. Available in a range of colors and patterns, from solid blues and blacks to multi-colored floral designs, these backpacks provide an affordable option for students to showcase their personal style.
- Thousands of back-to-college essentials under $20: From bedding and bath, to storage, kitchen and more, Target has everything college students need to prep their dorm or apartment for stylish, affordable living, like twin XL sheet sets and towel 4-packs for less than $10.
As part of the retailer’s previously announced price reductions, consumers also will experience lower prices on thousands of food and beverage items as they shop for school lunches, afterschool snacks and weeknight meals, including bread, peanut butter, produce, lunchbox snacks, crackers, fruit snacks, cookies, kids’ beverages and more.
“Getting ready for a new school year is a busy time for teachers, students and parents, so Target’s focused on making it affordable and easy for everyone,” said Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Target. “With our new monthly subscription options for Target Circle 360, unbeatable deals like 20 must-have school supplies for under $20 total, a $5 backpack, and an app feature that makes shopping for school supplies easier than ever, Target’s taking the stress out of the season so families can focus on the excitement of a new school year.”
Unlock more back-to-school savings than ever with Target Circle
Earlier this year, Target reintroduced its new Target Circle program, including the free-to-join Target Circle and the paid Target Circle 360 subscription. This back-to-school and back-to-college season, Target Circle is the key to unlocking even more savings, including:
- Target Circle 360, a subscription offering unlimited same-day delivery on orders over $35, access to Shipt’s marketplace and more, starting at $4.99 per month for verified students and $10.99 per month for all consumers, beginning July 14.
- A limited-time exclusive offer for teachers: sign up for the annual subscription of Target Circle 360 between July 14 and Aug. 24 and get same-day delivery for just $49 for the first year.
- Beginning July 14, a one-time 20% teacher and college student appreciation discount for verified students and teachers who are Target Circle members. Teachers can enjoy the discount through Aug. 24. For college students, this discount is extended through Sept. 28, offering an extra month of savings compared to last year.
- Target Circle Week deals, available now through July 13 — featuring top savings like 30% off select school supplies, 20% off nutrition bars and fruit snacks, buy one, get one free on chilled juices and coffee and more.
Shop with ease
At Target, shopping for back-to-school and back-to-college supplies has never been easier. For teachers, Target Circle 360 same-day delivery is an easy and convenient solution for last-minute items, including must-have classroom supplies. And for parents with kids heading off to college, Target Circle 360 unlocks the opportunity to have something delivered straight to the student’s dorm room – whether it’s a forgotten dorm room must-have or a care package of all their favorite snacks from home. New this year is the enhanced School List Assist feature, now available within the Target app. School List Assist is Target’s popular guest-favorite tool that helps families find their child’s class supply list, add to cart and choose their delivery method in three easy steps.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves consumers at nearly 2,000 stores and at Target.com, with the purpose of helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. Since 1946, Target has given 5% of its profit to communities, which today equals millions of dollars a week. Additional company information can be found by visiting the corporate website and press center.
- Restrictions apply. Subject to application approval and identity verification. See the back-to-school and back-to-college hubs for program rules and details.
- Pricing, promotions and availability may vary by location and at Target.com. This program excludes Alaska and Hawaii. Products mentioned may not be available at Target.com or in all stores.
SOURCE Target Corporation
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Community
Zum Begins 2026–27 School Year With Expanded Student Transportation Network
Zum is launching the 2026–27 school year with expanded school bus operations in Fresno, Los Angeles and other communities, bringing real-time tracking and modern transportation technology to students and families.
New partnerships in Fresno and Kansas join ongoing operations in Omaha, St. Louis, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles
As millions of students return to classrooms, transportation company Zūm is beginning the 2026–27 school year with new district partnerships, expanded technology deployments and thousands of drivers preparing for what the company calls “the most important commute in America.”
The Redwood City, California-based student mobility company announced that its teams have completed months of driver training, route validation and operational planning ahead of the new academic year.
“There is nothing quite like the first day of school at Zum,” founder and CEO Ritu Narayan said in the company’s announcement. “You see drivers arriving before sunrise, teams making final preparations and buses rolling out of yards across the country—all united around one purpose: getting students safely and reliably to school.”
New buses roll out in Fresno
One of Zūm’s largest new launches is in California’s Fresno Unified School District. According to the company, 168 buses were placed into service just two weeks after its local team moved into a new transportation yard.
The district is also introducing the Zūm Parent App, which allows families to track buses in real time, receive arrival alerts, view scheduled rides and receive notifications when a child boards or exits a bus. Registered students will receive bus cards connected to the transportation system, according to Fresno Unified.
The rollout is part of a broader change in how Fresno Unified manages student transportation. Routes and stops will continue to be evaluated using registration information, actual ridership and family feedback, the district says. Beginning September 28, registered students will generally be required to show a bus pass before boarding. Fresno Unified’s transportation page provides registration instructions and assistance for families.
Technology comes to LAUSD’s in-house fleet
In Los Angeles, Zūm says its CMX technology has been deployed across the Los Angeles Unified School District’s internally operated bus fleet.
The platform is designed to connect routing, dispatch, drivers, schools, transportation officials and families through one operating system. Its tools include real-time vehicle visibility, route planning, operational coordination and family communications.
Rather than replacing the district’s in-house drivers, the Los Angeles deployment focuses on providing the technology used to coordinate district-operated buses.
New partnership in Kansas
Zūm also began a new partnership with the Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas. District leaders, drivers, monitors and school employees marked the start of the program with a launch celebration.
The company said Shawnee Mission’s transition is intended to give the district a more modern and technology-supported approach to student transportation.
Meanwhile, Zūm is returning for a third school year in Omaha and Santa Barbara. Its St. Louis operation is entering its second year.
Drivers remain at the center
Although technology plays a growing role in school transportation, Zūm emphasized that drivers remain essential to the daily experience of students and their families.
“Back to school is when months of preparation come to life,” said Liz Sanchez, Zūm’s executive vice president of student mobility. “Our teams spend months hiring and training drivers, validating routes and working alongside our district partners to prepare.”
Drivers often serve as the first school-related adults students see in the morning and the last they see before returning home. Their work can also determine whether students arrive safely and on time—especially in communities where families have limited transportation choices.
A changing school-bus experience
School transportation has traditionally depended on separate systems for scheduling, dispatching, vehicle tracking and communicating with parents. Zūm CMX is designed to bring those functions together and give school districts a clearer view of their daily operations.
For families, the most visible change may be access to real-time bus locations and arrival notifications. These tools can reduce some of the uncertainty associated with late buses, route changes and missed pickups.
Zūm reports that its technology and transportation services now support more than 6,500 schools across 19 states. As the company expands, the 2026–27 school year will test how effectively its technology, drivers and district partnerships can translate into dependable daily service.
For students, however, the goal remains straightforward: a safe ride to school, a reliable trip home and one less obstacle between them and their education.
This article is based primarily on information provided in an August 21, 2026, Zūm press release. Statements about the company’s national reach, fleet deployments and technology are attributed to Zūm unless independently noted.
Source: Zūm official website
Related links:
- Fresno Unified: Zūm Parent App
- Fresno Unified: New Transportation Model
- Fresno Unified: Bus Routes
- Fresno Unified: Back-to-School Resources
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Community
ABCs for School Zone Safety: Tips for Drivers, Pedestrians and Bicyclists
School Zone Safety: A new school year means there’s more traffic around school campuses. Between dropoffs and pickups, children riding bicycles, walking to school and all the shuttling between sports practices and other extracurricular activities, this season is a reminder to make every trip to and from school a safe one.
ABCs for School Zone Safety: Tips for Drivers, Pedestrians and Bicyclists
(Feature Impact) A new school year means there’s more traffic around school campuses. Between dropoffs and pickups, children riding bicycles, walking to school and all the shuttling between sports practices and other extracurricular activities, this season is a reminder to make every trip to and from school a safe one.
To make sure no parent worries about their child getting to school safely, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans are encouraging drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to remember their “ABCs” on every trip: stay Alert for Bicyclists and watch for and yield to Children crossing the street.
With students in school and traffic patterns changing, consider these tips so students arrive to and from class safely:
Drivers
Because children outside of vehicles do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers, drivers have an outsized role to protect people walking, biking and rolling.
- Take your time and be patient.
- Always follow the speed limit.
- Use extra caution at crosswalks and intersections, especially if you notice children nearby.
- Don’t drive distracted – even a quick glance at your phone can have tragic consequences.
- Never drive while impaired.
- Adjust your driving to the conditions and use extra caution in rain, fog and darkness.
- If you see a bicyclist ahead, wait until it’s safe to pass and give them at least 3 feet of space when you do.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians have an important role in their own safety, particularly in school zones and crosswalks where children and other people may be present.
- Use sidewalks when available. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic so you can see drivers and they can see you.
- Avoid crossing outside of crosswalks. If there is a signalized crosswalk or marked crosswalk, use it.
- Before crossing the street, look both ways. If there are any stopped or turning cars, try to make eye contact with the drivers before crossing so you know they see you.
- If you’re walking after dark or when visibility is poor, make yourself visible by wearing something bright or reflective and shining a light.
- Stay alert – don’t wear headphones or use your phone while crossing the street or walking across a busy road.
Bicyclists
Bicyclists can help protect themselves by staying alert and visible, especially in areas where traffic, pedestrians and young students may be present.
- When possible, plan your route along bike paths or roads with dedicated bike lanes away from vehicle traffic.
- Equip your bicycle with lights and reflectors to be more visible to drivers and pedestrians.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing.
- Learn cyclist hand signals to communicate when you’re turning, slowing or stopping.
- Stay aware of drivers and always yield to pedestrians.
To learn more and join the movement, visit GoSafelyCA.org.
E-Bike Safety Tips
With more young people using e-bikes than ever before, it’s important that riders and their parents or guardians understand the risks involved and make smart, safe choices.
Since e-bikes can travel at faster speeds than traditional bicycles, they pose greater risk for serious injury or death in the event of a crash. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can both travel at up to 20 mph unassisted, while Class 3 e-bikes can go as fast as 28 mph unassisted.
E-bike rules vary based on the top unassisted speed, but parents and guardians should follow these tips for e-bikes:
- Many local ordinances and state laws restrict e-bike use for minors or require special licensing.
- Helmets are required for riders under age 18 for Class 1-2 e-bikes and all riders on Class 3 e-bikes, regardless of age.
- You must be 16 years or older to ride a Class 3 e-bike.
- Never ride e-bikes that don’t have pedals as they could be considered e-motos and not legally permitted on roads.
- Ride in bike lanes or on legal paths, avoiding roads with traffic when possible.
- Be as predictable as possible and use caution when making turns, crossing streets or riding in conditions with poor visibility.
E-bike rules may vary by state and regionally. Contact local law enforcement regarding local laws.
SOURCE:
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Family
6 Hacks to Prep Your Mudroom for Back-to-School Season
When school is back in session, it means a lot of coming and going to and from your home – often in a rush. Start with these mudroom organization and habit hacks to make your family’s daily routines a little easier.
(Feature Impact) When school is back in session, it means a lot of coming and going to and from your home – often in a rush. Smooth out those morning scrambles and save yourself some afternoon cleanups by turning your mudroom into a space that feels more organized and less chaotic.
Start with these mudroom organization and habit hacks to make your family’s daily routines a little easier.
Do a Beginning-of-Year Declutter
If the coat hooks are still sporting rain jackets the kids outgrew several seasons ago, that’s your sign to plan a purge. Out with the old, in with the new: collect last year’s coats, too-small shoes, the backpack with the broken zipper, worn-out accessories and that pile of junk mail then figure out what to keep, toss and donate.
Create a “Get-Out-The-Door” Spot for Essentials
“Have you seen my…” is a sentence you can only stand to hear (and say) so many times in one morning. Set up shelves or baskets for important items like keys, permission slips, library books, water bottles, lunchboxes, sports gear and anything else that needs to leave the house with the family. Repetition will build the habit, and even if things still get lost from time to time, this system gives everyone a first place to look.
Choose a Shoe System
Whether you’re a shoe rack kind of family or you’ve got DIY dreams of building an aesthetic wooden bench with shoe storage underneath, lock it in. Shoes are easy for kids to kick off when they get home, and if they aren’t sure where to put them, they’ll remain wherever they land or pile up by the door. Also consider putting down washable mats so grime doesn’t accumulate on your rack or floor.
Give Each Child a Designated Drop Zone
It’s easier for kids to stay organized when they have their own dedicated spaces to hang up jackets, set down backpacks, put shoes and store everyday essentials. Provide each child with their own coat hooks, cubbies, bins or lockers. Build them at kid-friendly heights and make it fun by letting everyone decorate their own zone.
Have Options Ready for Bad Weather
With a little advanced planning, you can prevent your mudroom from living up to its name. Set up a rainy-day corner with an umbrella stand, boot tray, towel basket and hooks or racks to hang damp outerwear. Keep a laundry hamper in the mudroom, too, so wet clothes and dirty uniforms don’t migrate through the house.
Label Storage Areas Clearly
Nearly everyone’s been there: you start a new organization system feeling efficient and optimistic, then over time, memories lapse and it descends back into anarchy. Labels may not stop this from happening every time, but at least they might make kids stop and consider whether their books should go in the basket labeled “Books” or on top of the shoe rack. That’s one step closer to restoring order.
For more back-to-school tips and tricks, visit eLivingToday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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