Cricut for Schools: How to Get Your Principal to Say Yes

A request for a Cricut machine is more likely to be approved when it explains exactly how the machine will be used, who will use it, and what value it will provide beyond occasional classroom decorations.

Administrators usually do not need a long list of everything a Cricut can make. They need clear answers to a few practical questions:

• What school need will this purchase address?
• Which students, teachers, or departments will benefit?
• How often will the machine be used?
• Who will manage it?
• What supplies are required?
• How will the school know the machine is being used effectively?

A strong request should make the Cricut sound like a planned school resource, not an impulse purchase or a tool for one seasonal project.

This guide includes a practical approval framework, copy-ready justification language, budget questions, objection responses, and one complete purchase request example that can be adapted for your school.

Start With the School Need, Not the Machine

Instead of beginning your request with, “I would like to purchase a Cricut,” begin with the problem the machine will help solve.

For example:

• Teachers regularly create labels, displays, learning materials, signs, and project pieces by hand.
• The library needs updated shelf labels, reading displays, event signs, and makerspace materials throughout the year.
• Students need reusable manipulatives, presentation pieces, model labels, or project materials.
• Clubs and school offices need small quantities of custom signs, decals, labels, or event materials.
• Teachers need visual schedules, task labels, choice boards, or classroom organization materials customized for their students.
• The school frequently orders or purchases items that could be created in-house.

This gives the administrator a reason to consider the purchase before you discuss machine features or project ideas.

A simple opening might say:

Our teachers currently create classroom labels, instructional materials, event signs, display pieces, and student project materials by hand or purchase them from outside sources. A shared Cricut machine would give staff a practical way to produce these materials in-house and reuse templates for future projects.

If you want more examples of how a Cricut can support classroom learning, Cricut for Schools: How Cricut Supports Learning shares ideas across subjects, grade levels, and school programs.

Explain Who Will Use It

A Cricut request is stronger when the machine can support more than one person or one event.

Identify the specific groups that could realistically use it, such as:

• Classroom teachers
• Library staff
• Art teachers
• STEM programs
• Makerspace leaders
• Special education teachers
• School office staff
• Student clubs
• Parent-teacher organizations
• School event committees

You do not need to claim that every department will use the machine. Name the groups that are already interested and connect each one to a few practical uses.

For example:

• Classroom teachers: Reusable lesson pieces, labels, manipulatives, and bulletin board materials
• Library staff: Shelf labels, reading challenge displays, bookmarks, and event signs
• STEM or makerspace staff: Prototype labels, project board pieces, decals, and packaging mockups
• Special education staff: Visual schedules, task labels, choice boards, and reusable classroom supports
• School office staff: Directional signs, folder labels, event materials, and staff door signs
• Student clubs: Decals, presentation boards, fundraiser labels, and event signage

Keep this section focused. The goal is not to list every possible Cricut project. It is to show that the school has real, repeatable uses for the machine.

Show How Often It Will Be Used

Administrators may hesitate if they think the Cricut will be used once for a bulletin board and then stored in a cabinet.

A simple annual usage plan can make the request more credible.

For example:

• Beginning of the school year: Classroom labels, cubby tags, library signs, staff door labels, and organization materials
• Fall: Open house signs, reading displays, club materials, and classroom manipulatives
• Winter: Concert signs, event decorations, student presentation materials, and seasonal displays
• Spring: Science fair boards, testing signs, graduation materials, art show labels, and end-of-year events
• Throughout the year: Visual supports, replacement labels, classroom projects, library displays, and school office materials

You can also estimate frequency:

We expect the machine to be used two to four times per month during the school year, with heavier use at the beginning of the year and before major school events.

Use a realistic estimate. A modest, believable plan is more persuasive than claiming the machine will be used every day.

Focus on Reusable Materials

One of the strongest justifications is the ability to create materials that can be used again.

Examples include:

• Classroom labels that remain in place throughout the year
• Laminated visual schedule pieces
• Reusable math or literacy manipulatives
• Library shelf labels
• Event sign templates
• Bulletin board letters and headings
• Club or department logo files
• Directional signs
• Classroom station labels
• Science fair board heading templates

Reusable master templates add even more value. Staff can update names, colors, dates, or wording without rebuilding the project from scratch.

A useful sentence for your request is:

Many projects can be saved as reusable templates, allowing staff to update wording, names, dates, or colors without recreating the design or purchasing a new set of materials each year.

Explain the Shared-Use Plan

A shared-use plan shows that the school has thought through access, accountability, storage, and day-to-day management.

Include these details:

• Primary location: State where the Cricut will be kept, such as the library, teacher workroom, makerspace, art room, or school office.
• Primary manager: Name the staff role responsible for setup, file review, supply organization, and basic maintenance.
• Approved users: Identify which staff members will be trained or permitted to use the machine.
• Student involvement: Clarify whether students will design, assemble, weed, or apply projects and whether a staff member will handle final cutting.
• Storage: Explain where mats, blades, tools, vinyl, cardstock, and finished projects will be kept.
• Scheduling: Decide whether staff will reserve time through a sign-up sheet, shared calendar, or simple project request form.

A short shared-use statement might say:

The Cricut will be stored in the school library and managed by the librarian. Teachers may submit project requests or reserve the machine after completing a short orientation. Final cut files will be reviewed by an approved staff member, and supplies will be stored in labeled bins near the machine.

This helps answer a common concern: who is responsible for the machine after it is purchased?

Include the Full Startup Cost

Do not request only the machine if the school will still need tools and materials before it can be used.

A basic startup request may include:

• Cricut machine
• Compatible cutting mats
• Replacement fine-point blades
• Weeding tool
• Scraper or brayer
• Cardstock
• Adhesive vinyl
• Transfer tape
• Pens or markers, if planned
  
• Iron-on and a compatible heat press only if fabric projects are part of the plan

List each item with its purpose and estimated cost.

A complete request helps prevent the machine from arriving without the supplies needed for the first project.

Not sure what should be included in that first order? Cricut for Schools: What Should You Buy with Your Machine? walks through the tools, mats, materials, and other supplies that are helpful when you’re getting started.

Compare the Purchase With Current Spending

A Cricut does not need to pay for itself immediately to be worthwhile. However, showing where it may reduce repeated outside spending can strengthen the request.

Look at what your school currently spends on:

• Custom vinyl lettering
• Premade bulletin board sets
• Classroom labels
• Event signs
• Printed banners or directional signs
• Personalized folders or bins
• Club decals
• Replacement visual supports
• Purchased manipulatives
• Outsourced shirt or tote decoration

You can create a simple annual estimate.

For example:

• Premade classroom and bulletin board materials: approximately $200 per year
• Custom event signs and lettering: approximately $150 per year
• Library and classroom labels: approximately $100 per year
• Club and school event decals: approximately $100 per year
  

Then explain the comparison carefully:

A Cricut would not eliminate every outside purchase, but it could allow staff to create many small-batch labels, signs, display pieces, and reusable materials internally. The school would still need consumable materials, but staff would have more control over quantity, size, wording, and timing.

Avoid promising exact savings unless you have actual purchasing records to support them.

Address the Most Likely Objections

“Will it only be used for decorations?”

Explain that decorations are only one possible use.

You can say:

Decorations are one possible use, but the primary plan includes reusable instructional pieces, classroom labels, visual supports, student presentation materials, library signage, project templates, and school event materials.

“Will only one teacher use it?”

Provide a list of interested departments and describe the shared-use process.

The machine will be available to multiple staff members and stored in a shared location. A designated staff member will manage scheduling, supplies, and file review.

“Do we have the right device?”

Confirm this before submitting the request.

Cricut Design Space requires a compatible device. The school should identify the computer or tablet that will run the software and confirm any installation or network requirements with IT. If you still need to work through the technology side, Cricut for Schools: Software, Accounts, and Setup Explained covers compatible devices, Design Space installation, accounts, Bluetooth, and IT approval in more detail.

A clear statement might be:

The school has identified a compatible staff computer that can run Cricut Design Space, and IT approval will be completed before the machine is ordered.

“Who will supervise students?”

State whether the machine will be staff-operated or used by students under supervision.

Students may participate in planning, designing, weeding, assembling, and applying finished pieces. A trained staff member will review files, load materials, change tools, and supervise cutting.

“Who will manage the account and files?”

Make account ownership and file storage clear.

The account and saved projects will be managed by the library or department rather than tied only to one temporary project. Master files will use general project names and will be saved for future staff use.

“What happens if the original staff member leaves?”

Include a continuity plan.

Account access, reusable templates, supply records, and operating instructions will be maintained by the department so the resource can continue to be used if staff assignments change.

“Who will pay for replacement supplies?”

Explain the expected source of ongoing funding.

Possible options include:

• Department supply budgets
• Classroom funds
• Library or makerspace budgets
• PTO or PTA support
• Club funds
• Event budgets
• Grant funding
• Shared school supply accounts

A practical answer might be:

Starter materials are included in the original request. Replacement consumables will be purchased through the participating department’s normal supply budget or through shared school funds based on actual usage.

If grant funding, PTO support, or another funding source might be part of the plan, Cricut for Schools: Need Funding? Grant Language You Can Use has wording you can adapt for your request.

Offer Measurable First-Year Goals

You do not need to promise improved test scores or other outcomes that are difficult to prove.

Use practical measures such as:

• Number of departments using the machine
• Number of completed school projects
• Number of reusable templates created
• Number of instructional material sets produced
• Number of library or school events supported
• Number of staff members trained
• Estimated outside purchases avoided
• Supply spending compared with the original budget

A sample goal statement could say:

During the first school year, we plan to train at least four staff members, complete a minimum of 20 school projects, create 10 reusable templates, and support at least three departments. At the end of the year, we will review usage, supply costs, and future material needs.

This shows that the purchase will be reviewed instead of forgotten.

Copy-Ready Justification

Copy-Ready Shared School Resource Justification

We are requesting a Cricut machine as a shared school resource rather than a single-classroom craft tool. The machine would support classroom teachers, the library, student clubs, school events, and other approved departments. Planned uses include reusable instructional pieces, classroom and library labels, student presentation materials, event signage, visual supports, and small-batch custom materials. The Cricut would be stored in a central location, managed by a designated staff member, and used through an established scheduling and supply process. This shared structure would allow the purchase to serve several grade levels and programs throughout the school year.

Copy-Ready Single-Classroom Justification

I am requesting a Cricut machine to create reusable instructional materials, classroom labels, student project pieces, manipulatives, and visual supports for my classroom. Many of these materials are currently cut by hand, purchased as premade sets, or recreated when classroom needs change. A Cricut would allow me to customize the size, wording, color, and layout of materials for current lessons and routines. Projects would be saved as reusable templates so they can be updated and used in future school years. Students may participate in planning and assembly, while final cutting and tool handling would remain under staff supervision.

Copy-Ready Library or Makerspace Justification

A Cricut machine would expand the library or makerspace’s ability to support reading programs, student design projects, school clubs, classroom requests, displays, prototype labels, bookmarks, signs, and presentation materials. Because the library or makerspace serves multiple classes and grade levels, the machine would function as a shared digital fabrication resource. Staff would manage the account, equipment, supplies, file approval, and scheduling. The machine would give students a practical way to move from a digital or sketched idea to a finished physical project while maintaining a structured, supervised workflow.

Copy-Ready Special Education Justification

A Cricut machine would help staff create customized visual schedules, task labels, choice boards, classroom signs, matching activities, file-folder pieces, and other reusable supports. These materials often need to match specific classroom wording, routines, colors, or layouts and may not be available as premade products. The machine would allow staff to update materials as classroom needs change and save templates for future use. Student information would be limited in saved files, and the account and cutting process would remain staff-managed.

Put It All Together: Sample Cricut Purchase Request

Subject: Request to Purchase a Shared Cricut Machine and Starter Supplies

I am requesting approval to purchase a Cricut machine, basic tools, and starter materials for use as a shared school resource.

Our staff regularly creates classroom labels, reusable instructional materials, library displays, student project pieces, visual supports, event signs, and club materials. Many of these items are currently made by hand, purchased as premade sets, or ordered in small quantities from outside vendors. A Cricut would allow staff to create and update these materials in-house with more control over the wording, size, color, and quantity.

The machine would support the following groups:

• Classroom teachers: Reusable lesson pieces, labels, manipulatives, and student project materials
• Library staff: Shelf labels, reading displays, bookmarks, and event signs
• Special education staff: Visual schedules, task labels, choice boards, and reusable supports
• Student clubs and school events: Decals, signs, display materials, and small-batch custom items

The Cricut would be stored in [location] and managed by [staff member or department]. Approved staff members would be trained to use the machine. Students may participate in planning, designing, weeding, assembling, and applying finished pieces, but an approved staff member would review the final file and supervise cutting and tool use.

The school has identified [device] as the compatible device that will run Cricut Design Space. We will confirm software installation, network access, and account setup with the IT department before ordering.

We expect to use the machine approximately [number] times per month, with additional use at the beginning of the school year and before events such as open house, book fairs, science fairs, concerts, and graduation.

The initial purchase would include:

• Cricut machine or bundle: $_____
• Cutting mats: $_____
• Basic tools: $_____
• Cardstock: $_____
• Adhesive vinyl: $_____
• Transfer tape: $_____
• Total requested: $_____

During the first school year, our goals are to:

• Train at least [number] staff members
• Complete at least [number] school projects
• Create reusable templates for common labels, signs, and instructional materials
• Support at least [number] classrooms, departments, or school programs
• Review machine usage and supply costs at the end of the year

Because the machine would serve multiple staff members and support both instructional and school-wide projects, it would provide value beyond a single classroom or event. Reusable templates would also allow staff to update materials in future years without rebuilding or repurchasing each project.

Thank you for considering this request.

[Name]
[Title or Department]

Make the Request Easy to Approve

The strongest Cricut purchase request is specific, realistic, and easy to understand.

Rather than relying on general statements about creativity, show the administrator the planned users, first projects, full startup cost, storage location, supervision process, compatible device, and expected frequency of use.

A Cricut is easier to approve when it is presented as a shared, managed tool with a clear purpose. The request should show that the school is not simply buying a machine. It is creating a repeatable way to produce instructional materials, student project pieces, labels, signs, visual supports, and other resources that staff can use throughout the school year.

Once the purchase is approved, Craft-e-Corner can help schools select Cricut machines, tools, mats, materials, and starter supplies based on the projects they plan to make. We also work with school purchase orders and Net 30 purchasing and can assist with the additional forms and documentation that school purchasing departments may require.