School Supplies ??!!

[Elijah'sMommy]

OK, I know we are all required to do ur part to help supply the classroom, but seriously, we got our supply lists today, Thursday and they are to bring in the supplies the first day of school, Monday. Even going thru the sales ads and going to about 6 different places to get the best prices, it's going to be about $45 per child and I've got 2 going into the first grade=$90 dollars! Good thing we haven't gone clothes shopping yet, as it looks like that won't be an option!

[rlynn411]

I often wonder if the teachers realize when making thier list of supplies if they take into consideration that most people have more than 1 child to buy supplies for. And don't forget to factor in school fees.

I don't have a problem buying what my child needs for him or her self, but it really irritates me when I'm providing Lysol wipes, boxes of zip lock bags, and over head projector markers, anti bacterial soap etc. Seems like parents here provide alot for the teachers use.

What I try to do to help break up supply cost is start picking up general items here or there once school is out... such as pencils, glue sticks, markers, crayons paper etc.....I normally can have the supplies bought before we get the supply list.

[buttrfli]

In our old district my girls' school was adopted by walmart and they provided all the student and teacher supplies....

This year (we moved) I spent about $100 total on the girls. The teachers have "wish lists" but I can barely afford the supplies and a new outfit for the girls, let alone supply the teachers.

[Elijah'sMommy]

I know teacher's don't make enough money to pay for these things out of pocket (and I know they ALREADY buy a lot of stuff out of pocket...my mom was a teacher)...but holy cow! Last years, the boys started school in a different school district that required they bring NO supplies (maybe this was because they were in Kindergarten?) so we moved to this school district in the middle of the year. I wasn't expecting a school supply list like this, othewise I would have done what you do, rlynn411....I'll strat doing that for next year. I'm just curious, if all the parent are suppling reams of paper & card stock, dry erase markers, disposable cameras...what are the school budgets paying for?

[treasurymae]

ya i have just one in school this year next yr it will be 2 and the year after that i'll have 3 all in elementary. Just for my daughter school supplies ran me 50.00 for 3rd grade stuff. I can handle spending the money on stuff she needs but when it comes to buying clorox wipes for cleaning. I think they are stepping over the line. Cleaning supplies should be supplied by the school.

[justme23]

I think parents need to REFUSE to buy teacher supplies and instead go to the politicians and make them give the school more money. Otherwise, why do we pay taxes and in some states, why do they have a lottery. I know here that even tho we have a lottery, the schools see basically NONE of it. I also think it's a terrible shame that football programs get most of the extracuricular money when a lot of schools don't even have a music/singing department anymore.

[Blackberry]

What use to tick me off about buying supplies for my kids was when all of the supplies I bought with my own money went into a pool for the whole class to use. All of the supplies I bought one year for my son in kindergarden filled a brown grocery bag. On the first day of school I was the ONLY Mom with a bag of school supplies. So the ones who didn't bring any--it didn't matter, they all use the ones that I supplied. :mad: And it wasn't like I had oodles of money to spend, but I sacrificed to get those supplies.

[NiteQueen]

You think that is bad try having to enroll 4 kids one in high school 2 in jr high and one in elementry and then there is steven that is in texas an we have to send him work to him till he comes back and then we have to have a teacher come to the house cuz he cant go around crowds yet..........and then there is year books activity tickets and gym cloths and shoes and then regular school cloths on top of that........i feel like im gonna fall over cuz i dont know how we are gonna make it after all of this. Oh and on top of that books and lunches also..........so i wish i only had 1 or 2 kids in school sure be better then 5 all together........totaling around 600.00 and thats not even getting everything they need yet.........sorry just had to let u all know what i have done so far..........:)

[Angelseyes28]

School supplies for a 4th grader and kindergartener plus 2 new backpacks and I spent a whopping $150..ugh. Plus I still have to spend another $30 today for workbook fees. :eek:

[HumblePie98]

If anyone needs help with supplies I would be more than glad to RAOK you some things. Just email me- [email protected]

[gonnascream]

ok, I just did the math on what I spent

backpacks x 2 = 30.00
150 pencils = 1.50
8 75 count notebooks @ .13 cents = 1.04
pencil box x 2 = 2.00
crayons x 2 2.00
glue x 2 = .66
folders x 8 = 8.00
markers x 2 = 2.00

total = 47.20

thats for 2 kids. now if it cost 150.00 for school supplies, why don't you hit up a dollar tree, dollar store, freds, family dollar or dollar deals ?? the most expensive thing was the backpacks, I splurged on those.

[DivineMsDi]

[QUOTE=Blackberry]What use to tick me off about buying supplies for my kids was when all of the supplies I bought with my own money went into a pool for the whole class to use.

This is how our school does it, too. There were some items I could not understand. For example, when I went to some activities at my son's class, they had a HUGE jar of sissors. We never got our sissors back. Why ask EVERY year for sissors when you already have a big jar of them? Just wondering.

Our school doesn't give you the list in summer. (The teachers do, on the first day of school, as it varies from teacher to teacher.). I wish we DID have the list over the summer so I could buy something every week. And there wouldn't be the "mad dash" to the stores on the first days of school. (as if there isn't enough to adjust to).

As for the people who NEVER bring much in, I know when I was teaching, we had the parents who always give, from party contributions to whatever. Then you have people who don't give a darn thing.(and I mean NOTHING). That's just life. It may be unfair, but you can also choose to say "no" and take a free ride on some items.

Can't wait to see this year's list... :rolleyes:

[wubbywa]

RescueaPit--That is very nice of you to offer that to those who may need a little help. My son is 16 and when he was in ele. and middle school I never had a big list, but schools are getting less and less money these days and that puts a crunch on everybody. I dont think it is fair that those who bring stuff in has to share everything with those that dont bring in stuff year after year. Its teaching those kids that they can relie (sp?) on others. I know it is the kids parents that arent sending those things in it is just not fair though. Yes teachers spend a lot of their own money and I have to and I am an assistant and I sure get a lot less than a teacher. Staples is having great sale until tomorrow go to their web ssight and check those prices in the sales.

[Linus1223]

I'm confused as to why it would cost $150.00 for two children? What were the requirments? Where did you get the supplies? As far as markers and crayons and stuff, do you have your children reuse what they used the previous year? As far as backpacks, you can get one for around $20 bucks at Marshall's...Or spend a little more and have her/him reuse it from year to year.

[LitWtch]

This is coming from someone who works in an elementary school AND has two children to provide for - one 16 and one 12. We are very fortunate that where we are at, our district recieves government funding because 90% of our students are from military families, though it is a public school. Our district provides everything for our kids except for the backpacks - our teachers rarely ASK for anything, but they can request certain items that would be a help to the student - EX: a trapperkeeper, or something like that. We can provide the basics, but again it is not required.
Now, why I got into this is because you seriously need to go to the board and refuse to supply the basic items that the school HAS money for, but CHOOSE to spend else where. So much funding is being wasted that you would really be shocked. Thousands of dollars are wasted, and the children are the ones who rarely see the benefits. In our district alone, one director get ........ $140,000 a year salary. One just retired and collected $250 per day of vacation days not used for THIS PAST YEAR, and upwards of $125 per day for unused vacation days from previous years. Now I do realize that they earned vacation days and other benefits, but I'm certain everyone here gets the picture that $250 a day is a bit excessive from a district that is just above the title one guidelines. Now do you see where your taxes are really going? :eek: :confused:

[Urban Cowgirl]

I'm just curious, if all the parent are suppling reams of paper & card stock, dry erase markers, disposable cameras...what are the school budgets paying for?

I think its outrageous to require you to provide cameras and card stock and dry erase markers.......Those seem to be luxury items and you dont need them to teach.

Also why should parents have to provide clorox wipes ...there are much cheaper cleaning options out there.......like getting an empty spray bottle and using the bulk cleaning solution that the school buys already with those nice brown paper towels...hey it worked when I was a kid. I hardly ever buy the clorox wipes to use in my own home....because I rarely find a good deal on them. Send in a gallon a bleach and tell her to dilute it..then tell her everytime she goes in the school bathroom bring a few extra paper towels back with her to use....LOL

[sahmsfreeb]

[QUOTE=Blackberry]What use to tick me off about buying supplies for my kids was when all of the supplies I bought with my own money went into a pool for the whole class to use.

This is how our school does it, too. There were some items I could not understand. For example, when I went to some activities at my son's class, they had a HUGE jar of sissors. We never got our sissors back. Why ask EVERY year for sissors when you already have a big jar of them? Just wondering.

Our school doesn't give you the list in summer. (The teachers do, on the first day of school, as it varies from teacher to teacher.). I wish we DID have the list over the summer so I could buy something every week. And there wouldn't be the "mad dash" to the stores on the first days of school. (as if there isn't enough to adjust to).

As for the people who NEVER bring much in, I know when I was teaching, we had the parents who always give, from party contributions to whatever. Then you have people who don't give a darn thing.(and I mean NOTHING). That's just life. It may be unfair, but you can also choose to say "no" and take a free ride on some items.

Can't wait to see this year's list... :rolleyes:

DITTO

[Tasha405]

One of my friends who lives in TN spent $300.00 on school supplies alone last year and that was for 2 kids!! :eek: She only had to buy one backpack too. The rest were supplies the school needed/wanted and she shopped at the dollar store and freds! I almost died! lol You name it, they needed it. Things like ... 4 boxes of tissues, tons of paper, special art paper, 2 boxes of gallon size freezer/storgae bags, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, soap, dry erase markers, different colored folders and I can't remember what else. The list for each child filled the front of the paper, right down to the bottom. This year she has 3 kids going to school, so I'd hate to see the price for everything this year. So, I see how it can cost so much. I guess it all depends on what school district your child is in. The one my son was in needed a lot but not that much! lol I spent about $50 on his supplies last year. This year I have been buying what I can when I catch it on sale but we still haven't received a list yet.

Plus when a child reaches a certain grade they require the nice special calculators that can cost from $70 - $200 each!! That's just crazy to me!

I have no idea what my son will need this year because we moved to a different state and he's going into the 7th grade. I'm scared to see his list. LOL

I can remember when I went to school all we had to bring was ourselves. LOL Our school were funded good then though. The school always supplied paper, pencils and books. Of course most of the kids would go out and get the trapper keeper with the cute little pics on them and the folders too but we never had to bring anything special like that. Once I got into Jr. high they asked us to bring the 3 prong/2 pocket folders for each class and that was it! Now they require you buy out Wal-Mart!

[Quaker_Parrots]

If your school district has a website, check on there to see if they have posted a list yet. I just got ours.

I found that it is a law in my state that they can't require you to supply these items. They can ask for help, but they can't require you provide them, because supposedly the state gives them money for these things. You wouldn't believe what is on our list this year. (ours is a community pool too. Our kids share with everyone else, one year they asked for a specific brand of marker--$6 a box and scented. This year each one has to bring in a ream of computer paper plus some other odd things--- no cleaner yet, but I am holding my breath for next year,lol)

[Tasha405]

I found the school districts website but they don't have a list on there for the school my son will be going to. When we were in Wal-Mart yesterday they said they had some but were out and for us to check back this evening. I MIGHT get lucky and find one there. lol

[suziebee20]

I think it's not right for teachers to request things like cleaning supplies and stuff. When I was in grade school every year all my mom had to supply was the basics, we didn't get "lists". Binder, notebook paper, pens/pencils, backpack, etc... When I was in lower grades we could bring our own crayons, colored pencils, markers, etc... but most teachers had some for us to use- of course they were dried out, broken, unsharpened most of the time, so I just brought my own. LOL, even last year in my senior english class we had dried out markers and crayons. I guess I was just lucky. We've always got all my supplies early because it's always the same thing, then we buy whatever else we need when we need it. I do remember though that a lot of teachers, in middle school, and in some highschool classes, offer like 10 points extra credit, up to 30 points for bringing in a box of tissues.

[GaPeachy]

My daughthers pre-school list is just ridiculous.She attends a DOD school on an Air Force base.This is a list for another prek school off base
a folder with 3 prongs
a backpack
water bottle
change of clothes
Seems pretty resonable!Heres my dds list:
1 pk washable magic markers
1 pk assorted colored dry eraser markers
1 permanent marker
1 pk of long glue sticks for glue gun(regular size not mini)(huh?)
1 set watercolors
1 bx kleenex
1 bx clorox disenfectant wipes
1 bx sandwich size ziplock bags
1 box of crayons
1 box of colored pencils
i box of colored playdoh
Since we are a bit hard up on money we have a military STAR card(credit you can use at affes stores) we have $180 to buy all those supplies,clothing,shoes and maybe a backpack but it isnt on the list lol.And an additional whine is my dh is gonna be deployed and miss my dds first day of school :(
I plan on putting my daughthers name with permanent marker on EVERY last thing i purchase!!

[LitWtch]

GaPeachy - did you know there are OTHER stores that you can use your STAR card in through the online AAFES site? They have a centric mall which has stores like BAMM, Zappos, and other decent online stores. They also have Webclothes. :)
The DOD school's are not permitted to ask for school supplies, but they can ask if you would be willing to contribute. I always try to kick in for tissue and hand soap, because the stuff they supply is horrid!

[iluvmybaby]

My lil bro got his supply list today, it was very basic and bare but the $ came in for supplies for the classroom, all stuff TEACHERS are supposed to buy. Where are my tax dollers going that they dont have enough for tissues and pends :confused: :mad: I went to the Dollar store today and got everything he needed, the rest he had we got on sale in the middle of the summer.

[hotwire]

My daughthers pre-school list is just ridiculous.She attends a DOD school on an Air Force base.This is a list for another prek school off base
a folder with 3 prongs
a backpack
water bottle
change of clothes
Seems pretty resonable!Heres my dds list:
1 pk washable magic markers
1 pk assorted colored dry eraser markers
1 permanent marker
1 pk of long glue sticks for glue gun(regular size not mini)(huh?)
1 set watercolors
1 bx kleenex
1 bx clorox disenfectant wipes
1 bx sandwich size ziplock bags
1 box of crayons
1 box of colored pencils
i box of colored playdoh
Since we are a bit hard up on money we have a military STAR card(credit you can use at affes stores) we have $180 to buy all those supplies,clothing,shoes and maybe a backpack but it isnt on the list lol.And an additional whine is my dh is gonna be deployed and miss my dds first day of school :(
I plan on putting my daughthers name with permanent marker on EVERY last thing i purchase!!


Markers? crayons? play-doh? water colors? CAMERAS???? ARE THEY IN SCHOOL TO LEARN OR PLAY!!??

Where is the $1000.00+ a year i pay for school taxes going?? if teachers want specific things (clorox wipes,kleenex, etc...) THEY should be the ones buying it. let them write it off as tax deductions.

[Angelseyes28]

I'm confused as to why it would cost $150.00 for two children? What were the requirments? Where did you get the supplies? As far as markers and crayons and stuff, do you have your children reuse what they used the previous year? As far as backpacks, you can get one for around $20 bucks at Marshall's...Or spend a little more and have her/him reuse it from year to year.

No reusing around here, there isn't anything left to reuse. I got their supplies at walmart since the items on the list were named brand items. No cheap markers, crayons, pencils etc., which I don't have a problem with. I completely understand why they ask for specific items to be name brand. Believe me it adds up. $75 per student is norm for school supplies at our school.

[MsLynn]

I got lucky this year, the boys are starting a new school and my oldest is finally to where he only needs paper and pencils,.. my middle sons school/art lists together were shorter than any other list he's ever had.... and my youngest in Pre-K i didn't have to buy any supplies for. WOOOOOHOOOOO. I Don't even have to take turns sending snacks for snack time. shoot my other 2 i was sending snacks up till the 2nd grade. hopefully the athletic fees wont' be as much here either

[Loki]

I have 2 going into kindergarten this year we had to have a whole list of stuff also. But the one that got me the most was one item on the list.
1 box of twistable crayons ( we prefer the colors in motion brand from walmart) ok is walmart endorsing this school or what?
Ok so I get all this stuff hubby takes girls to school. They walk into the classroom hand the teacher the supplies and she tosses them on a table with about 8 other bags. No names on the supplies or nothing. Uhm ok I'm the only one working I had to scrape to get the money for these supplies which I might add where 64.00 and they get thrown into a pile for everyone to use? There where a total of 21 kids and only 10 brought supplies.Oh and did I mention that their school fees are 40.00 each? Sheesh I want to know what the 80.00 school fees are used for if we have already bought everything else?

[gonnascream]

I hate it when they do the pile stuff. My dd's kindergarten class did that, and this was after I bought everything on the list at walmart. I know I spent near 100.00 just on her alone. And when I saw that everything just went in a pile I was thinking thats total caca cause why should I buy my kid the name brand scissors when the whole class gets to use them. Im not a greedy person, but I didn't sign up to take care of everyones kid.

I picked up all the school supplies at freds this year, and hit up the flea market for the load of pencils. I figure this it's probably going to be the same, so Im not going to get all ticked about the kids sharing the el cheapo box of crayons

[MamaFairal]

Plus when a child reaches a certain grade they require the nice special calculators that can cost from $70 - $200 each!! That's just crazy to me!



Thats what i was gonna say...my Dd's calculator last year cost me $49 and she says she rarely used it.
Granted my Dd is a Senior this year but last year her school did "NOT" allow them to bring school books home because there werent enough to go around?

What does the lottery monet go too?

[suziebee20]

I'm suprised that some teachers do put everything in a pile and have everyone share it. I've never had that happen before when I was a kid. If I had kids who went to school that would upset me, especially if I didn't know before hand and bought pricy items. If I buy a box of crayola markers and nice scissors, I expect my child to be able to keep them instead of getting stuck using Rose Art markers that always seem to dry out and those cruddy scissors that hardly cut paper (I hated those when I was little! We also had those cheap metal scissors in my elementry classes, and I usually got stuck with the lefty scissors which were really uncomfortable because I'm a righty!)

I've been buying stuff all year and saving it in a drawer. 19 cent packs of notebook paper I got from Staples a few weeks ago, 19 cent boxes of crayons, freebies after rebates at riteaid. I figure if I never use it my sister could, or I could give it to one of Jaime's little brothers.

[gonnascream]

yeah they do the sharing thing alot. It seems that the teachers do this so the "less fortunate " don't feel left out. Im not against sharing, and Im not for rubbing the fact on "hey I can afford the good crayons and you can't" in other kids noses. What gets my goat is the fact that the teachers want us to buy the NAME BRAND items, then share the wealth with the class.

And another thing I noticed. It seems that the parents that buy the good stuff are always the ones the teachers asks for the cups, plates, brownies, ect .... like if we bought off name brand we are living off mac n' cheese.

really, I think it's a ploy the teachers came up with to determine which parents are more finacially able to help support the class ;)

[LitWtch]

When we lived in Virginia, and my girls were smaller, we tried to teach them about those less fortunate than themselves by purchasing duplicate items. Not the whole list, but perhaps an extra box of crayons or markers, or a box of pencils. We would send them into the teacher with a note to hold them for someone who was unable to get the requested items, and to just give them to that child with out the others knowing. I do agree that these lists are getting outrageous, but they are not required, period.
My oldest had things color coded in middle school, and the teacher tried to take "points" off her grade for not having a notebook that was the correct color. The principal was not happy when I left his office, and the "points" were factored back into her grade.

[PrncsNYC]

I wonder what would happen if someone just didn't send in all of these items. I mean, what if a parent said "I'm not sending in a disposable camera." Would they kick the child out of school?

[shana1]

I hate it when the teachers do the "pile" thing, I dont have any problem having my kids share their supplies, heck I bring in extras all the time, but if they are going to do this I wish the teacher would at least let me know first by marking it on the supply lists. Then when I am shopping I wont let my daughter pick out those special "hello kitty" or "tinkerbell" pencils that she has to have(at least she thinks so), I would just pick up some everyday yellow #2 pencils that cost 1.00 for a big box. The first year I had this happen was when my oldest was in 1st grade i let my daughter pick out some "character" type stuff since it makes them excited about going to school, then when I dropped her off the teacher told her to put it all in these bins. My daughter threw a huge fit about not being allowed to keep her stuff she had picked out and was so proud of. What was sad was I rarely saw the stuff I bought her, all the other kids loved the stuff too and took it all before she could use it. I also hate it when the teachers put expensive stuff on their lists and then when school is done the item comes home brand new. Ive have 4 kids and I dont have the money to be wasting on things they arent going to be used, I know that sometimes it cant be helped but this is a yearly thing from all my school age kids not just a occasional thing. Oh well, guess I cant do too much about it, I wonder if my parents ever had this problem?? probably not as much as now, when I was little the school actually supplied alot.

[gonnascream]

I went to a private school for the first 2 years. My parents had to buy 2 pencils (with the anchor christian logo) and one wide ruled notebook (with the same logo) for 5.00 and that was ALL we were allowed to use. They made it so it wasn't a popularity contest, just learning.

[penguinlady61]

well heres from the other side....my sister is a teacher and she does get supplies from her district in October when the final count is in for her class.....(so she dont get some for some pupil who leaves before she gets the supplies for her)..then she has to order from the district's catalog....or she can buy at Walmart and wait until Dec to be reimbursed....so be thankful you only buy for your child and not the entire class (2 years ago had 10 migrant kids for whom she bought everything- including Christmas presents)I dont know how she does it each year........

[Urban Cowgirl]

I personally don't feel anyone should have to be thankful, these lists are an outrage! I am grateful for the good teachers out there........but did you happen to read these lists??? Its just plain crazy. If the schools expect parents to provide EVERYTHING..including cleaning crap and markers for the overhead and disposable cameras.....then the school should not be getting tax money.....Immigrants are completely OT as far as I am concerned thats a whole other can of worms....one I don't care to open.

[Quaker_Parrots]

Immigrants are completely OT as far as I am concerned thats a whole other can of worms....one I don't care to open.

I don't think she necessarily meant immigrants. migrants are people who move to where the crops are to work... The only reason I say this, is my aunt was married to a man who was a "migrant" and they moved where ever the crops were to pick. He was not a immagrant, He was born here.

I finally for all the supplies my kids are going to need. Office Max has an awesome sale on supplies, 5 cent folders and 10 cent tablets (I stocked up on enough for the next 2 or 3 years,lol)

[LitWtch]

I said it once, and will say it again - if parents are so outraged, they should contact their school board or go further and contact the state representative's office. I work in a school. Teachers DO get an allotment for supplies. Teachers DO order WHAT THEY CAN with the allotment. Teachers ARE NOT getting the funds nor do they have control over who gets what. Teachers are not the ones wasting the funds. The board decides who gets what and where the funds go.
These items are all reasonable requests, but these are also items the school should be supplying. If they are not, then complain to them, and take your neighbor, and their friend, and so on. The teachers do their best to order what is absolutely needed.
You know the cell phone commercial about guessing the amount of time you'll need? Well, ordering supplies is just the same - only the board always guesses too few and guess who it costs?!?! PARENTS AND CARE-GIVERS!

[hotwire]

I said it once, and will say it again - if parents are so outraged, they should contact their school board or go further and contact the state representative's office. I work in a school. Teachers DO get an allotment for supplies. Teachers DO order WHAT THEY CAN with the allotment. Teachers ARE NOT getting the funds nor do they have control over who gets what. Teachers are not the ones wasting the funds. The board decides who gets what and where the funds go.
These items are all reasonable requests, but these are also items the school should be supplying. If they are not, then complain to them, and take your neighbor, and their friend, and so on. The teachers do their best to order what is absolutely needed.
You know the cell phone commercial about guessing the amount of time you'll need? Well, ordering supplies is just the same - only the board always guesses too few and guess who it costs?!?! PARENTS AND CARE-GIVERS!


i dont consider needing a disposable camera, water colors, and play-doh, a "reasonable request". has anyone had to buy a camera? whats it used for? who's going to pay for the developing???
Like i mentioned in a previous post........what happened to going to school to LEARN....NOT PLAY! Pens, paper, pencils, notebook.......thats all thats should be needed! how long before they have to throw their lunches in a pile, and share that too??

[missymommy]

I am always amazed at what is listed for school lists :eek:
Here is my 6th grade sons list
My other son starts kindergarten this year but I haven't gotten his list yet
A three ring binder - This is not a trapper keeper. No velcro, zippers or snaps. We suggest a 2 1\2" - 3" size
A spiral notebook for math.
Tab dividers - one for each subject - Math. Social Stucies. Science. Language. Arts
Homework folder
supply of lined notebook paper
zippered pouch (suggested)-pen,pencils, eraser
optional-3 hole punch, markers, markers, crayons, colored pencils

[Urban Cowgirl]

I don't think she necessarily meant immigrants. migrants are people who move to where the crops are to work... The only reason I say this, is my aunt was married to a man who was a "migrant" and they moved where ever the crops were to pick. He was not a immagrant, He was born here.

I finally for all the supplies my kids are going to need. Office Max has an awesome sale on supplies, 5 cent folders and 10 cent tablets (I stocked up on enough for the next 2 or 3 years,lol)


LMBO...thanks for the correction Quaker!!! Chloe has been teething(up ALOT at night) and I was very tired and I guess I misread just a little :p

[Quaker_Parrots]

LMBO...thanks for the correction Quaker!!! Chloe has been teething(up ALOT at night) and I was very tired and I guess I misread just a little :p


LOL, added a couple of letters huh? (I do that too if I am distracted) Hey not a prob, the words are very similar, add an "im" in front, and you have a totally different meaning.

[LitWtch]

Water colors are used a great deal in the lower levels. They are provided for the art program, but not for the classroom use.
Disposable cameras are also used a great deal not. All those holiday projects and the like that come home with the child's picture - disposable camera developed at the teacher's cost.
PlayDoh is used as a manipulative for learning to form letters, and it is also used as a quiet desk activity for those who finish their work before the others, an alternative to reading, which at the younger levels isn't quite developed enough yet.
Sometimes, if you look at something in a different way, you see a whole new perspective. I have also been down the road of "having" to get these items, and grumbled along with the best, but they ARE used for educational purposes. The funds the teachers are getting is used for a great deal - you know, we have to supply our own copy paper, to the tune of one box per teacher - 5000 sheets of paper. This comes out of our funds. This should come out of the administrative funds, but doesn't because that is how they show they are cutting cost. This is an issue the school board needs to address and the funds need to be allocated more carefully and overseen in a more diligent manner.

[Njean31]

Water colors are used a great deal in the lower levels. They are provided for the art program, but not for the classroom use.
Disposable cameras are also used a great deal not. All those holiday projects and the like that come home with the child's picture - disposable camera developed at the teacher's cost.
PlayDoh is used as a manipulative for learning to form letters, and it is also used as a quiet desk activity for those who finish their work before the others, an alternative to reading, which at the younger levels isn't quite developed enough yet.
Sometimes, if you look at something in a different way, you see a whole new perspective. I have also been down the road of "having" to get these items, and grumbled along with the best, but they ARE used for educational purposes. The funds the teachers are getting is used for a great deal - you know, we have to supply our own copy paper, to the tune of one box per teacher - 5000 sheets of paper. This comes out of our funds. This should come out of the administrative funds, but doesn't because that is how they show they are cutting cost. This is an issue the school board needs to address and the funds need to be allocated more carefully and overseen in a more diligent manner.

i totally agree. and what is (at the very extreme 150.00) for a whole year of your child's education. ME, i am just glad my littlest one just started kindergarten and don't have to pay daycare 100.00 A WEEK anymore, just so i can work. or private school costs to the tune of 200.00 a month.

[Elijah'sMommy]

Part of the probem is, in our scvhool distric, e were given a list on Thursday (8/5) for itmes they are to bring TODAY (8/9). Here is our list in full. this is for each child, and we have 2 in 1st grade:
To be kept at their desk & used by them only:
pencil box
2 pencils
wood ruler
box of Crayola 48 count crayons
2 glue sticks
scissors
pink eraser
10 pack of Crayola markers
1 pack Crayola coloed pencils

To be brought in for classroom use:
1 pack multicolored construction paper
1 pack white constuction paper
1 ream colored copy paper
1 pack colored card stock
1 pack thick Expo dry-erase markers (preferrable low-odor)
2 boxes Kleenex
1 pack pencils
box of Caryols 24 count crayons
4 glue sticks
1 bottle Elmer's glue
1 bottle hand sanitizer
1 pack 3X5 index cards
1 watercolor paint set
2 highliters
1 disposeable camera

Like I said, not opposed to buying things. My thing is why the name brand requirements? and if each child is bringing in ther own crayon box of 48 crayons, why do they each need to bring in a box of 24? In a class of 25 children, thats 600 crayons (not to mention the 1,200 they already have, each in their own boxes) is that really necessary? And each bringing in a pack of dry erase markers?? Are they really going to need 100 of those (4 in a pack....)
On top of that, I couldn't even fit everything in their backpacks!

[LitWtch]

Part of the probem is, in our scvhool distric, e were given a list on Thursday (8/5) for itmes they are to bring TODAY (8/9). Here is our list in full. this is for each child, and we have 2 in 1st grade:
To be kept at their desk & used by them only:
pencil box
2 pencils
wood ruler
box of Crayola 48 count crayons
2 glue sticks
scissors
pink eraser
10 pack of Crayola markers
1 pack Crayola coloed pencils

To be brought in for classroom use:
1 pack multicolored construction paper
1 pack white constuction paper
1 ream colored copy paper
1 pack colored card stock
1 pack thick Expo dry-erase markers (preferrable low-odor)
2 boxes Kleenex
1 pack pencils
box of Caryols 24 count crayons
4 glue sticks
1 bottle Elmer's glue
1 bottle hand sanitizer
1 pack 3X5 index cards
1 watercolor paint set
2 highliters
1 disposeable camera


The upper part of this list is fairly reasonable, and what most parents voluntarily provide with out being requested to. The rest of it is suppossed to be purchased with classroom funds, but the problem is that the teachers are required to purchase other spplies, and the little things that add up in our pockets are the items that they have had to cut from their own list. Again, the fault lies with the administrators. I guess I am fortuanate that whatever I ask for or need is provided, but again, I work for a specialized program.

[hotwire]

Water colors are used a great deal in the lower levels. They are provided for the art program, but not for the classroom use.
Disposable cameras are also used a great deal not. All those holiday projects and the like that come home with the child's picture - disposable camera developed at the teacher's cost.
PlayDoh is used as a manipulative for learning to form letters, and it is also used as a quiet desk activity for those who finish their work before the others, an alternative to reading, which at the younger levels isn't quite developed enough yet.
Sometimes, if you look at something in a different way, you see a whole new perspective. I have also been down the road of "having" to get these items, and grumbled along with the best, but they ARE used for educational purposes. The funds the teachers are getting is used for a great deal - you know, we have to supply our own copy paper, to the tune of one box per teacher - 5000 sheets of paper. This comes out of our funds. This should come out of the administrative funds, but doesn't because that is how they show they are cutting cost. This is an issue the school board needs to address and the funds need to be allocated more carefully and overseen in a more diligent manner.


ok, i can agree with some of that. but i still have a problem with the cameras. if 25 students bring in cameras and THE TEACHER is going to pay to have them developed...i figure at (approx). $8 a roll, thats $200.00 that the teacher is shelling out. not only do i think thats insane for the teacher to pay that much out of their pockets, i also think they could have spent it on those other things they request. (kleenex, sanitizer, etc).
how does this work anyhow? are the cameras thrown into a pile to be shared like everything else? or is each childs name put on the camera, to take pictures of what they have done?

[Elijah'sMommy]

hotwire---that was part of my issue as well...at that point, wouldnt it be better for each family to donate $5 (about the avg price of a disposeable camera when on sale) and buy a digital camera? LitWtch, I completly agree with you. I have made it a point to read all the literature sent to my home about propositions/bills/school bonds to vote on. As stated previously, I don't hold the teacher's entirely responsible....but I'm going to try to find out how much each classroom is given & where the rest of the $$ is going

[LitWtch]

In our district, our classroom teachers are allotted from $300 - $450, but we as parents do not supply ANYTHING. I was shocked when we moved here. I was accustomed to the Virginia system, and went and bought everything on the average list for the two grade levels (we moved in August). Five years later, and we have finally exhausted our supply. I asked the new principals what the kids needed and my jaw had to be scraped off the floor when they both replied "nothing".
The cameras - well, the teacher ASKS everybody to contribute, but knows not everyone will, so they usually end up with 4 from a class of 20. Yes, they do develop them themselves, along with alot of other things they do and some of which is not tax deductible. They use the cameras to take photos of activities - these are used for photo collages during open houses. Pictures to document field trips, class parties, class projects. Everybody I know that takes pictures in the classroom gets duplicate prints so that at the end of the year, they can give all the kids at least two pictures from the years activities. I use my personal digital camera. The school we are at has 3 digitals each, and 3 videos. They can use them, but cannot take them off the premises.

[Elijah'sMommy]

LitWtch--Maybe that's part of my shock....I did what you did, but in reverse. I came from a school district had no supply list to this one, so I was shocked about that. I certainly woulnd't mind getting a "wish list" and could contribute what we could....but this wasnt put in as a request or wish list, it was part of the supplies. I realize you're just trying to provide anyother side to things and I appreciate that. Like I said, I think I just have the same shock you experienced in moving school districts, but in reverse. Thanks for your input on things, alyways nice to be reminded about something you didn't think about! :)

Hearing that everyone else has these same supply lists make me feel better though. Crap, I need to really research my voting & get who isn't going to cut school budgets in office!

[skittyskatt]

I just spent a lot on supplies for school for 2 teens and bought all the clothes too. thought i was ready but then they sent a note for orientation and on the bottom says " no spiral notebooks ( i bought a bunch of 1-5 subject ones), Only erasable pens ( I guess i get to keep the ones i bought), And Only Wide-ruled Loose leaf Paper ( I guess I better keep all that Regular ruled paper too :( ) I guess its back to the store for me too. And of course the activity pass fees ( They cant go to school dances and such if we dont pay for that, BTW the school dances are during school hours so its either that or study hall.) Text Book Fees and Yearbook charge. Ouch!!! X 2!!

[ozzysangel]

I understand the cost of supplies believe me i pay close to 50 bucks for school supplies and most of these are shared in the classroom and then they want 30 a year for fees which are due the first day of school, with the cost of all these things plus new clothes and shoes, im broke!! :eek:

[justinenycole26]

I consider myself lucky that the girls had relatively mild supply lists and we do not pay any enrollment fees or activity fees. We will be paying $25 for each of the girls to join the theate group if they want to, but that's it. My 3rd grader's teacher sent a list but added that no one should feel obligated to purchase the items. She added that items should be labeled with the child's name, with the exception of the tissues, wipes and Ziploc bags. I truly feel for those of you who have to pay enrollment fees, book rental, etc. This is supposed to be PUBLIC school. If you have to pay all that they may as well go to a private school.

We were able to get all the girls' supplies plus snacks and bread for their lunch for the first week at Wal-Mart for $50. That does not include backpacks. They wanted the messenger bags with initials and they did not have those at Wal-Mart.

[DivineMsDi]

We went to Staples Saturday in "pre-anticipation" of what our son MAY need for 1st grade (no clue, as I stated, we don't get a LIST). We don't even know what exact day school starts yet...

We spent about 11 dollars so far. I bought some pencils (12cents staples brand), some mechanical pencils w/grips (for him to use at home as he has a lot of problems writing), colored pencils, markers, crayons (all Crayola brand), some 2 pocket folders, glue sticks, elmer's glue, and a few black marbled notebooks. I will get him a few more folders, the laminated ones. As for anything else "school supply" wise, I haven't the foggest. (thanks ***** school district...) :mad: (by the way, I censored the name myself).

Today I will order his lunchbox and backpack online at the very unfrugal llbean. But, it's what we decided to get him. (the good point of having one kid).

Then I will start some clothes shopping! I have to go through his old things....sigh, not again, already... :rolleyes:

[YankeeMary]

My youngest just started 6th grade here is the basic list for him, with more to follow, each individual teacher has their own requests...



Each subject teacher may require additional supplies3" 3-ring binder
5 tab index dividers
(2 packs) Filler paper 150 count
Graph paper 1/4
8 count full length colored pencils
Webster's II Pocket Dictionary
Box of 12 No. 2 pencils
Box of 12 blue ink pens
Box of 12 black ink pens
Box of 12 red ink pens
Mesh/nylon zipper pouch
7" Fiskars scissors
2 Elmer's glue sticks
12" ruler
(4) 2-pocket folders without clasp
Yellow highlighter
Kleenex tissues
(2 packs) 3 x 5 ruled index cards

Now you tell me that this is for not for the teachers benefit...Box of 12 No. 2 pencils
Box of 12 blue ink pens
Box of 12 black ink pens
Box of 12 red ink pens
I had to send in the same for my oldest and here is the real kicker, he can't keep up with a pencil/pen to save his life, so he goes up to a teacher and asked if he could get a pencil (one of a hundred I supplied them with) and he was REFUSED and was given ISS (in school suspension) fornot having supplies!!! I give you my word that is the truth. So guess what? This momma absolutly refuses to send in any more then 2 pens and 2 pencils for her kids, keep a huge stock pile at home, I refuse to send in tissues, (my youngest has allergies, the teacher got on his case last year because he kept getting upto get a kleenex which I purchased 3 boxes for her) and then she sent him to the restroom to use the toilet paper as kleneex. I refuse to purchaseSharpie markers or black board markers, If myson can't put it in his pencil casewell then it doesn't gotoschool, just the way it is. I am by far a tightwad but I ABSOLUTLY refuse to be used by teachers and school boards. I know this sounds cruel but if there are kids that can't afford things, well then don't expect the better finacially secured kids parents to pay for them. Its not our fault they can't afford things. I know sounds cold hearted but its ridiculous. As I am sure you can tell I am not at all happy with the way the system works, and I must say its not a Northern thing and itsnot a Southern thing, its all around. My kids have been in 3 different school districts in 2 different states, same in all the places. I must also say this, its hard for me to feel sorry for the teachers since this is the profession they chose, they were teachers aids while in college so they had a little reflection on how much money they would make and how much money they would spend, its their choice. Stop taking advantage of the working people.

[Angelseyes28]

*Gives YankeeMary a standing ovation*:D:D:D

[YankeeMary]

Well thank you, was afraid I was gonna get tore up over my post, so glad I know I am not alone.

[Angelseyes28]

You are most definately not alone!!!

[LitWtch]

YankeeMary, you are EXACTLY CORRECT!
Nowhere in any public school does it state that these items are required. Parents NEED to stand up and say "NO" at some point, and let the school boards know that they will not allow their tax dollars to be abused or misused. I say contribute what you can if you want to. Like I've said, I am on both sides of the fence as a parent and an employee of the school district. These are items that should be provided.

[CHERNL]

We paid for Caseys supplies today, purchased in a set from the school. Cost $42 for a second grader, and I have no idea what was in the set (she went with her daddy to meet-the-teacher morning). BUT--I didn't have to go to Wal-Mart, or Target, or anywhere and fight the crowds for scissors and stuff. It's worth it to me, I dispise shopping. AND then her stuff matches everyone elses.

[cinnamonch]

YankeeMary,

I too agree with you about having to provide supplies for everyone. I can see if they cant afford the disposable cameras, hand sanitizer, etc because its not your normal school supply. But the average person knows when school is going to start and knows there are basics that a child has to have regardless of the grade they are in.

I'm blessed in that my children are out of school, however I do still buy for my Godchildren and others. What I find outrageous is that one of my Goddaughter's(who will be in first grade) list includes a ream of copy paper. There are 25 kids in her school so that amounts to 12,500 sheets of paper. I know for a fact they are not going to go through that much paper in just one class. Not only are there 2 or 3 other first grade classes who are requesting the same supplies the other upper level classes are also asking students to bring a ream of paper.

Additionally a friend of mine is trying to help a young mother out and one of the things they want each student to bring is a 4 pk of dry erase markers. Why would one teacher need 20 of these?

I think each teacher should put out a wish list and then the parents can contribute or get donations for those things that will be used by the entire class.

[YankeeMary]

I just can't understand why a teacher needs a wish list? For petes sake this is school. The pictures the teachers send home throughout the year are very nice and appreciated, but they are EXTRAS, my kid will not fail without this. If she wants to take pictures, then I feel she should and she should pay for it. I take pictures of my children constantly, so I really don't need hers. I understand that not all parents are able to do this but it isn't the schools responsibility to take pictures for the less fortunate. They are in school to learn.

[CowNcalves]

I can't believe some of the lists that that schools wants. Just received our lists and on the top it states " In accordance with school board policy, school will provide all necessary school supplies for students. On the other hand, we, as educators and parents ourselves understand that students enjoy preparing for the new school year. If you choose to purchase school supplies for your children, please use the form below to select appropiate items. These donations are greatly appreciated by all staff and students"
Heres the list for kindergarten:
2 glue bottles
2 glue sticks
1 kleenex box
1 backpack
4,5 and 6 ask for more stuff and it explains that it will be used for individualized student portfolio learning througout the school year. This is to explain the use for a video cassette tape or 33mm film.
I love the schools here and after reading most of these posts.. I love it even more :)