Anyone else get annoyed.. (School Supplies)

[Lilogirl]

Okay, I said I am stepping out of the debate over supplies and I am. I don't feel the need for everyone to agree with my point of view. However, this comment had rubbed me wrong...

I do love being a teacher. I don't see a relationship between not allowing my less fortunate kids use the Crayolas while we are in centers because their parents can't afford them, equates to not loving this profession. Quite the opposite. Perhaps you have been out of the field too long?

I was thinking about this today. And so I am just throwing this out here...do you see a relationship between school dress code debates and this school supply debate? Think about it. Many people can't understand why teachers don't want "special supplies". Well...why do schools have school uniforms? I have heard the arguement that clothing choices can be a distracton...it creates seperation of classes, jealousy and therefore can create an environment unfit for learning. Is there much of a difference between this arguement over "special supplies" and the arguement over school dress codes?

What are your thoughts?

Not all schools have uniforms. And even in some that do they tend to be generic. One child may have uniform pieces from Walmart and another from IZOD. Which could still cause "issues".

 

[perkinsrose]

Not all schools have uniforms. And even in some that do they tend to be generic. One child may have uniform pieces from Walmart and another from IZOD. Which could still cause "issues".

I had a friend who had a dress code. She said it was also an issue if you didn't have multiple items of the dress code--kids noticed if you wore the same pieces/clothing items day after day.

 

[Lilogirl]

I had a friend who had a dress code. She said it was also an issue if you didn't have multiple items of the dress code--kids noticed if you wore the same pieces/clothing items day after day.

And kids also "notice" items bought at the uniform resales. A friend of mine volunteered at one of those sales-she said some of the kids were embarassed to be there because they did not want to be teased.

I will never forget when my DD was in K-her uniform shirts were 25.00 each and she needed 5 (different colors for different days). One parent was there with 3 kids. 15 shirts X 25.00 $375.00 JUST for shirts!!!!!!!!!

 

[mjantz]

I had a friend who had a dress code. She said it was also an issue if you didn't have multiple items of the dress code--kids noticed if you wore the same pieces/clothing items day after day.

And kids also "notice" items bought at the uniform resales. A friend of mine volunteered at one of those sales-she said some of the kids were embarassed to be there because they did not want to be teased.

I will never forget when my DD was in K-her uniform shirts were 25.00 each and she needed 5 (different colors for different days). One parent was there with 3 kids. 15 shirts X 25.00 $375.00 JUST for shirts!!!!!!!!!

I'm so glad this doesn't seem to be an issue at my kids school. I think because its a charter school most of the people are those who want a private school education but just can't afford it. Lots of people hit the uniform sale & those who can't buy & sell via the schools yahoo group.
I can't imagine a different colored shirt for each day. Our kids schools only rule is field day shirts on field trips or field day. There's an option to wear the school t-shirt on Fridays but its not required.

 

[ekball]

I have not read the whole thread, but I'll share my beef about school supplies. Here it is folks, ready or not...
My sweet girl is heading off to Kindergarten in 3 short weeks. Her backback and lunchbox were bought last year (great price at Hanna Andersson!), school clothes and shoes are ready to go (well, sort of...I'm not going crazy this year, along with many other moms I suppose), and now I'm waiting... waiting....WAITING for blasted school supply/info letter to arrive!!! Dadgumit, clearly they DO NOT UNDERSTAND the needs of an uber-planner, overly-organized mommy like myself!!! I NEED THAT LIST! I NEED TO GO TO STAPLES (or Target, Walmart, whatever)! Why are they torturing me like this?! Even DD knows how irritated mommy is by not having the list. We sat down to dinner tonight and I had just looked through today's mail and announced in exasperation "UGH...it's not here!" DH asked "what's not here?" And DD replied "THE LIST"

I'll buy double of what they ask. Maybe even triple. Just please Mrs. Brown. Send me the list!!!!!

Good night. And thank you for listening.

 

[Aristomommy]

You are surprised at the tone of my post?

I am not sure I understand. I'm clearly frustrated with this thread, but I stated that...so I am not sure what you are surprised about. I didn't mean to come off with a "tone" towards anyone in particular, if that is what you mean.

Now, I am signing off on this thread before I lose my reputation for being sweet and laid back.

Feel free to debate over glow in the dark glue sticks, glitter pencils and the best marker brands for 5 year olds. I have to go finish up next week's reading lesson plans for 16 students (who, trust me care a lot less about pencil boxes than parents would like to think).

It sounded it was your classroom, not this thread, that was frustrating and maybe that was the confusion. If there are threads here that frustrate me , I usually don't read them.

This thread and others that I have read here are mostly parents expressing their frustration as many teachers (unlike you) request a specific brand (crayola) or a very specific type paper that is often not on sale and difficult to find. Since many parents work, budget and have more than one child, this can be a frustration. And then when you find that specific item and pay premium, you find out that other parent's just didn't bring in anything or didn't follow these specific instructions, the frustration may set in.

For me, it's not the end of the world, but it is nice to vent with other parents. Just like I vent (and you may also) with the co-workers about the frustrations of my job.

 

[TwinsinCA]

I have not read the whole thread, but I'll share my beef about school supplies. Here it is folks, ready or not...
My sweet girl is heading off to Kindergarten in 3 short weeks. Her backback and lunchbox were bought last year (great price at Hanna Andersson!), school clothes and shoes are ready to go (well, sort of...I'm not going crazy this year, along with many other moms I suppose), and now I'm waiting... waiting....WAITING for blasted school supply/info letter to arrive!!! Dadgumit, clearly they DO NOT UNDERSTAND the needs of an uber-planner, overly-organized mommy like myself!!! I NEED THAT LIST! I NEED TO GO TO STAPLES (or Target, Walmart, whatever)! Why are they torturing me like this?! Even DD knows how irritated mommy is by not having the list. We sat down to dinner tonight and I had just looked through today's mail and announced in exasperation "UGH...it's not here!" DH asked "what's not here?" And DD replied "THE LIST"

I'll buy double of what they ask. Maybe even triple. Just please Mrs. Brown. Send me the list!!!!!

Good night. And thank you for listening.

I feel your pain!!!

School starts next week for us and we have NO INFORMATION. At all. No idea which teacher they have. No idea if my kids will be kept together or separated (this drives me nuts all summer). And a list of supplies? THAT we might not get until school actually STARTS. It absolutely makes me crazy.

I understand.

 

[ilovejack02]

LOL ive been keeping up with this thread since it started...
i have to say i cant believe its still going!

 

[Karlzmom]

Do you know anything about the charter school Andre Agassi started in Nevada? He started a school and now funds it each year with the same amount of money the state of Nevada provides per child. Mainly because he knew otherwise people would say it's about money. That school and those children have thrived. It's not always about money but it is always about high standards, equal opportunity, participation, and alot of love and encouragement.

Hadn't seen Agassi's place, but the concept doesn't surprise me. In the not too terribly distant past (my DH's lifetime) kids from multiple grades worked in one classsroom with one teacher. (Yes, DH went to a one room school house in Pennsylvania-he attended all the way through 5th grade & was over a full year ahead when he got to Malibu) Supplies were shared, including desks and books. Children were capable of caring for the supplies they had, and they were all educated to a much larger extent than kids of today. Notice we had to rescale the SAT to make the curve stay in a consistent range. Maybe it has something to do with the 3-R's being lost in the push to teach progressive social values and revised facts to promote everyone's self esteem?

 

[TwinsinCA]

I do love being a teacher. I don't see a relationship between not allowing my less fortunate kids use the Crayolas while we are in centers because their parents can't afford them, equates to not loving this profession. Quite the opposite.

It wasn't just that. It was first complaining that parents bought "novelty" school supplies and acting so put out that you might have to help a child look for something they lost. Character pencils/glue sticks/etc might just brighten a kid's day. I simply don't see the harm in that. It isn't prison. It's school. If you don't want to look for lost items, then don't. Tell your students that and stick to it. I agree you shouldn't be spending teaching time on a wild goose chase, but why punish those who are responsible with their belongings? There were a lot of exclamation marks in that paragraph and it came off like a rant.

Next were the at the parent who has the apparent gall to want her own child to use the supplies SHE BOUGHT and not have to provide supplies to other children. She gets a from me. It is not my responsibility to supply items for my daughters' classmates. It just isn't. It blows my mind that people don't respect that. And there are countless other ways that children will learn the life lesson of "you don't always get what you want" while being in school. Taking what belongs to one child and giving it to another should not be one of them.

Perhaps it is not your intent for your posts in this thread to come off as angry and condescending, but IMNSHO -- they do. I agree with Jen that your tone is curious for this early in the school year.

 

[Karlzmom]

LOL, Marxism. Give me a friggin' break. Do you people wan thte teacher to be able to run his/her schoolroom in the most efficient way possible? Different teaching styles warrant different standards. Think about it for 2 seconds. What a bunch of drama queens.

I'm sorry that you feel compelled to call me names rather than discuss the issues raised in the initial post, or the reasoning that someone may have for not agreeing with the policy of confiscate and hand out. I have thought quite a bit about the issue, and my concerns about the subtle lessons being taught by the teachers in government schools are not entirely accidental. These teachers are provided their credential only after being "trained" to promote certain values...period. Frankly, the least of my concerns is "the most efficient way for teachers." I much prefer that students spend the full day learning, rather than correcting the papers that teachers used to take home. Sure, it frees up the teacher for the evening [heavens know the no other professionals have work late on a regular basis or take work home ]
My concern is the content being taught, and whether or not children come out prepared to excel in whatever they choose to do. If you would care to discuss a difference of opinion on the issue of left leaning politics being indoctrinated in the schools, I'm all in....if you want to call names, then I will put you on my ignore list...either way is fine with me.

 

[Karlzmom]

P.S. With all due respect...anyone want to start a thread on how much your child's teachers are spending on school supplies?

Probably the same amount that any of the other "public service" employees pay to get the job done...

BTW, do you deduct your expenditures as business expenses? Check it out..it does help a bit.

 

[perkinsrose]

Probably the same amount that any of the other "public service" employees pay to get the job done...

BTW, do you deduct your expenditures as business expenses? Check it out..it does help a bit.

I believe the current max. a teacher can deduct is $200-$300 for personal purchases for classroom use.


Any other purchases, i've made --were the kind that I saved and carried over to the next year--books, organizing containers, art tools, etc.

 

[mommyof2princesses]

Okay, I said I am stepping out of the debate over supplies and I am. I don't feel the need for everyone to agree with my point of view. However, this comment had rubbed me wrong...

I do love being a teacher. I don't see a relationship between not allowing my less fortunate kids use the Crayolas while we are in centers because their parents can't afford them, equates to not loving this profession. Quite the opposite. Perhaps you have been out of the field too long?

I was thinking about this today. And so I am just throwing this out here...do you see a relationship between school dress code debates and this school supply debate? Think about it. Many people can't understand why teachers don't want "special supplies". Well...why do schools have school uniforms? I have heard the arguement that clothing choices can be a distracton...it creates seperation of classes, jealousy and therefore can create an environment unfit for learning. Is there much of a difference between this arguement over "special supplies" and the arguement over school dress codes?

What are your thoughts?

I didn't say anything about poor kid not using the "good" crayolas. I worked my shair in Title 1 schools. I made my observation based on kids bringing stuff that wasn't like everyone elses. Of all the things to worry about in the teaching field, some of those things seem so trivial. I have only been out of the classroom for 3 years, it is still fresh on my mind. I think homeschooling has perhaps given me a different perspective on life. Ya know...Don't sweat the small stuff.

School uniform opinion
We had a dress code in both title one schools I worked it. Most parents liked it. Some parents had a hard time with it. It made school more expensive for me because my dd received a lot of hand me downs. I didn't buy her clothes until she went to a uniform school. It wasn't cost effective for me. But we did it and I had my mom make her some jumpers. Honestly, I didn't see any difference in behavior with school uniforms. Parents would buy tommy hilfiger white shirts while my poor kids had hanes t-shirts. It was still obvious who had the money. and anyone could opt out for just about any reason. They also requested the teacher's wear uniforms twice a week.

 

[noodleknitter]

Probably the same amount that any of the other "public service" employees pay to get the job done...

I was "public service" employee for years and never paid for any of the tools necessary for my job. Neither does my husband. Where on earth are you getting that info?

My neighbor who teaches third grade uses all of her own books for the reading library, buys all of the things in her classroom that make it cute and cheery, picks up all of the "treasures" for her treasure box...the list goes on. I donate my scholastic points, and any other stuff I can find for her. Heck, I probably have $50 a year in her class! A stupid tax deduction is nothing.

It isn't often that the teachers and I are on the same side on this board, due to my feelings about strikes, etc., but what is right is right.

A teacher needs the freedom to run his/her class in the way that is most efficient. They need to be free of distractions, and time wasters, and need to arrange things in the best way possible. I'd think that the education and not the pretty pencils and other crap sent in by parents living their kids lives would be the important thing. If a teacher doesn't want to waste precious class time having everyone gather their own unique materials I would think the parents need to respect that, and support them.

If not, pull the little dears out, and teach them yourself.

Shauna, hope day 2 was better! I understood your post entirely!

 

[TJ's Mom]

I am a high school teacher and I have not read all the posts so if this is repeated, sorry! Below is what I do.

I ask each class to bring in a different supply or two. For example first period will bring in colored pencils, second period markers, third- kleenex, etc. I also ask them to bring in a spiral notebook. They turn in their supplies to me for classroom use - except the notebook. That way the parents buy 1 or two things but have access to colored pencils, markers, scissors, glue sticks, rulers, highlighters, ect. They do not have to carry anything with them and can borrow them for homework (or even for other classes if needed).

I have had a total of 2 parents who complained that they were not going to bring supplies to share with the other kids. I have told them that is fine but they will have to bring all the supplies and carry with them with them. They have soon changed their mind.

If kids have not brought in their supplies by a week, I will try and touch base with them and tell them to bring it when they can. It is expected they bring it but looked the other way if they don't.

If I need any other supplies, on open house, I will put a stickies on the board with the name of the supply (ex. ream of computer paper) and the parents can grab a sticky if they want and send the supply in. I stole this idea from an elementary teacher and thought it was a great idea.

What are you thoughts?

 

[noodleknitter]

You sound like the voice of reason! I hope your year goes smoothly.

 

[Lilogirl]

If not, pull the little dears out, and teach them yourself.

And KUDOS to the parents that do this!!!! Thank you for spending time TEACHING your children and not ranting about glitter pencils.

 

[Karlzmom]

I was "public service" employee for years and never paid for any of the tools necessary for my job. Neither does my husband. Where on earth are you getting that info?

My neighbor who teaches third grade uses all of her own books for the reading library, buys all of the things in her classroom that make it cute and cheery, picks up all of the "treasures" for her treasure box...the list goes on. I donate my scholastic points, and any other stuff I can find for her. Heck, I probably have $50 a year in her class! A stupid tax deduction is nothing.

It isn't often that the teachers and I are on the same side on this board, due to my feelings about strikes, etc., but what is right is right.

A teacher needs the freedom to run his/her class in the way that is most efficient. They need to be free of distractions, and time wasters, and need to arrange things in the best way possible. I'd think that the education and not the pretty pencils and other crap sent in by parents living their kids lives would be the important thing. If a teacher doesn't want to waste precious class time having everyone gather their own unique materials I would think the parents need to respect that, and support them.

If not, pull the little dears out, and teach them yourself.

Shauna, hope day 2 was better! I understood your post entirely!

Final thought, as though I need to defend my position to your satisfaction to have a valid opinion. I am an attorney in government service. On a routine basis I am purchasing office supplies that the average person would think should be supplied by my agency. I am not unique in this. When a case is moving, the victims don't really care that there are no 3-ring binders available and that the state hasn't signed a budget. The expect [and deserve] to have the 4,000 pages of paper [or in my cases the 1.2 million pages] arranged, numbered and ready to go. Scissors, paper clips, a desk lamp so you can actually see the papers on your desk, letter trays, highlighters, page separators and practice manuals, We buy things out of pocket to make children who visit us comfortable. We go to Goodwill to get clothes to fit the witnesses that own nothing that will not cause the jurors to discount their statement because of how they look. My friends in law enforcement never get enough in the meger uniform allowances provided to actually cover what they need. Pens, notebooks, flashlights...nickel here, dime there.

Back to the dedicated people in my job, our pockets get dipped into to meet the dress codes of the boss and courts [not to mention the ongoing dry cleaning bills and pantyhose that get torn on the way out of the package]. Throw in the ongoing solicitations for all clerical "needs" birthdays/weddings/babyshowers/kids fundraisers [because we make soooo much more, you know] In a vacuum, seems petty to complain, but add up all the "little contributions" and over a year they just keep adding up.

Don't forget this is all AFTER getting hit for massive taxes to pay for the roads/schools/public hospital/etc. etc. etc. etc. ad nauseum. Is it all a pain, yes. However, I love what I do and deal with it.

My suggestion to take a tax deduction was not to make the woman whole, simply to suggest a small mitigation.

As far as pulling "the little dears" out and schooling myself, I believe my first post in the thread says something to the effect of "reason 659 to homeschool". After dealing with government schools with eldest DS, we ARE homeschooling...

I'm not sure what I may have done to cause you to use such venom towards me. Am I incorrect that we are all entitled to speak our peace? I must say that I've never been the subject of direct namecalling and challeges that I don't know what I'm talking about, or that I don't think before on this board [or any other in these forums]. If I've offended you personally, I sincerely apologise. Clearly we see the world differently. I would like to think that there is room in the world for us both.

 

[Minnie_me]

Final thought, as though I need to defend my position to your satisfaction to have a valid opinion. I am an attorney in government service. On a routine basis I am purchasing office supplies that the average person would think should be supplied by my agency. I am not unique in this. When a case is moving, the victims don't really care that there are no 3-ring binders available and that the state hasn't signed a budget. The expect [and deserve] to have the 4,000 pages of paper [or in my cases the 1.2 million pages] arranged, numbered and ready to go. Scissors, paper clips, a desk lamp so you can actually see the papers on your desk, letter trays, highlighters, page separators and practice manuals, We buy things out of pocket to make children who visit us comfortable. We go to Goodwill to get clothes to fit the witnesses that own nothing that will not cause the jurors to discount their statement because of how they look. My friends in law enforcement never get enough in the meger uniform allowances provided to actually cover what they need. Pens, notebooks, flashlights...nickel here, dime there.

Back to the dedicated people in my job, our pockets get dipped into to meet the dress codes of the boss and courts [not to mention the ongoing dry cleaning bills and pantyhose that get torn on the way out of the package]. Throw in the ongoing solicitations for all clerical "needs" birthdays/weddings/babyshowers/kids fundraisers [because we make soooo much more, you know] In a vacuum, seems petty to complain, but add up all the "little contributions" and over a year they just keep adding up.

Don't forget this is all AFTER getting hit for massive taxes to pay for the roads/schools/public hospital/etc. etc. etc. etc. ad nauseum. Is it all a pain, yes. However, I love what I do and deal with it.

My suggestion to take a tax deduction was not to make the woman whole, simply to suggest a small mitigation.

As far as pulling "the little dears" out and schooling myself, I believe my first post in the thread says something to the effect of "reason 659 to homeschool". After dealing with government schools with eldest DS, we ARE homeschooling...

I'm not sure what I may have done to cause you to use such venom towards me. Am I incorrect that we are all entitled to speak our peace? I must say that I've never been the subject of direct namecalling and challeges that I don't know what I'm talking about, or that I don't think before on this board [or any other in these forums]. If I've offended you personally, I sincerely apologise. Clearly we see the world differently. I would like to think that there is room in the world for us both.

I'm not the poster your were responding to, but I have some comments....

Do you not get reimbursed for these items? I find that very hard to believe. My DH works in CPS, and he has to occasionally purchase clothing and other items for adults and children. But then he just turns in his receipts and he gets reimbursed.

Also -- you can hardly list contributions to gifts here.........just about EVERY workplace does that!

And, not to get *too* petty, but I'm sure that as a government attorney, you make a little more money than the average schoolteacher. I've been teaching over 20 years and make less than ALL of my friends, even though I have the most education. I also spend about $2500 a year on classroom purchases. Oh well! It makes me happy!