Back to school....

[tvguy]

As an experienced mom of 3 and substitute teacher of 12 years, I am telling you now. You need to add 5 blank poster board papers and one tri-fold to your supply list. This is for the midnight stories of "my teacher just told us today that the project is due tomorrow!"

Trust me, I know.

Don't forget, the $20 cash that is due first thing in the morning for the field trip/lab fee/sports physical.

 

[kdonnel]

Don't forget, the $20 cash that is due first thing in the morning for the field trip/lab fee/sports physical.

That’s what my payments plus is for.

https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome

You haven’t been able to pay for those fees using cash for over 25 years in the district my kids attended and my wife works.

 

[tvguy]

That’s what my payments plus is for.

https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome

You haven’t been able to pay for those fees using cash for over 25 years in the district my kids attended and my wife works.

Yeah, my son and DIL have been surprised by the need for cash at our Granddaughters schools. They have been told it is because a large number of families in their district don't have bank accounts or credit cards. Can't use a digital payment platform if you are unbanked.

 

[Meriweather]

Grand kids went back yesterday. First day is usually a half day, but this year it was all day.
I haven't heard how it went.

 

[barkley]

curious-what are all the fees parents pay in public schools?

 

[Turn the Page]

Sports fees, band fees, lunch money, fundraisers, school trips, etc.

 

[Skippy918]

curious-what are all the fees parents pay in public schools?

Sports fees, band fees, lunch money, fundraisers, school trips, etc.

In addition, there’s fees for AP tests and the SAT. I’m sure with my current senior there’s going to be other fees like cap n gown and graduation related stuff.
Other extracurriculars might have fees as well. Don’t forget tickets if you actually want to watch your kid perform or see a game.

 

[tvguy]

Sports fees, band fees, lunch money, fundraisers, school trips, etc.

@barkley The above, plus dance fees, holiday parties, food for the classroom hamster, guinea pig, snake, fish etc.

 

[barkley]

Sports fees, band fees, lunch money, fundraisers, school trips, etc.

lunch money I understand though when I just looked at our district's website it appears they have done free k-8th lunches for the past few years. no band or sports fees in our district (and they have some kind of arrangement w/a particular medical group to do no cost sports physicals). not sure if it's changed since but when mine attended (last graduated in 2017) I don't remember a single high school field trip (other than seniors no-fee to scout out regional colleges, no-fee participate in the lional hampton jazz festival) and a shift from traditional k-8th field trips to some kind of traveling field trip exhibits that came TO to school for several days and set up so more students could benefit at a lower cost (read-no cost to students).

I think all the fundraising is done through the boosters at games/concerts, maybe there's still the schoolastic book fairs? for those you paid when you handed in your order. I honestly have not encountered a kid doing fund raising for other than a private school in decades and it's not due to the fact I live ruraly-the city I lived in until 2007 in northern California had in the 90's illegalized minors door to door selling or soliciting funds (with the overwhelming support of the community) so the days of wrapping paper, cookie dough, popcorn....sales were long past (the schools got very creative and made much more profit with alternate fund raising).

In addition, there’s fees for AP tests and the SAT. I’m sure with my current senior there’s going to be other fees like cap n gown and graduation related stuff.
Other extracurriculars might have fees as well. Don’t forget tickets if you actually want to watch your kid perform or see a game.

stuff like caps and gowns I remember paying the company that provided them vs. the school, no fee for concerts (did'nt have any kiddos in sports but unless you were buying a semester or academic year pass you paid at the gate). not sure how popular AP classes are since students can take a dual credit at no fee.

@barkley The above, plus dance fees, holiday parties, food for the classroom hamster, guinea pig, snake, fish etc.

dance fees? like going to school dances? those were all free (except prom) when my kids attended. no fees ever for holiday parties (what holidays are even celebrated in public schools anymore?) and while a supply list for items a student will PERSONALLY use and retain is permitted it's illegal to charge for anything like pet food, classroom supplies...



my kids were EXCEPTIONALY fortunate to attend a district that has tremendous backing of the community. a concerted effort is put forth to give every student equal access at no cost to every opportunity. to show the extent they go to-back in the recessionary 2000's when every school in our state was looking at ways to cut costs by making cuts whereever they could it was suggested that a large savings could be achieved by eliminating the m-f after school 'activity bus' that served the 300 square mile district but that idea was immediately struck down by the school board, parents and community members who rightly knew that most participants in the after school activities and athletics were entirely reliant on the busses as their sole means of transportation (rural schools-no way to travel to school except by school bus or private cars, no walkers or bike riders permitted due to designation of roads surrounding the campuses). some districts would have sought out a bond initiative but no one desired putting a financial burden on many households already struggling mid recession-other budget cuts were found, community fund raising efforts and private donations have continued that bus to this day.

 

[Turn the Page]

lunch money I understand though when I just looked at our district's website it appears they have done free k-8th lunches for the past few years. no band or sports fees in our district (and they have some kind of arrangement w/a particular medical group to do no cost sports physicals). not sure if it's changed since but when mine attended (last graduated in 2017) I don't remember a single high school field trip (other than seniors no-fee to scout out regional colleges, no-fee participate in the lional hampton jazz festival) and a shift from traditional k-8th field trips to some kind of traveling field trip exhibits that came TO to school for several days and set up so more students could benefit at a lower cost (read-no cost to students).

I think all the fundraising is done through the boosters at games/concerts, maybe there's still the schoolastic book fairs? for those you paid when you handed in your order. I honestly have not encountered a kid doing fund raising for other than a private school in decades and it's not due to the fact I live ruraly-the city I lived in until 2007 in northern California had in the 90's illegalized minors door to door selling or soliciting funds (with the overwhelming support of the community) so the days of wrapping paper, cookie dough, popcorn....sales were long past (the schools got very creative and made much more profit with alternate fund raising).



stuff like caps and gowns I remember paying the company that provided them vs. the school, no fee for concerts (did'nt have any kiddos in sports but unless you were buying a semester or academic year pass you paid at the gate). not sure how popular AP classes are since students can take a dual credit at no fee.




dance fees? like going to school dances? those were all free (except prom) when my kids attended. no fees ever for holiday parties (what holidays are even celebrated in public schools anymore?) and while a supply list for items a student will PERSONALLY use and retain is permitted it's illegal to charge for anything like pet food, classroom supplies...



my kids were EXCEPTIONALY fortunate to attend a district that has tremendous backing of the community. a concerted effort is put forth to give every student equal access at no cost to every opportunity. to show the extent they go to-back in the recessionary 2000's when every school in our state was looking at ways to cut costs by making cuts whereever they could it was suggested that a large savings could be achieved by eliminating the m-f after school 'activity bus' that served the 300 square mile district but that idea was immediately struck down by the school board, parents and community members who rightly knew that most participants in the after school activities and athletics were entirely reliant on the busses as their sole means of transportation (rural schools-no way to travel to school except by school bus or private cars, no walkers or bike riders permitted due to designation of roads surrounding the campuses). some districts would have sought out a bond initiative but no one desired putting a financial burden on many households already struggling mid recession-other budget cuts were found, community fund raising efforts and private donations have continued that bus to this day.

Uhhhh......yeah. Band camp alone is $475. Plus purchasing uniform pieces and instruments. The last 2 years lunch has been free for all students but I think that is going away this year. And no, school dances are not free.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

curious-what are all the fees parents pay in public schools?

A lot of people have already mentioned things. By the way fees have nothing to do with having a community backing in fact many good districts with healthy community support are the ones who have fees attached. It normally isn't free to have a good school district The more opportunities a school has the more often you'll have additional costs. Odd to connect fees to community backing in the way you did.

For the school district my house is in the following is mentioned "At the time of enrollment, you will pay instructional materials fees of $125. The cost for students attending three hours or less per day is $62.50. (No instructional fees for early childhood students.) You may also purchase lunch tickets, yearbooks, parking permits, activity tickets and pay other miscellaneous fees."

Considered generally the best school district in my state and located next to me:
(Early childhood, elementary, middle and high school) Collected at a rate of $115 per student, this fee is primarily used to purchase materials and supplies that support educational initiatives in the classroom."

Then there's "The activity programming fee is collected at a rate of $25, sixth grade; $55, seventh grade; $90, eighth grade; and $135, 9th-12th grades. Please note there will be a $250 maximum payable amount for families with multiple students. This fee helps support all sports, activities, clubs and other supplemental contract items that require extra-duty supervision from qualified district staff. It only covers a portion of the costs for a student team activity and does not replace fees currently being charged for programs such as drill team, cheerleading, certain clubs or sports." In addition "Certain exploratory/elective courses include additional fees as noted in the respective Program Planning/Course Description Guides. Fee amounts will be finalized and assigned when official schedules are available in August."

Now to go to your point about equal education the district above mentions "District required and middle school exploratory fees will be waived for students who qualify for free and reduced lunches through the Food and Nutrition Services program. Payment plans are also available for families who do not qualify for free and reduced lunches."

All districts also have bus transportation costs depending on how far you are away from each school (the closer you are the less likely you will qualify for free transport) although bus driver shortages has led to removal of certain levels/schools.

 

[tvguy]

dance fees? like going to school dances? those were all free (except prom) when my kids attended. no fees ever for holiday parties (what holidays are even celebrated in public schools anymore?) and while a supply list for items a student will PERSONALLY use and retain is permitted it's illegal to charge for anything like pet food, classroom supplies...

Have to have money to pay for the D.J., or band and refreshments and these days, security. My wife and I both graduated from High School over 50 years ago and you had to pay to go to dances even then. I can only speak to California, but certain fees are perfectly legal here in public schools.
"While generally prohibited, there are some exceptions where fees may be charged, such as for items students can keep (e.g., art projects, safety glasses) or for materials used in activities where students take home the finished product according to the California Department of Education. "

 

[barkley]

Uhhhh......yeah. Band camp alone is $475. Plus purchasing uniform pieces and instruments. The last 2 years lunch has been free for all students but I think that is going away this year. And no, school dances are not free.

was band camp a thing in the 70's? I had lots of band friends and don't remember any of them doing any kind of 'camp' except that they were required (for marching band) to do a few hours of practice daily (early a.m. before it got too hot) starting about 6 weeks before school started to be ready to go when school AND football season started.

 

[tcufrog]

Things have been crazy at our house. School starts back for both kids on August 12th and DS18 returned late Saturday night from the therapeutic boarding school he attended for 11 months for mental health issues. We were able to delay his senior year since the education at the boarding school wasn't very good and he wanted to have a proper senior year. I'm stressed out though because his high school counselor still hasn't contacted us to make his school schedule. She said we're on her list. He has a Zoom session with his private college counselor on August 5th to work on his application. Next week will be super busy because DS14 has high freshman orientation, DS18 has Open House, and we have tons of other things to do to get ready. We won't get school supply shopping lists until school starts so we haven't done that yet but the kids are in the process of cleaning out their closets so I can take them clothes shopping.

I'm stressed out because the kids will be attending different high schools in different school districts which means different school calendars and different school schedules. Neither one of them will be able to ride the bus so my DH will take DS18 to school until he's ready to drive again and I'll take DS14. The schools are 20 minutes apart by car on a good day and I don't know yet what DS18's school hours are until we get his schedule. He doesn't need to take a full course load so hopefully he won't be there for a full school day.

 

[barkley]

By the way fees have nothing to do with having a community backing in fact many good districts with healthy community support are the ones who have fees attached. It normally isn't free to have a good school district The more opportunities a school has the more often you'll have additional costs. Odd to connect fees to community backing in the way you did.

the LACK of fees in my district is entirely due to community backing-there is a belief that a 'free public education' should be just that-free. no additional fees whenever and whereever it is possible. this is not accomplished through school bonds and additional taxes that can place a financial burden on residents. it is a matter of parents/school determining what is beneficial and how to accomplish offering it within the means and resources the district has through public and private resources. I know we are unique. I don't think many district's residents have banded together and formed a community education foundation. our district/community has, it's goals include-

to provide for the ongoing academic, extracurricular, and scholarship needs of the schools, students, teachers, staff and alumni. the foundation was created to enhance the school district and the communities in which it serves. It seeks to bridge the gap between what state and local funds provide and what the systems need to provide our students with the best possible educational experiences, benefiting them now and in the future.

developing private resources to enrich education for the lifelong learning experiences. objectives include enhancing education opportunities for students and alumni; enriching academic experiences by supporting extracurricular activities; encouraging teachers by supporting new and creative ideas for delivering education; and, promoting school and community partnerships to share financial and human resources.

it's a unique approach that has been very successful.

 

[barkley]

All districts also have bus transportation costs depending on how far you are away from each school (the closer you are the less likely you will qualify for free transport) although bus driver shortages has led to removal of certain levels/schools

i've never lived in a district in either of the 2 states I've lived in that charged any student fee no matter where you lived within their bus serviced areas. the ONLY time I had to pay a fee was when my kids went to private school and I learned that state law here allows for an financial agreement to be made between a household and a public school district if their bus route goes past a private school and drop off/pick up at that school does'nt impact their schedule to allow for private schoolstudents to ride.

 

[barkley]

Things have been crazy at our house. School starts back for both kids on August 12th and DS18 returned late Saturday night from the therapeutic boarding school he attended for 11 months for mental health issues. We were able to delay his senior year since the education at the boarding school wasn't very good and he wanted to have a proper senior year. I'm stressed out though because his high school counselor still hasn't contacted us to make his school schedule. She said we're on her list. He has a Zoom session with his private college counselor on August 5th to work on his application. Next week will be super busy because DS14 has high freshman orientation, DS18 has Open House, and we have tons of other things to do to get ready. We won't get school supply shopping lists until school starts so we haven't done that yet but the kids are in the process of cleaning out their closets so I can take them clothes shopping.

I'm stressed out because the kids will be attending different high schools in different school districts which means different school calendars and different school schedules. Neither one of them will be able to ride the bus so my DH will take DS18 to school until he's ready to drive again and I'll take DS14. The schools are 20 minutes apart by car on a good day and I don't know yet what DS18's school hours are until we get his schedule. He doesn't need to take a full course load so hopefully he won't be there for a full school day.

that's allot on your plate. deep breaths, in and out. sending positive thoughts your way for both your sons (and you and your dh). one day at a time (and many days one hour at a time)

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

the LACK of fees in my district is entirely due to community backing-there is a belief that a 'free public education' should be just that-free. no additional fees whenever and whereever it is possible. this is not accomplished through school bonds and additional taxes that can place a financial burden on residents. it is a matter of parents/school determining what is beneficial and how to accomplish offering it within the means and resources the district has through public and private resources. I know we are unique. I don't think many district's residents have banded together and formed a community education foundation. our district/community has, it's goals include-

to provide for the ongoing academic, extracurricular, and scholarship needs of the schools, students, teachers, staff and alumni. the foundation was created to enhance the school district and the communities in which it serves. It seeks to bridge the gap between what state and local funds provide and what the systems need to provide our students with the best possible educational experiences, benefiting them now and in the future.

developing private resources to enrich education for the lifelong learning experiences. objectives include enhancing education opportunities for students and alumni; enriching academic experiences by supporting extracurricular activities; encouraging teachers by supporting new and creative ideas for delivering education; and, promoting school and community partnerships to share financial and human resources.

it's a unique approach that has been very successful.

But that's not why other schools have fees which is very much what you were saying. Most schools have strong enough communities surrounding them. With that often comes the desire to have a multitude of opportunities for the students and often that comes at a cost. The less well off districts often struggle to ask their communities to pay up even if they have strong community backing. Then there's just normal operating costs.

There's also differences in size and socioeconomic backgrounds at play. In my state I feel much more for the rural communities or lower socioeconomic ones who both have issues with money and opportunities. In my area we have it pretty darn well but with all that is available it does cost money to have the options. It's not something you can judge based on charging a fee with a presumption of how a community feels. In my specific district my house is in we generally vote to have school bonds which cost us but are an investment in the community. The same can be said for parks and recs that a county may have or library systems. It costs money for better or worse.

Truly you just came up a bit with your comment. It's pretty commonplace to have fees associated with schools, some have more than others, some higher than others some for more activities than others. It does not however mean that the community around such schools don't believe in their schools as a whole if they have fees (it can also mean they have less opportunities for the students depending on the district), the converse also being the same that a fee does not mean the community doesn't care about their schools.

i've never lived in a district in either of the 2 states I've lived in that charged any student fee no matter where you lived within their bus serviced areas. the ONLY time I had to pay a fee was when my kids went to private school and I learned that state law here allows for an financial agreement to be made between a household and a public school district if their bus route goes past a private school and drop off/pick up at that school does'nt impact their schedule to allow for private schoolstudents to ride.

It's common around here, the master plan is to generally have schools within very close range so there's a lot of schools to service the students so they don't have to go far to get to school. Most districts set the mileage as 2 or 2 1/2 miles away from the school is where you'd get the fee and if you live beyond that it's free, it depends on the school level too (elementary, middle and high school). The fee is most often applied at the high school level as the districts have 4-5 of them so they are more spread out.

 

[tvguy]

i've never lived in a district in either of the 2 states I've lived in that charged any student fee no matter where you lived within their bus serviced areas. the ONLY time I had to pay a fee was when my kids went to private school and I learned that state law here allows for an financial agreement to be made between a household and a public school district if their bus route goes past a private school and drop off/pick up at that school does'nt impact their schedule to allow for private schoolstudents to ride.

No bus service here. District I live in went with open enrollment about 25 years ago. Few students go to their neighborhood/assigned school. Because of that bus service went away. Impossible to come up with a bus route. There are 44 houses on my street, none of the children since open enrollment has attended the assigned (default school}. And best I can tell, other than siblings, no two students on my street attended the same elementary, Junior High, or High School. Our High schools all have "focuses". One is a Fundamental High School, another an IB, another a culinary, and another industrial arts. Only students who get bus service are Special Education students, and Federal Law requires bus service for them, at no cost.

 

[tvguy]

It's common around here, the master plan is to generally have schools within very close range so there's a lot of schools to service the students so they don't have to go far to get to school. Most districts set the mileage as 2 or 2 1/2 miles away from the school is where you'd get the fee and if you live beyond that it's free, it depends on the school level too (elementary, middle and high school). The fee is most often applied at the high school level as the districts have 4-5 of them so they are more spread out.

During the baby boom in the 1950s and 60s our school district was laid out with every student within one mile of an elementary school, two miles of a Middle School, and three miles of a High School. All were considered walkable distances, but back then bus service was offered. I have lost track of how many of those schools have closed in the last 25 years as enrollment nose dived. Several have been sold/leased to private schools. A couple torn down. So that grid no longer exists.