I got the kids' school supply lists today....

[Daxx]

I have to say that as a kindergarten teacher, it's a little discouraging to read how irate people can be about providing kids with the supplies they'll need for 10 months. In my building, I get $150 to order supplies for the year. That's it. I'll have a minimum of 20 students.

Do the math...that's $7.50 for supplies for each student for an entire year. That's construction paper, glue refills, paint, playdough, art and craft supplies, food items for recipes in the year, markers...you name it.

I spend so much of my own money on my students. I'm not complaining...I've come to realize that's what it takes to make a quality program that's exciting for my kids.

I don't ask parents to send in cameras, but I do ask for wipes, tissues, and ziploc bags. I also ask for *donations* of other classroom supplies. My students bring basic supplies as well. This year I'm also asking each child to bring in 4 tennis balls. Why? Because I'm going to cut a slit in them and put them on the legs of the chairs so that they don't make so much noise on the floor. I'll be sure to let them know what they're for on my supply list.

It really bugs me to listen to people complain about giving their kids supplies that a teacher requests. I'll concede that some of these things (camera) are over the top...but people...this is your child's education! It's not a teacher conspiracy to make you spend needless money, believe me...teachers are spending plenty of their own cash too, on your kids!

Try this...don't send in any supplies, the teacher will spend no money on supplies and see how happy you are with the way the program ends up.

Thanks to those who support classroom teachers with a great attitude! You are sending your kids a great message .

Thank you from a fellow Kdg. teacher who, like you, gets a small classroom budget and willingly (and happily) fills in for the rest out of her own pocket! I wish parents realized that most of the things that come from their child's classroom come directly from our pockets.

Why do we ask for so many glue sticks? B/c a glue stick to a Kdg. student is like crack to an addict. Even though we teach the "Glue Rule" (around the edge of the paper and a small x in the middle), your little ones think that if every last inch of paper isn't coated in glue, then it won't stick. We go through glue sticks so quickly!

And, tissue -- oh, boy -- Kdg. students come up w/a runny nose, dab at it and toss the tissue. They don't blow even though heaven knows how many times we've tried to teach them ...

Brand names -- let's just say that the best qualilty alleviates stress for a child. Kids can't cut w/plastic blade scissors. Dollar Store crayons are primarily wax and v. little color and don't produce the vibrance of Crayola's. And, when Johnny's picture isn't as colorful as Susie's b/c he has $ Store crayons, guess who he's going to get mad at?! You bet -- at me!!!! Pink Pearl erasers are the best on the type of paper we use in the classroom. They don't tear the paper and do a great job of erasing. Some erasers smear the pencil markings or tear the paper! There is a reason why we teachers ask for brand names and that's to make your child's life a bit more easier!!!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I just bought supplies for DS the other day. I only spent $10, including the 2 boxes of kleenex. Target has awesome sales. Plus we will have some extras for his older sisters--he needed 4 folders, but I got a pack of 10 for $1. He also needed one red pen, but I again got $10 for $1. So I have 9 red pens and 6 folders for the girls. I won't have their lists until next month (one in jr. high, one in HS) and the big sale at Target ends this weekend, I think. I also picked up 6 book covers at 50 cents each for the girls--I'm sure they'll need some, and again, the sale will be over.
I also do some creative supply. I teach HS and every year I have kids just leave 3 ring binders and the dividers for inside of them in my room. I grabbed about 5 binders and a bunch of dividers last year after school was out for the year and put them in a box in the basement. Now I will use one for DS's music class (he needs a separate binder) and have extra for the girls--especially when a binder falls apart in the middle of winter on a freezing day and they say "Mom, I need a binder!" They know now to check the box first. I'm getting quite a stash, just from older HS kids who would just throw practically new stuff away.
I hate when my kids come home on the first day and need this, this and this. Why? Because that first couple of weeks of teaching the last place I want to be at night is at Target or Meijer looking for supplies. I like having it done and over with before I go back to work.
Robin M.

 

[FergieTCat]

1 EMPTY jar of Play-Doh

OK, I give up. Why "Empty" jars of Play-doh?

 

[Disney Doll]

Here is Christian's list from the 6th grade teacher:

erasable pens
sharpened pencils
2" ringbinder
sharp scissors
highlighters
markers
a paper-back book to read


We were advised to come to 6th grade orientation on a certain date and meet the teachers and he could practice opening his locker
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Christian is severely mentally handicapped. Not only does he not read and write, he wouldn't know what to do with a locker if it fell on him.and I'm sure not giving him some pointy scissors

I can't wait to hear what band instrument they've signed him up for.

Gotta love mainstreaming!!

We have a friend who has a mentally handicapped child, and let me tell you, the lack of common sense in the educational system amazes me. Please note that I did not says teachers, because I know teachers are told what to do by someone higher up who hasn't set foot in a classroom in 86 years.

With our little guy, the town is pretty good about mainstreaming him in those classes where he can participate, and then having him go back to the special needs classes for other stuff. His parenst are also realistic about his development and abilities, and his need to be "challenged" a bit by attending some mainstream classes. We have a couple of sets of parents in our town who have special needs kids who insist that their child be in every class with their age-appropriate grade. So their kid sits there with an aide coloring while everyone else learns Algebra...a subject their child will not ever master. I just think it would be so much better for the child to learn things that will benefit him or her, like life skills.

But hey, what do I know?

 

[paigevz]

OK, I give up. Why "Empty" jars of Play-doh?

Ah, those are supply holders. They hold crayons very well........perfect size. They also are perfect for a set of markers.........they cram in just right so none are falling out or leaning over. It's like a desk's pencil holder.

Some PK, K, 1st teachers put a basket on each table or cluster of desks, with labeled playdoh cans for each color of crayon..........so all the browns in one, blues in one, etc. This way they can easily check that there are enough of each color for the children at that place.

Your teacher may also be using it for individual holders so the markers or crayons or whatever she wants it for won't go rolling all over in use.

You can also pour plaster of paris in them, sink the caps of the markers in so they are poking up a bit, and then the kids just press the marker down into their cap. Easier to keep them from leaving the lids off and drying them out.

I read someone saying they didn't have brand requests as a kid..........I did.....Big Chief Tablet.

I agree about community supplies. I don't like it and I don't do it. I give out a few to begin with. The rest go in a baggie in my filing cabinet with the child's name. When he/she runs low, I send a note home. If a child brings no or few supplies then I assume that is all they can afford. If you don't send all your child's supplies on principal, then the principal is lost because I'll be supplying your child like all the others who can't afford it. If I supply the child, then I continue to supply them when they run out. The parents don't need the added stress of a note about pencils when they are trying to get the electricity back on.

I don't get paid back for what I spend on the children, just like I didn't for buying neighborhood children things they needed. I like to buy for the children. I just get less artsy stuff, gifts and other fun things if I have to buy more supplies. This year I restocked my soccer and basketballs.......I got six each. Each type of ball lasts about half a year, so I'm good for three years now.........they won't buy as these as they aren't "educational" and the kids get PE. I find fewer discipline problems and more exercise if they have them at recess. I do get to take some of what I spend off taxes now though.

 

[SandraVB79]

When I read some of these lists, I'm like
I went 3 years to kindergarten, 6 years to elementary school, 6 years to secondary school, 5 years to university and 1 year to management school. That are many years at school. I never used as much in my life, and they need it for one year???? again!

5 Marble Notebooks => can understand that, although, I only started using that much a year during the last three years of secondary school.
50 sharpened pencils => don't think I've used up 50 pencils all the way during my life. But, we had to write with ink (fountain pens).
2 large boxes of crayons => can't they start with one and if they need more, just get more during the year? Don't think I've used that many all the way (you know, until there is no pencil/ crayon left)
2 voxes of colored pencils => ditto
2 boxes of colored markers => I did use that much.
4 pocket folders
scissors
4 bottles of glue => Excuse me??? what are they glueing???????
6 glue sticks => Excuse me???? The only time I needed a second one, was when I left the first one open, and it dried out! :
4 large erasers
homework pad
2 boxes of tissues => you need tissue boxes at school in the US?? We just all took our handkerchiefs/ paper tissues when we were sick (had a cold)
smock => no idea what that is
pencil sharpener with dome
4 packs of index cards
index card box
2 dry erase markers-different colors
bottle of Hand sanitizer => didn't exist in my time. I do have a good immunity system built up in the meanwhile
box of baby wipes => Don't even want to know what that is for
box of gallon size ziplock bags => don't want to know about that either
3 pack of highlighters
2 packs of post it notes => Those I used with thousands during my school years. And I still use them a lot. I even take them with me to Disney, and stick my notes to the map I use that day!
check for 3.75 to scholastic news
ruler
pocket dictionary
compass => never ever owned one

 

[ChristmasElf]

Maddy is going into kindergarten this year....and here's what we had to buy.

16 glue sticks
24 #2 pencils
3 24 count Crayola crayon boxes
1 EMPTY jar of Play-Doh
1 pencil box
1 eraser
1 ream of copy paper
1 box of tissues
5 folders with prongs and pockets
1 box of baby wipes
1 box of brown paper bags
1 box of resealable Ziploc gallon bags
1 box of washable Crayola markers
1 blunt pair of scissors

Now, what makes this even MORE interesting is only the *girls* in the class have to being tons of glue. I have no idea why.

Also, each teacher will be giving the parents a list of things she ALSO wants when they do meet the teacher. Oh, did I tell you meet the teacher is at YOUR HOUSE? Since when did THIS start happening??? Her K teacher is coming here Friday morning. Huh.

Hello neighbor.
My children went to one of the Charter schools that Orange county has a few years ago and we had to go through that "meet the teacher at home" meetings too. It was so the teacher could get an insight as to the childs living situation. Total bunk if ya ask me!
We also had to fill out a questionaire with one of the questions being,
Do you have your own room?
How many Televisions does your house have?
Do you live with Mommy and Daddy both?
Some questions were totally uncalled for. We had the teacher's over, (2 kids) and they had a look see around, then the second day of school each child came home with an additional list of supplies. One of the requests was strange, an electric frying pan!! When I asked the school what they would need that for, the lady in the office seemed puzzled as well and said she had NO idea but would check.
Never heard another thing about it. thought that was weird.

 

[SandraVB79]

An electric frying pan????

Sure the teacher wasn't installing her kitchen??? Or maybe she was getting the supplies for the corn-and-beanie weenies-conga-meeting at the GF pool

 

[rigs32]

For parents who think the schools should provide all supplies, where do you draw the line? Should a school provide the kids clothes, too? (note: I don't think people posting here would take this attitude, but some of those you talked about might)

I disagree with the higher priced items and pooling, but parents should have to ask for assistance with supplies if they need it, not just send their kid empty handed. Not in a demeaning way, but there must be some way to request help from the PTA or a local charity if you need it.

I always hated in high school when each class wanted a 2-3" bindr brought to class each day along with the textbook. There were only 3 min between classes in out ~1400 student high school. You couldn't always get to your locker and back without being late. Add onto this block scheduled honors/AP classes and you have a hoard of 20 kids dragging around college textbooks and these giant binders all afternoon moving through the halls in a pack.

Law school supplies are easy - I bring a spiral notebook, a pen, and my planner. Textbooks, of course, but in some classes I type notes on the cases and print them so I don't have to lug the books with me and it helps me learn more thoroughly.

 

[Becky2005]

The biggie on my DD's Middle School list is a Flash Drive. It does say it's optional though. The bummer part is last year they had to have ONE disk (good luck with that!), so DH got a pack of disks thinking we would just use one for each year she needed them. This year it changed to Flash Drives.

At least I *do* know they do use that for their computer stuff, they work on the stuff in the computer lab & then copy their stuff to their disks. My hunch is the disks are too small anymore for all the data that goes on it.

I'm not so sure they use all the stuff but most of it does get used. I know it says 24 crayon count but last year Target was doing instant substitutions when they were out of the smaller sizes, so you got the bigger sizes for the same price. You bet I got the bigger ones. Now, if it says classic colors, I make sure to get classic & not neon or something like that.

It should be interesting to see how things go this year as my 1st grader has motor skill problems and they are supposed to supply him with triangular crayons & pencils. I wasn't sure if I should go ahead and get him the regular ones too or not. I did because they were on sale & I'm not 100% sure they will actually *have* his pencils/crayons available the first day of class even though they are supposed to.

Although, some of the folders came back in mint condition. I know the only community class things are Kleenex & hand soap. Also the computer lab with Wet Wipes -- only 1 grade has to bring that though. Same with Art. So it basically you get one year where you are supplying the Art room & Computer room with wet wipes.

 

[pixiemomma]

I'm surprised by how little is on both the K and 2nd grade lists. It is very basic stuff...pencils, crayons (8), pencil box, bookbag, folders, gluesticks and scissors. I would have no problem buying additional items or donating whatever the teacher needs.

 

[ChristmasElf]

The "Problem Solvers" on local 6 here in Orlando just did a story on the school lists having such items listed like toilet paper and soap among other things. The news guy was questioning the school superintendant as to why the school district was not supplying these items.
I think there should be a link somewhere and I will post it.

 

[Becky2005]

Just dug out my kid's school supply list & realized I didn't get the Softsoap for my 4th grader. OOPS! And as I'm typing realized my 1st grader didn't have it either. Looks like 2 soft soaps need to be gotten.

I was so happy to that I got almost everything on 3 kid's lists (including the large boxes of Kleenex & Wet Wipes) plus extra fun things for my 7th graders locker for under $100.00 at Target. Guess I will be back for that supply.

1st grade

Crayola Basic Crayons -- 24 colors
Kleenex (large, unopened) -- 1
Elmers School Glue (4 oz.) White Only -- 2 (no gel, glitter or stick)
Scissors 5" pointed (does say Fiskers or equal quality) -- 1
Eraser -- 1 Pink
Pencils #2 (Wood Only) -- 6 sharpened Yellow wooden
Pocket Folder -- 1 red, blue, green
School Box, Only rectangular -- 8"x5"
Spiral Notebook (wide rule) - 2 No perforations
Crayola Watercolor Markers (8 Classic Colors) -- 1 thick point
Crayola Colored Pencils, Long -- 1 pack 12 ct
SoftSoap -- Boys (the girls have Ziplock baggies)
Unscented Wet Wipes
Old shirt for Art & a pair of gym shoes to leave at school.

4th grade
Is almost identical with the following additions:

2 boxes of Kleenex
Glue -- has to have 2 glue sticks in addition to regular glue
Ball Point Pen -- Erasermate
Ruler, 12" wodden (metric & inch)
Pencils -- 2 boxes
Looseleaf wide ruled paper
2-Pocket Folders -- 5 of different colors
1 covered pencil sharpener
Multiplication & Division Flashcards
1 pack 4ct Dry Erase Washable markers
Art -- Wet Wipes

7th grade
Flash Drive/USB Drive (optional)
loose-leaf notebook paper (3 packages)
pens (blue or black only)
#2 pencils with erasers
colored pencils
Washable colored markers
scissors
highlighter
2 packs 3x5 index cards
3 glue sticks
3 individual spiral notebooks
ruler: metric & English
2 boxes of tissues
TI-30X IIS calculator
Post-it notes
Pocket folder for each subject
(They also need a gym uniform & shoes to keep at school) plus she has a few extra things with orchestra & choir.

The 7th graders is probably the easiest because it doesn't specify any brands or sizes with stuff like the colored pencils, markers, it's basically whatever your child wants. I do know they use the index cards a lot & the post it notes. It didn't say anything specifically about a binder but we got her a zippered one to keep all the folders & papers and things in.

 

[JVL1018]

I have to say that as a kindergarten teacher, it's a little discouraging to read how irate people can be about providing kids with the supplies they'll need for 10 months. In my building, I get $150 to order supplies for the year. That's it. I'll have a minimum of 20 students.

.

I think some people get annoyed because they pay SO much in taxes(we pay $11,000 a year, 65-70% of which go to our public schools, town of 26,000, 5 grammar schools, 1 middle, 1 high)that it seems inconceivable that with all that money going to the school budget, we'd have to provide everything.

That said, I actually love shopping for school supplies. LOL The only general item on my DD's list last year was tissues, and I was happy to send that in. They do get tissues, but they are the industrial, scratchy, not so nice for little noses kind. I sent in nice soft Puffs.

The kids all kept their own pencils, crayons, glue, etc.
I don't care about having to buy something for another child in need, I'd be happy to donate, but I like to get my DD fun things like pencils with her name on them, or with the princesses on them, so I'd rather not have to pool them, and just buy them specifically for those in need--but that situation didn't arise here anyway.

I am itching to get her list this year. Any excuse to shop.

My problem is as a class mom the parents who won't send in FIVE measly dollars that the other class Mom and I requested to cover every party we had during the year. Not $5 per party, $5 for the entire year.

I spent a lot of my own money on stuff for the kids, and that's fine, I can afford an extra $50, $75 or so, but it bugs me when a parent doesn't even send in the money. I'll go above and beyond, but I'd appreciate the little bit that was requested, as their children did participate.

If it was someone who was against having parties in school, I could see, but that wasn't the case.

 

[Snowysmom]

Reading all these supply lists makes me glad my kids are in high school and college. Basically we get notebooks, pens, pencils, and computer paper. Occasionally a teacher will want a notebook binder and paper. We buy a big supply of CDRs when they are on sale. When I went to school (back in the dinosaur age), we just showed up on the first day of school with our lunches. Even when my kids were younger, the lists were no where near as long as they are now. I do know budget cuts have influenced the length of the supply lists. It can be a hardship for some people and I hope the schools are able to help those people.

 

[LisaB]

I can't believe some of the lists. My daughter is in 2nd grade in a private school
Her list

24 Crayons
markers
pencils
glue sticks
glue
2 2 pocket folders
2 1 subject notebook
1 pencil box
box of tissue

We pay $ 50 at the begining of the year for all the field trips so you aren't dishing out money every time you turn arround. Also we have 4 major fundraisers-- Alumni Drive which goes mostly to scholarships, Manhattan by the Bay ( a Cabaret style night) A Golf and Tennis tournament.

 

[Chipperdini]

Man, my folks had it easy.

Beyond that, I think I'll just bite my tongue.

 

[Annette_VA]

I've got one entering K and one starting preschool. I've spent about $60 on supplies, not including backpacks and lunch/snack boxes:

Preschooler:
Fiskars blunt point scissors $2.49
Large Crayola crayons (box of 8) $2.19
Elmer's Fat Glue Sticks (3) $5.07
Aleen's Tacky Glue $0.88
Washable Markers (basic colors) $1.00
Huggies Baby Wipes $2.39
Disposable Camera $7.99
Total: $22.01

Kindergartener:
12 #2 pencils $0.80
3 boxes crayons (24 count) $0.60
2 bottles Elmer's School Glue (8 oz) $2.98
12 glue sticks $1.20
Fiskars blunt point scissors $2.49
2 black & white composition notebooks $1.00
2 boxes colored pencils $1.78
1 box washable markers (8 count) $1.00
1 single subject spiral notebook $1.50
2 primary (fat) pencils $0.79
1 package 3x5 index cards $0.47
1 package Expo dry erase markers $3.89
1 bottle antibacterial hand soap $1.49
1 large box tissues $1.79
1 box baby wipes $2.39
1 clipboard $3.99
3x5 index card box $1.39
Rest mat (blue & red type) $6.86
1 box each gallon & quart Ziploc bags $3.74
Total $40.15

Yeah, I made a spreadsheet of my supplies & costs. I'm a geek

 

[minkydog]

I usually ignore the list they send. I figure if they are going to be so careless/clueless as to ask for supplies my boy will never use in this lifetime(scissors? a paper-back booK??) then they probably will never know that I "neglected" to buy them.

Christian(11) is in a self-contained severely mentally impaired class. He works on learning his colors(red, yellow, &blue so far ), going to the bathroom(for which i supply diapers, wipes and hand soap--he's allergic to the school brand), feeding himself(with snacks I provide), and carrying things in his basket to the table. At no time in the last 6 yrs has he ever needed a pencil, a marker, a notebook, or a camera. If he lives to be 100 he will never use those supplies.

On the first day of school I will send the following:
graham crackers
Kool-aid mix
peanut butter
fruit cups
granola bars
instant oatmeal
diapers
wipes
hand soap
two sets of extra clothes

Believe it or not, they do use an electric frying pan in his class As part of their therapy, they cook pancakes, cookies and cakes, and practice eating, pulling chairs out from the table, clearing their dishes, and stirring. Who needs markers?

 

[MareQ]

I am always confused when I see this. NEVER EVER while growing up did my schools give a list of requied supplies and they still dont do this. I can see as they get older buying notebooks and pens/pencils but all I send my younger ones with are pencils - the school supplies the rest.