Okay I am ticked!!!

[ENSOCK]

My boys start school this Thursday. At the end of last year I received the youngest's new school list for second grade. This was fine and I purchased all of the supplies that was listed. (at least 60.00 worth) I found out that he has the new teacher via a letter she sent home. I emailed her to welcome her to the school and to see if there were any supplies that would be needed extra. I got a whole new list with extras not on the first list. At least another 30.00 bucks! I HATE SCHOOL!!!!!

Thank you for letting me vent! Off to Walmart!

 

[formernyer]

School supply lists always tick me off. As far as I'm concerned, I should have to supply backpack, pencils, pens, notebooks/filler paper, folders (any color/style I choose) and a binder of my own choosing. In the younger grades, I don't mind providing crayons or glue. Other than that, the lists seriously make me mad!

 

[spaceacewannabe]

School supply lists always tick me off. As far as I'm concerned, I should have to supply backpack, pencils, pens, notebooks/filler paper, folders (any color/style I choose) and a binder of my own choosing. In the younger grades, I don't mind provided crayons or glue. Other than that, the lists seriously make me mad!

I understand it can be frustrating, but why do school supply lists make you mad?
BTW, the specific colors of folders are to teach students organizational skills, so they are trying---although I know that's rough with kids that have folder preferences...I certainly did when I was that age.

 

[Hannathy]

I get angry at the certain colors also! After Kindergarten I don't understand them. I can accomplish the same thing by writing READING on any color with a sharpie! If they can read mark them and who gives a flying fig what color they are. My DS got grief last yr when we ran out of yellow notebooks toward the end of the yr and he used a heaven forbid a different color notebook! I wasn't going to pay full price when I still had some 10 cent ones left over just so it could be yellow. How crazy. They should be happy the kids have supplies not act like spoiled children that they don't have the "color" they want.

 

[spaceacewannabe]

I get angry at the certain colors also! After Kindergarten I don't understand them. I can accomplish the same thing by writing READING on any color with a sharpie! If they can read mark them and who gives a flying fig what color they are. My DS got grief last yr when we ran out of yellow notebooks toward the end of the yr and he used a heaven forbid a different color notebook! I wasn't going to pay full price when I still had some 10 cent ones left over just so it could be yellow. How crazy. They should be happy the kids have supplies not act like spoiled children that they don't have the "color" they want.

As a teacher that spends a great deal of my own money on school supplies, I'm more than a little offended by the spoiled children comment and that we should be "happy the kids have supplies." I personally provide all the folders for my quarter-long class as well as loose leaf and currently have two flutes and a clarinet being used by students. I'm happy to do this but not happy to hear my profession compared to spoiled children over a notebook.

I understand being frustrated and at the end of the year sending any old color (and at that point, I don't think it should matter much), but you're spending money in tax dollars for the teacher to do their job, and if they can do it more efficiently by helping kids organize by color, shouldn't that be a good thing? The color-coding may not work for your child, but I know it saves a LOT of time in elementary classrooms with cluttered desks. You can see that a folder is red without clearing everything off the top...can't read it if it's covered in other junk, though.

Just trying to explain that there IS logic behind the color thing.

To the OP, that really does stink. What was so different than the other teachers for that grade? Here, the grades all have the same list...doesn't vary by teacher, to the best of my knowledge.

 

[ShesAPirate]

My boys start school this Thursday. At the end of last year I received the youngest's new school list for second grade. This was fine and I purchased all of the supplies that was listed. (at least 60.00 worth) I found out that he has the new teacher via a letter she sent home. I emailed her to welcome her to the school and to see if there were any supplies that would be needed extra. I got a whole new list with extras not on the first list. At least another 30.00 bucks! I HATE SCHOOL!!!!!

Thank you for letting me vent! Off to Walmart!

That definitely sounds like a lot of school supplies! Being someone who doesn't have kids yet, and coming from a time when there were no lists sent home, I am so curious to know what's on the lists!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

My son starts school in a year now. and im one who will get him what i trhink he needs. any thing else the schools should have Im not rich and I dont like the school system as it is.. one mess up and im yanking him out. (i got relly pissed when i heard teachers telling ppl they were gona force kids in this state to speak spanish..bull..my son speaks english so should all the other kids. And on supply lists well glue siciors those things teachs should have not kids.

Papaer pen pncel folder binder (any thing i pick) backpack (disney for sure)

I relly starteing to fill awkard about putting him in these schools around her and so scared

 

[formernyer]

spaceacewannabe - I think you're being a tad sensitive because you're a teacher. Trust me, I don't think the teachers should have to provide this stuff out of pocket either and I know for a fact that the teachers' classroom budgets in our school system is inadequate.

However, I still feel it's absurd that the parents are required to spend about $50 per child on average in supplies. I see no problem with my children washing their hands and desks with school-supplied brown paper towels, water, and that crappy pink soap in the dispensers. I shouldn't have to send in paper towels, Lysol wipes, and antibacterial hand sanitizer.

It shouldn't matter what brand of scissors or crayons I provide. If I want to send in RoseArt instead of Fiskars and Crayola, that should be my perogative.

I shouldn't have to provide the classroom with ziploc bags, dry erase markers, 2 bags of small candies for rewards, or tennis balls to attach to the desk/chair bottoms. These should be teacher wishlist items, NOT requirements. And despite the fact that I'm complaining here, I'm not stingy with my kids' teachers...I donate more to the classrooms that just about any other parents. I just don't think it's right to make certain items REQUIREMENTS.

And in response to your diatribe about the colored folders, the colors are the least of my concerns, but there have been times when a certain color wasn't available in the first store I went to and I should not be required to drive all over town looking for silly color-coordinated folders. My kids are not in kindergarten and they are capable of finding the proper folder regardless of whatever color it may be. If the teachers are so attached to the idea of having color distinctions, they could very easily give each kid colored sitckers to attach to the spine of each folder so it's easily identifiable without having to sort through the entire desk.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

I don't begrudge spending money on things that facilitate the education of my children.

 

[ceecee]

Crayola crayons are much superior to Roseart which are mostly wax, therefore the coloring is faster, neater and easier. The Fiskars scissors actually cut (they usually are on sale for $1.00-$1.50)whereas the cheapy ones don't and so the kids borrow from others with the good scissors that do cut. The folders are colors to help with organizing subjects. Give teachers a break! Tthey have so much to deal with. Be glad they actually take an interest and request the better supplies that last longer and are a better investment for your child's education.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

ok i dont think the teachers should have to spend there hard earned money they get paid crap ye tteach our kids and alot of kids now adays are jerks and have no respect.. I think the goverment should buy papaer and stuf for kids

Any ways heres a special I usely like
stapels- 10 note books for a doller - 5dollers per person. me my mom sis and ex all lined up we each had 5 dollers 50 pads of papaer a piece...

Im sure teachers could go to stapels.. it might save some money

Ive noticed stapels has that sell every year im gona do it agine this year i use pads of paer all time

 

[MinnieNurse]

I don't begrudge spending money on things that facilitate the education of my children.

I definitely agree with this comment and am one of the parents who is always willing to send more Kleenex, hand cleaner, prizes for for the students or whatever the teacher asks for as she needs it.

Who we really should be mad at is the parents who don't do their part and send supplies with their kids. These are the people we are taking slack up for.

I have a friend who is a 2nd grade teacher and you would not believe how much she spends out of her pocket every year and she said you would be surprised at how many parents do not send supplies for their kids.

My son is going in 3rd grade and I must say has had 3 excellent teachers who have helped him grow into a smart and responsible little guy- We love teachers and demand he respect them.

Our school uses the different color folders for different things-like red may be their take home folder, blue writing folder, etc... Makes sense to me.

To the teachers out there-Keep doing what you do-its a tough job and you deserve much respect and reward for what you do.

 

[formernyer]

Crayola crayons are much superior to Roseart which are mostly wax, therefore the coloring is faster, neater and easier. The Fiskars scissors actually cut (they usually are on sale for $1.00-$1.50)whereas the cheapy ones don't and so the kids borrow from others with the good scissors that do cut. The folders are colors to help with organizing subjects. Give teachers a break! Tthey have so much to deal with. Be glad they actually take an interest and request the better supplies that last longer and are a better investment for your child's education.

I don't deny that Crayola and Fiskars products are better. They also happen to be the brands that I always have on hand because I'm a dealhunter and pick them up whenever I can get them for $.20 or less each. HOWEVER, if the school isn't going to provide these items, then I should have a right to provide my child with whatever brand I want. And yes, it should be a pair of scissors which actually cuts...believe it or not, there ARE scissors which aren't Fiskars brand and still cut!!!

Like I already stated in a prior post, I don't think the teachers should have to provide these items out of pocket and I think that the teachers' budgets from the schools are too low. At the same time, the parents aren't made of money either and shouldn't be required to provide convenience items or items of a particular brand. If the teacher feels he/she simply can't adapt and teach effectively without multi-colored folders or name brand crayons, then quite honestly, the teacher needs to be working in another profession.

 

[formernyer]

I definitely agree with this comment and am one of the parents who is always willing to send more Kleenex, hand cleaner, prizes for for the students or whatever the teacher asks for as she needs it.

I am this way too...I probably send in 10 times my share throughout the course of the school year. However, that doesn't change my opinion one bit about what should be REQUIRED. If I'm going to send in convenience items, it should be out of the goodness of my heart, and not because the teacher thinks it's inconvenient to send kids to the sink to wash their hands the old fashioned way.

 

[bbmommy]

I definitely agree with this comment and am one of the parents who is always willing to send more Kleenex, hand cleaner, prizes for for the students or whatever the teacher asks for as she needs it.

Who we really should be mad at is the parents who don't do their part and send supplies with their kids. These are the people we are taking slack up for.

I have a friend who is a 2nd grade teacher and you would not believe how much she spends out of her pocket every year and she said you would be surprised at how many parents do not send supplies for their kids.

My son is going in 3rd grade and I must say has had 3 excellent teachers who have helped him grow into a smart and responsible little guy- We love teachers and demand he respect them.

Our school uses the different color folders for different things-like red may be their take home folder, blue writing folder, etc... Makes sense to me.

To the teachers out there-Keep doing what you do-its a tough job and you deserve much respect and reward for what you do.

Thank you for you nice comment, I teach and our district provides the list....I wish I could do my own. I really don't need them to buy highlighters, but would love to request specific color folders. I just use what the district asks for and buy what I want for my specific kids. I teach 2nd grade, and would love to not spend my own money for my students, but when I picked education I knew I was never going to be rich!!

 

[poohs_hunny]

I emailed her to welcome her to the school and to see if there were any supplies that would be needed extra. I got a whole new list with extras not on the first list.

While I agree that that is an outrageous amount of supplies ($90 worth??), I'm just wondering why you specifically asked if there were any additional supplies if you did not want to buy anything else?

 

[momxx5]

I hope this thread does not turn ugly.

I applaud all teachers!! They are one of the most important factors in our children's lives and yet underpaid and under appreciated.

In most cases teachers do not have a choice of supply lists. Our school puts out a general supply list for each grade. I just printed the 4th grade list this morning and man it was long. Sure some teachers add other things, but not just to bug you, there is a reason. Why not spend some time speaking with the teacher to find out the reason and getting to know the teacher. Hey, just an idea.

The schools no longer supply many of the basics and thus the burden is put on the parents. Yes, it is sad that some parents do not do their part and other parents must take up the slack, as others have said. I am one who sends in extras to make sure no child goes without.
Sure, you can send in the RoseArt supplies, but when most kids are using Crayola don't be surprised when your child wishes he had what others had. Then you may end up buying the items twice. BTW, crayons are $4/1 at TRU today.
My DH was floored a few years ago when the teachers actually ran out of copy paper and sent a note home for donations. Our school office also has a fundraiser just to get items for the office staff....a new stapler, a file system not provided by central office, etc.

In this day and age, we have to look at is as, we, the parents are providing a supplement education. I am sure some of those complaining will be the ones doing the extra studying and helping during homework. Well helping with supplies is for your child, not for the ease of a teacher.
Why not do it for your children. If it really is a financial hardship that arrangements can be made.
As for those speaking who do not have children in the school system....never say never....things change.

Do you know that many teachers are parents as well, and they have to buy supply lists too.

Okay, since I have 5 children to buy for, with a limited budget, I watch for the sales, buy paper by the case and have a huge bin filled with supplies, so that mid-year I still have supplies that need to be restocked.
Off my soap box now.....

 

[annakris1973]

The problem I have is sending in "community" supplies... Like Crayola crayons, markers and colored pencils and glue sticks. It makes me so angry that I purchase "the good stuff" and other people send in junk or nothing at all. Then by mid year, my son is using crappy broken Rose Art crayons, dried up glue sticks and scissors that don't cut. We have to send in soap and hand sanitizer because the janitors took the liquid soap out of the bathrooms because they got tired of cleaning it up. THAT to me is lazy. NOW they want us to send in Expo markers and copy paper. Do any of you guys remember having to buy chalk and copy paper when you were kids? Of course not....we never got 14 worksheets a day....we had to copy from the book or the board!!!!!

But, here it is another year, and I am sending in my $100 worth of school supplies. And I will continue to do so with a smile. At least I am not writing a tuition check!

 

[mamalle]

I too have a problem with some of the items listed but I still purchased everything on the list- will still have to buy the required agenda and "donate" a $20 activity fee for each child. I'm still trying to figure out where my $20 went last year for dd's class since everytime there was a event- us homeroom mothers bought everything. dd's teacher sent us out a letter last year that the items had to be replaced on a trimester basis. It wasnt on the school paperwork in the beginning of the year or items that were listed at the beginning. None of the other 1st grade teachers were doing it.. but like usual I sent all the items in. Ticked me off since if they were listed in the beginning of the year I would of bought more since it was on sale and tax free. But lucky us- dd came home with 15 gluesticks at the end of the year. Of course not the brand listed either.. Guess she sorted through all of the items that were left over and gave them back to the kids. I truly need to be more involved with the PTA/SAC and see were the money is going because with two children in the school Im starting to wonder as Im sitting here packing up my 3 boxes of pampers wipes, paper towels, Expo dry erase markers and 10 boxes of crayola crayons, etc for ds for his community supply in his kindergarten class....

 

[momxx5]

Sample 4th grade supply list:


2- 1 ½ inch binders
1 red folder with prongs- writing
1 blue folder with prongs- SSR
1 green folder with prongs- journal for reflection
5 spiral notebooks
pencil case- no boxes
2 glue sticks
pencils
crayons
colored pencils
markers (washable)
3 different colored highlighters
box of Kleenex
paper towels
Germ X
Expo cleaner
Clorox wipes
Hand soap
3 packages notebook paper
wooden ruler
Fiskars scissors
1 box of gallon size storage bags
1 box of sandwich size storage bags
no roller bookbags

*teachers may request additional items if needed