Please explain school supply requirements

[luvmy3]

Pooling supplies makes a huge difference in the efficiency of the classroom in the early grades. The idea that I'm supposed to slow down learning in my classroom so each kid can go to their cubby and get their own crayons before they work in the art center, and then put them back and go get their own dry erase marker when it's time to play the games at the math center, etc . . . so that parents can be confident that their child used their own $.50. box of crayons and not someone else's is baffling. Those minutes add up, if kids lose 2 minutes each center transition, and they transition 6 or so times a day, that's an hour of learning a week, 180 hours a year. Is that really what you want?

If I'm going to to pool supplies, then I can't ask some other child to suffer because you sent in worthless crayons, and they'll get stuck in the back of the closet. And then when I run out I'll either use my own money or my classroom budget to replace them. If I ask for something, and you can't afford it, I understand, but sending in something that isn't what I asked for -- like Roseart crayons, or plastic scissors, or college ruled composition notebooks won't help. On the other hand, if your child comes to school with things my child can't afford, and talking about their Disney trip, and you argue that you couldn't afford the extra $.50 for crayons then I'll silently judge you, nmot your child, just you.

Um, okay.
I said I don't care if you as a teacher pool supplies, however if I label my child's supplies and you have an issue with letting the other kids use them just because his name is on them, then that is your issue
And I said I label my kids stuff because I don't want him using other kids junk. Why is it okay for you to throw it in the back of a closet because its not good enough, yet its baffling that a parent doesn't want their child to use it?

I have a question for all those teachers who don't use the junk or donate it. Do you inform the parents that you will do that? I have seen "XXX works best" after a particular item listed on the supply list, however I have never seen "If you send in Roseart I'll just throw them in the back of my closet".

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

Our school allows us to use clorox wipes. We wipe the tables down every afternoon and also use them to wipe the toilet seat when someone has an accident. Between that and having the kids use hand sanitizer on arriving at school, we have really cut down on the amount of kids that are out sick. And, yes, we do have kids wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before lunch. The hand sanitizer is just easier to use as the kids come into the classroom.

Thank you. I think schools should be allowed to use some type of sanitizing wipe to kill the germs and bacteria. Especially during "Flu" season.

We can't send in anything like that to school- all products used have to be "green" and on the approved list of green products

We do not have any type of "green " list. In the upper grades they do not ask for any type of "cleaners".

 

[dimimi]

72 doesn't seem like a huge number to me. It is a pencil every 3 days. Between lost pencils, broken pencils, pencils left in the locker and replaced it is easy to go through a couple of pencils a week.

As far as combining supplies we do it in my school but not because of kids who don't bring them. If you are doing slate math on the carpet, for example, and one child's dry erase marker runs out it is way more efficient to hand then one from your stash and be back to teaching than to send that kid back to his desk, distracting the whole class.

Exactly! As a teacher, the typical pencil last just a couple of days. Dry Erase markers do not last long. Where I teach, the school district does not supply these items, the students are supposed to bring them in.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Um, okay.
I said I don't care if you as a teacher pool supplies, however if I label my child's supplies and you have an issue with letting the other kids use them just because his name is on them, then that is your issue
And I said I label my kids stuff because I don't want him using other kids junk. Why is it okay for you to throw it in the back of a closet because its not good enough, yet its baffling that a parent doesn't want their child to use it?

I have a question for all those teachers who don't use the junk or donate it. Do you inform the parents that you will do that? I have seen "XXX works best" after a particular item listed on the supply list, however I have never seen "If you send in Roseart I'll just throw them in the back of my closet".

No, our supply list says "Crayola Crayons" and has a photo of Crayola Crayons for families who aren't literate in English or who want their kids to help them read the list. If you send in an item that isn't on the list, we'll say "Thank you so much!". Just like I do when my aunt gives me a hideous sweater or a book I've already read.

If I really believe that it's a cost issue, I might send them home again for the child to use there. Usually later on. For example, we sometimes have a night at Christmas time when parents came come in, eat dinner together, and learn how to play reading and math games. After the event we send them home with a bunch of learning related gifts for stocking stuffers, a new book (donated by someone), some playdough with a recipe for making more, a library card (if they don't already have one), a homemade flashcard game, etc . . . I might slip packs of crayons into the bags of families I know are really struggling.

 

[luvmy3]

No, our supply list says "Crayola Crayons" and has a photo of Crayola Crayons for families who aren't literate in English or who want their kids to help them read the list. If you send in an item that isn't on the list, we'll say "Thank you so much!". Just like I do when my aunt gives me a hideous sweater or a book I've already read.

I think if you (in general, not just you specifically) were honest about what happens to the junky supplies you might find that more parents do send in the stuff that you want the kids to use. If I was a parent who sent in the $ store items and cheap stuff I would appreciate being told that you don't plan on using it in the classroom. I guess it just seems wrong to let a parent believe the are contributing to their child's education and/or the classroom, only to secretly not use the stuff they send in. Its also a waste of money for that parent, who purchased that stuff thinking it would be used.
However, I know you teachers are in a no win situation. If you ask for brand name items, you'll have parents complain about that. I don't envy you at all.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Are the crayons being used to create works of art the school will raise for fundraising? Because otherwise I don't see where crayon quality is a big deal.

Crayola >>>>>>>> Roseart.

Try using a box of each. You'll see the difference.

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

Just my .02 since we are talking about school supplies. When my children were in elementary I would help out in class. One of the teachers had a closet shelf full of construction paper that came in those little booklets the tear apart sheet packs. I asked why they were not being used. The teacher replied that when they would pull the papers apart most of the pages would tear, then no one wanted the torn paper.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I think if you (in general, not just you specifically) were honest about what happens to the junky supplies you might find that more parents do send in the stuff that you want the kids to use. If I was a parent who sent in the $ store items and cheap stuff I would appreciate being told that you don't plan on using it in the classroom. I guess it just seems wrong to let a parent believe the are contributing to their child's education and/or the classroom, only to secretly not use the stuff they send in. Its also a waste of money for that parent, who purchased that stuff thinking it would be used.
However, I know you teachers are in a no win situation. If you ask for brand name items, you'll have parents complain about that. I don't envy you at all.

Our parents generally do follow the list. I'm always amazed at the selfishness and anti-teacher attitude here on the DIS, because for the most part our parents respect us. If we ask for crayolas on our "requested donation" list then that's what we get. Not from every parent, we've got a huge range of incomes and some parents don't send anything, or they'll just pick one or two items, and that's fine.

I can't really think of a context in which I would tell parents that I was going to put stuff in the supply closet. We do home visits, but those are about building relationships and trust, not specifying crayons. Back to school night is too late. Our supply list is pretty specifically designed so you don't have to be able to read to use it, adding a paragraph there would mess it up. I'm curious about the context in which you see making this announcement?

 

[Mkrop]

Crayola >>>>>>>> Roseart.

Try using a box of each. You'll see the difference.

That's odd bc in 9 years of grade school (they even used crayons in 8th grade at our school) I have bought both crayons for my kids, and I certainly treasure all the artwork nor can I tell the difference in any of the artwork they have brought home. And they dont do community piles at our school.

Personally I like the Roseart ones bc they come in a hardcase which keeps them from breaking in the pencil case, I have reused the hard case until it breaks or gets too gross, and I have refilled with Crayola and Roseart.

 

[luvmy3]

Our parents generally do follow the list. I'm always amazed at the selfishness and anti-teacher attitude here on the DIS, because for the most part our parents respect us. If we ask for crayolas on our "requested donation" list then that's what we get. Not from every parent, we've got a huge range of incomes and some parents don't send anything, or they'll just pick one or two items, and that's fine.

I can't really think of a context in which I would tell parents that I was going to put stuff in the supply closet. We do home visits, but those are about building relationships and trust, not specifying crayons. Back to school night is too late. Our supply list is pretty specifically designed so you don't have to be able to read to use it, adding a paragraph there would mess it up. I'm curious about the context in which you see making this announcement?

I'm not sure where you teach where you need supply lists that are designed so they don't have to be read to use it, so I have no idea where you would make announcement like that. However, as a teacher who works in that kind of environment I would expect that you could be able to come up with an idea .
As far as a typical class supply list, a simple "please do not send in XYZ brands, because ---whatever your reason is. They will be put in a supply closet and only used if all other resources have been depleted. We may choose to donate them to XYZ if not used".(if that is what is done like the pp).
I know I would rather send in what I know my kids will use, and here the majority of parents would do the same. I think its disingenuous to take school supplies and not use them, or donate them, but let a parent believe that they were used in/for your class. They sent them in for a reason, if you aren't going to use them, maybe you could just return them to the parent?

 

[LoserMomma]

I'm sorry, but I just have to chuckle at this whole thread. If we're getting so upset and uptight about what brand of crayons our little angels use, or what brand of pencils...I can't wait until these kids hit the real world and actually have to face real adversity.

Seriously, this whole debate is about a view so insulated it's amusing.

 

[mjkacmom]

I'm sorry, but I just have to chuckle at this whole thread. If we're getting so upset and uptight about what brand of crayons our little angels use, or what brand of pencils...I can't wait until these kids hit the real world and actually have to face real adversity.

Seriously, this whole debate is about a view so insulated it's amusing.

I've been getting supply lists for over 10 years now, and it is VERY COMMON for teachers to specify brands, especially if they're combining supplies. What is so hard for people to understand? There are some REALLY cheap, lousy crayons/pencils/markers out there, that sell for pennies. So, you have to spend $40 instead of $20 - is that $20 really going to make or break anyone?

Oh, and I can just imagine the anger from parents if a teacher returned their crappy crayons, because they weren't the right brand.

 

[npmommie]

I am sure there are some people out there that $20 could make or break them.

as for the crayon debate, my kids have done works of art with crayola and rose art.
I don't really see the difference. honestly we have a huge bucket with both brands, and they use them all.

the crayolas are on sale right now at Staples fwiw.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I'm not sure where you teach where you need supply lists that are designed so they don't have to be read to use it, so I have no idea where you would make announcement like that. However, as a teacher who works in that kind of environment I would expect that you could be able to come up with an idea .
As far as a typical class supply list, a simple "please do not send in XYZ brands, because ---whatever your reason is. They will be put in a supply closet and only used if all other resources have been depleted. We may choose to donate them to XYZ if not used".(if that is what is done like the pp).
I know I would rather send in what I know my kids will use, and here the majority of parents would do the same. I think its disingenuous to take school supplies and not use them, or donate them, but let a parent believe that they were used in/for your class. They sent them in for a reason, if you aren't going to use them, maybe you could just return them to the parent?

I teach in a school with many families who speak another language at home. Not uncommon in this country.

If you'd rather send in what your child will use, why don't use send in what's on the list. If the list says "Fiskar scissors" or "Crayola crayons" why would you be surprised that the teacher wants the scissors to be fiskar, and why would it be disingenous for me to state explicitly what we want?

 

[luvmy3]

I've been getting supply lists for over 10 years now, and it is VERY COMMON for teachers to specify brands, especially if they're combining supplies. What is so hard for people to understand? There are some REALLY cheap, lousy crayons/pencils/markers out there, that sell for pennies. So, you have to spend $40 instead of $20 - is that $20 really going to make or break anyone?

Oh, and I can just imagine the anger from parents if a teacher returned their crappy crayons, because they weren't the right brand.

Well I do know some families that have more than one kid who are struggling so that $20 now turns into $60 and yes to some families that could make or break them when they are already having trouble paying their oil bill and mortgage. It may not be happening to you, but don't assume that the cost of school supplies doesn't effect the monthly budget of some people out there.
And, I don't know how parents would feel if their crayons were returned, but I imagine they'd be just as angry to find out what they spent their money on, whether it was $20 or $40 wasn't used for its intended purpose. And yes, I don't think its right to just keep the stuff and stick it in a closet or donate it when that parent who gave it thinks its being used in the class.

 

[luvmy3]

I teach in a school with many families who speak another language at home. Not uncommon in this country.

If you'd rather send in what your child will use, why don't use send in what's on the list. If the list says "Fiskar scissors" or "Crayola crayons" why would you be surprised that the teacher wants the scissors to be fiskar, and why would it be disingenous for me to state explicitly what we want?

So how about making supply lists in the language they speak? How do you communicate with them throughout the year with other issues?

I do send it what is on the list because that is what I want my child to use, because that is what the teacher wants them to use. I never said I did otherwise.
And, if you look back at what I said, it wasn't that it was disingenuous for you to state what brand you wanted. I said it was disingenuous for you to take what a parent sent in (not the brand you wanted) and stick it in a closet and not use it, but let them assume that you are.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

So how about making supply lists in the language they speak? How do you communicate with them throughout the year with other issues?

Brand names are the same no matter the language.

OP, send me your address. I hoard school supplies and will gladly send you the required number of pencils if you are unwilling to do what is necessary to educate your child.

 

[torinsmom]

I've been getting supply lists for over 10 years now, and it is VERY COMMON for teachers to specify brands, especially if they're combining supplies. What is so hard for people to understand? There are some REALLY cheap, lousy crayons/pencils/markers out there, that sell for pennies. So, you have to spend $40 instead of $20 - is that $20 really going to make or break anyone?

Oh, and I can just imagine the anger from parents if a teacher returned their crappy crayons, because they weren't the right brand.

You said it! I can imagine being called into the principal's office to discuss insulting a parent by returning the supplies they sent in. That's not the way I want to start the year off with any parent. I don't know any other way to handle the situation really. That's why we specify the brand name we want for the class. I would rather the parent bring in some preferred items on the list than to bring in all cheap stuff.

 

[sam_gordon]

OP, send me your address. I hoard school supplies and will gladly send you the required number of pencils if you are unwilling to do what is necessary to educate your child.

I've rewritten this post multiple times. I'd like to know what I said that got your panties all in a twist and made you feel you needed to insult me.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

So how about making supply lists in the language they speak? How do you communicate with them throughout the year with other issues?

We pay to have a lot of things translated, but the picture lists work better in this circumstance. They work for all languages, which is important as you might not know when the mailing goes out which languages this years' parents will speak. They work for parents who aren't literate in any language. In addition, if I have someone transliterate Crayola or Fiskar into Amharic or Mandarin or Urdu, it doesn't mean that a parent will recognize it on the package in the store when it's written in English. Knowing that they're looking for the yellow package that looks like this helps a lot. And with picture lists even the preschoolers can help hunt for the right item!

As for the rest of the year, we have staff members who speak the most common languages, and call them in to translate or interpret. We also have a language line you can call, tell the person who answers "Vietnamese" and they'll get a translator online in a minute. We work hard to communicate, and use lots of different strategies. In this case the strategy that works is pictures.