possible debate..school supplies

[peachgirl]

Originally posted by Bojangles
I don't think they pool classroom supplies as much to help the "have nots" but to improve classroom efficiency primarily in the lower grades. There are a lot of school supply charities out there that can add to the pool for students who don't contribute so you won't have to.

Exactly. I don't know why this turned into a debate over whether others should chip in and help those who don't/can't buy supplies.

It seems to me what is most important is that the classroom runs efficiently and effectively for the students and the teacher.

Whatever makes that happen is fine with me and I think the person who knows that best is the one who's in charge of the classroom.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by cats7494
[BAnd to answer a previous person's post -YES!!! Some people do not have enough money to pay for the supplies! School is expensive for some - they may have more than one child, have clothes to buy, have registration fees, have to buy books, pay for lunches...etc... Please do not blame the child for the mistakes of the parents! [/B]

I'm not blaming the the children.

I just have a hard time believing someone doesn't have $3-$5 to buy BASIC school supplies. I'm not talking about the high price calculators that may be needed for some math and science classes.

 

[AirForceRocks]

You mentioned tuition--do your children go to private school?

Yes, they do. And when we receive our supply list every July, we are asked to contribute additional supplies for the families that "can't" provide them.

 

[shortbun]

I see the "I've got mine" attitude invades all aspects of
life. At least these folks have continuity.

AFR-your auction brings in 10's of thousands of dollars?
Excellent! Sounds like no one at your school will be worrying
about being able to afford school supplies. You can continue
your fantasy about everyone being able to take care of themselves comfortably. That's nice.

 

[shortbun]

Originally posted by disneyjunkie
I'm not blaming the the children.

I just have a hard time believing someone doesn't have $3-$5 to buy BASIC school supplies. I'm not talking about the high price calculators that may be needed for some math and science classes.

$3-5? Where are you buying your crayons and pencils, erasers,
glue, notebooks, protractors, paper? Hilarious!


OP- our school shares. We choose to create and foster community. We are not communists, just teaching civic
responsibility. We are not socialists, just social. If the
teachers prefered the other way- that's how we'd do it.
No big deal. It IS after all, a pretty small issue.

 

[AirForceRocks]

I see the "I've got mine" attitude invades all aspects of life. At least these folks have continuity.

In this case, absolutely. I pay tuition, I help raise lots of money for the school, and then they want me to buy school supplies for other children as well as for my own? Sorry, but no.

AFR-your auction brings in 10's of thousands of dollars? Excellent! Sounds like no one at your school will be worrying
about being able to afford school supplies.

Yes, it does. And you're right, no one should have to worry about buying school supplies. There is plenty of money there for the families that "can't" provide their own, so why should other parents be expected to provide them?

You can continue your fantasy about everyone being able to take care of themselves comfortably. That's nice.

Last time I checked, no one is forcing these families to attend private school. If they can't afford tuition, uniforms and school supplies, perhaps they should opt for the public schools where they will only have to pay for school supplies.

 

[cats7494]

Originally posted by NMAmy
I've never had a school ask for or expect this. Some of us simply do it on our own. I've been poor. I've had money. Money is definitely better. People helped me when I didn't have anything so I like to pass that on to other people. If you feel differently, that's your right. Did someone say you had to contribute? You mentioned tuition--do your children go to private school? If I was paying for my child to attend private school, I might feel differently.

I feel really weird defending doing something charitable.

I totally agree NMAmy! But I know this off topic...


Disneyjunkie - I am afraid that in most areas - school supplies cost a lot more than $3-$5..... please remember the other costs that go along with school as I mentioned in a previous post...

 

[Bojangles]

Originally posted by shortbun
$3-5? Where are you buying your crayons and pencils, erasers,
glue, notebooks, protractors, paper? Hilarious!

Maybe Target? Last year they had glue sticks for $.09 crayons for $.25, notebook paper for $.05, pencils $.25 for a pack of 10, etc.

these are typically the supplies that are thrown into the pool.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by shortbun
$3-5? Where are you buying your crayons and pencils, erasers,
glue, notebooks, protractors, paper? Hilarious!

Target, Wal-Mart, Staples...

If you go to these stores when they have their back to school sales you can get boxes of crayons for a quarter, spiral, one subject notebooks for a dime, folders for about 10 cents. Boxes of pens and pencils 2 for a dollar. Composition notebooks 3 for $1.00. Glue, protractors, rulers, all can be found for less that 25 each.

These items won't have cute cartoon characters on them, but they are just as good.

Right now Office Max has folders on sale for 12cents each.

Stretchable book covers are 4 for $5.00. During the school year I've paid $3.00 for just one of these.

Of course once school starts these prices are history. So if you start early and hit the sales, it's possible to get the basic things without spending a large amount of money.

 

[gina2000]

Our school pretty much has the kids keep their own supplies. I will say, though, that sharing teaches the children an important lesson regardless of whether it is "engineered" or spontaneous. I think it's a good lesson for them to observe firsthand.

 

[Pin Wizard]

I'm one for kids having their own supplies. DS had a great example last year. Went to school on Monday with a couple new pencils...the fun kind with the patterns and pictures. It came home on Friday with about 1/2 inch left! I asked him what happened. He said he used it and sharpened it. Ha! A pencil easily lasts two years around the house. Ha! So when the supply list says 12 pencils, it might last a kid all year, might last another kid a month. LOL! No, I don't like pooling things I've had to pay for. It also bothers me when things are left over...should come home in my book since I paid for them...but the school keeps them!

 

[Pete's Mom]

Originally posted by shortbun
I see the "I've got mine" attitude invades all aspects of
life. At least these folks have continuity.

I always buy "extras" for the class, baby wipes, dry erasers, folders, disinfectant, anything that is on the "wish" list. I even pack extra snacks for Pete everyday so that he can share with some of the less fortunate kids in his class even though I am a single mom who at times lives from paycheck to paycheck. Why should I pick up the slack for the stay at home Mom who drives a Range Rover and lives in a $ 350,000.00 home who is just too lazy to send in supplies or send in money for field trips?

Yeah, I've got mine, my priorities straight!

 

[cats7494]

Pete's Mom,

Good for you for helping out even while you have your own financial struggles!! I applaud your generosity! I sincerely wish more people would do the same -

 

[AirForceRocks]

Originally posted by cats7494
Pete's Mom,

I applaud your generosity! I sincerely wish more people would do the same -

So exactly how much is enough? How much do I have to do and give to others that aren't willing to do for themselves?

 

[shortbun]

Originally posted by disneyjunkie
Target, Wal-Mart, Staples...

If go to these stores when they have their back to school sales your can get boxes of crayons a quarter, spiral, one subject notebooks for a dime, folders for about 10 cents. Boxes of pens and pencils 2 for a dollar. Composition notebooks 3 for $1.00. Glue, protractors, rulers, all can be found for less that 25 each.

These items won't have cute cartoon characters on them, but the are just as good.

Right now Office Max has folders on sale for 12cents each.

Stretchable book covers are 4 for $5.00. During the school year I've paid $3.00 for just one of these.

Of course once school starts these prices are history. So if you start early and hit the sales, it's possible to get the basic things without spending a large amount of money.

I'm there-today!!!!! Thanks for the tip. Glue sticks for
$.09? Do they stick good? Thanks again!
mimi

 

[Az Pirates]

Originally posted by disneyjunkie
I'm not blaming the the children.

I just have a hard time believing someone doesn't have $3-$5 to buy BASIC school supplies. I'm not talking about the high price calculators that may be needed for some math and science classes.

OK here's our list kindergarten list. They try to ease you in somewhat gently. I have not even dared to pick up the supply requests for 3rd grade yet!

This is what each child is to supply:

1- box kleenex
2- 24 count disposable cameras
2- large glue sticks
1- roll paper towels
1- pkg. colored markers (no fine pt)
1- large bottle white glue
1- box 48 count crayons
2- easy view binders (stop in office first... as only specific kind will do)
1- pkg. gallon size ziplock bags
1- pkg. dixie cups
1- pkg. 81/2 x 11 border paper
1- pkg. white reinforcement labels for binders
1- pkg. 100 ct. or higher paper plates
1- box baby wipes
1- pkg. 65lb cardstock
1- bottle rubber cement
2-3 boxes snacks (this is an on-going request throughout the year)

$3-$5? - I don't think so!

I still prefer sending items specific to each child and have them take resposibility for those items rather than bunching everything together.
Kids who take good care of their items have nice things, while those who don't have to deal with the consequences.

 

[Bumbles]

Why does each child need to provide 2 disposable cameras?

 

[AirForceRocks]

Originally posted by Bumbles
Why does each child need to provide 2 disposable cameras?

So that they can take pictures of the other kids using stuff that they brought in.

 

[Pin Wizard]

I've never seen a sale like that, but I'll stop by today and see. Maybe I'll hit it lucky!

DS is in a private Catholic school also. In FL, we had the supply list, then the teacher's wish list in case we wanted to contribute something. That's fine, you have a choice. We've donated reams of paper for the computer lab. But you have a choice!! Don't tell me to send extra things to cover someone else. And what about the infamous "class fee?" We were told it would cover any class trips and who knows what else. But I can't see that costing $35. They went on a tour of the food store. LOL! Not like going to the Museum of Natural History or some place. LOL! And the parents drove, no buses.

Then there was the switch when we moved in March. His teacher was kind enough to cross off anything on the supply list she didn't think he would need the rest of the year. What highly ticked me off was them making the kids hand in all their books/workbooks at the end of the year that I paid for!!! I asked DS if he knew why they did that. He said because they didn't want any siblings going into those classes to be working in the books during the summer. BOOKS ARE EXPENSIVE...DON'T KEEP THEM!!! They need to come home!

 

[cats7494]

Originally posted by AirForceRocks
So exactly how much is enough? How much do I have to do and give to others that aren't willing to do for themselves?

AirForceRocks, obviously that is up to you and what you are able and willing to share.

There is a very large difference between unwilling and unable to do for yourself. That is overstatement and sterotype to say that people are unwilling. There are many families, due to various reasons, lay offs, medical bills, etc...that do not have the extra money. Like I said - unwilling vs. unable... are different things.

I understand that there are many, many people who use the system and are ABLE to get jobs but refuse to do so - but again... there are many who do not...that is why it is important to help others.

Of course, I can not tell you how much, how, or whom to help nor would expect anyone to tell me not to. help.