Purpose of school supply lists?

[Terry36]

argh, i shouldn't type on the phone without my glasses. My feelings remain the same. If adults can't look out for those in need in our society, those suddenly without jobs in this crappy economy, those being raised in single parent homes, how can we expect our children to learn compassion, kindness, and that we don't stomp people when they are in tough times. You never know when you might have that medical emergency that dessimates the savings, or the loss of that job that should have been recession proof.

Considering the statistics on race and poverty I wonder how much of the descrimination is really just bigotry disguised.

We don't even use the public schools but donate items to the community action supply drives. We are smart enough to know that by taking care of our weakest members we give them a better chance at growing up in better circumstances.

There is also the far less existential reasons that teachers combine supplies. If it makes life easier for them, or gives more time for teaching and less time helping susie find her box of crayons, that would be an obvious positive. Don't people want more teaching and less housekeeping?

MTE!

 

[Jenngoofys]

The sad part in all of this is yes there are some kids that dont bring these things in, and therefore our children supply everything for those kids. It is not the kids fault, and yes some parents cant afford some things,but the majority of kids in my area whos parents "cant afford" school supplies sure find a way to buy cigarettes, alcohol, internet, Cable, Iphones and other things for themselves!! Not to mention using our hard earned tax dollars to buy food, play Bingo, housing, and many other things through welfare,and food stamps!! Maybe the schools should start a reward program where the kids EARN the supplies so they too dont learn to expect handouts, and live off the rest of us for free!! Now I am not saying EVERYONE fits in this category, but there are a ton of them living around here!! Sad to say but if they need more money they pop out another kid!! They know someone will take care of the kid, and they will get a "raise" in food stamps, and welfare!!

 

[kamik86]

yes our school also asks for a ton of wipes, with budget cuts our rooms are only being cleaned every other day, and the teachers can not clean them due to contract and union stuff. So the kids clean the desks daily with the Clorox/Lysol wipes. Baby wipes are used to for quick hand clean up like glue paint, imagine a line of 30 kids washing thier hands and how much time it takes..
I dont mind getting these items, it is when they ask for 3 containers per child that gets me, I have 3 kids so that would mean i need ot have 9 cans to bring the first week of school

Then why when we were in school did we have time to all wash our hands? And wait they don't have time to all wash their hands with water but we do have time to make every kid wash there desk every day?

This is what gets me the most what has changed in the last decade that now kids can't keep track of their own folders and they all have to be color coded, that there isn't enough time to wash their hands, etc. I don't think our classrooms were cleaned every day either when I was in school if we made a mess we cleaned it.

 

[Granny square]

Touching a nerve? I work with kids every day that are in circumstances beyond their control. So, yup, every nerve in me gets touched when people are so snooty they begrudge some decent crayons to them. These were families affected by the closing of one of the biggest companies in the state. Professionals and line workers alike. They can't up and move because 25% of the the jobs in the county are gone, and no one wants their homes. They are people who planned for retirement and have gone through those funds, unemployment, and more. They are now also without healthcare even though they HAD some of the best in the nation. You never know what will hit in life. So, yes, a nerve was hit. I'm like that though, I don't assume that the fact that bad times have hit mean that the people don't know how to take care of a box of crayons, or expect handouts.

 

[vivianmarie244]

I snipped out this little part of your quote to comment on, last year my ds's second grade teacher had a reward program where the kids earned fake money to buy privileges in the classroom (like wearing slippers/fuzzy socks) and when she needed additional supplies she would send home a request AND tell the students that if their parent sent those supplies in they would get a fake dollar or whatever. My DS may not have remembered anything else about his school day, but he ALWAYS reminded me to buy glue sticks or whatever the teacher needed, lol. Just an idea.

As far as the school lists go, I'm happy to buy what my children need in their classrooms to be successful. When a teacher asks for 4 packages of pencils (for example) I don't send in 4 packages of pencils, but I buy them while they're on sale. Then I dole them out to my child as they need them. I only send in what my child needs at the beginning of the year (ONE box of crayons, ONE box of tissues, etc.), mostly so their backpacks aren't so heavy. Then after they get settled in I send in extras or drop them off when I'm at the school for something.

I wish there was a solution to the problem of the lists being inaccurate, as a parent it's frustrating to buy things then find out your child doesn't need them. I bought my DS all of the basics, crayons, pencils, etc. that were on his list last year only to go to open house and be told that the teacher prefers to supply those to her classroom and his list actually was headphones, a thumb drive and a binder. But I also see the teachers' side where they're asked to provide a list so parents can shop sales, but they aren't actually ready.

I don't really understand the "budget" problem of buying supplies for your child when you can afford it, but don't like someone telling you what to buy. That sounds so spoiled to me, how on earth could a parent know what the child needs in the classroom if the teachers don't tell them? I love it when I get requests throughout the year to send in different things like googly eyes or marshmallows because it means that my child is doing something creative. They would be so bored if all they needed was pencils, paper and crayons.

It makes me a little sad that people get upset over buying extra supplies so someone that can't afford them can have them. I would like it if teachers disclosed on the list whether or not supplies are pooled so the kids don't get their heart set on a certain color or something, but I don't think they should say that there are extra supplies to help other kids because our society has become so selfish that the skeptical side of me doesn't think many people would send extras in. And honestly, the way children think, if your child saw that one of their friends didn't have any crayons they would most likely share theirs anyway so why not spend an extra buck to make sure there are enough?

YES!!! You took the words right out of mouth!

And as for the kids needing to learn to be responsible and organized without having to have it dictated to them. Well, I think those are learned qualities. Most people are not born knowing how to do these things. And, if we want them to learn how to be responsible and organized down the road in high school and college, what better time to learn it! Just my opinion.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

A couple things have changed, things that aren't evident at first glance:

Schools are forced to provide more these days . . . with less money. Today we expect schools to have multiple computer labs, access to iPads in the classroom, etc. Busses cost more. SmartBoards are expected in every classroom now. Special ed costs are through the roof. Gas for the driver's ed cars is more expensive. To put that into perspective, when I was a kid, we didn't even have a telephone in the classroom: Just one in the office. Those things cost money. Money that use to go to classroom supplies. With less money, schools need parents to provide certain necessities -- or the kids will go without.

We never really bought "whatever we wanted" when we were in school. Rather, the teacher said, "You need a 3" binder notebook", and we bought a 3" binder notebook. Yes, we chose the plain pink cheap version or the expensive notebook with a screen print puppy on the front, but it was the same thing. A month later the teacher said, "You need to make a poster", and we bought a piece of poster board or (as was more likely in my house) scrounged some cardboard. It didn't seem like all that much because we bought it bit by bit. Today, as it's all listed on one page, it looks like more.

Also, when I was in school, we didn't have the one-cent and twenty-five cent deals at back-to-school time. We didn't bother to follow the sales or to stock up on compsition notebooks while they were ten cents. Today we have that option, so it's a favor for the school to let us know what we'll need all year long -- while it's still on sale.

Certain products exist that didn't exist when I was in school. No one ever asked me to provide hand sanitizer -- it didn't exist. I had a TI-35 calculator, which I think was about $15. In contast, no one had to list name brands because Crayola was the only game in town. Likewise, all the pencils on the shelf were decent quality. Today, with more choices, teachers have experience with what really works, and they help parents choose those things (as opposed to dealing with inferior products all year long, or having to replace it, which is more expensive in the long run).

As for products not being used, I can't say that's been a big problem for us. The only thing I can think of is that we've bought big packs of graph paper, only to find that it's been needed for only one unit -- but then we have the lion's share of the paper left for the next year. And if your .07 folder isn't used, I don't see it as a reason to complain.

Since I have kids and you don't, I can give you the bottom line here: School supplies aren't expensive. We watch the sales every fall, keep a good stock of basics in a box on top of the file cabinet, and for my two girls it costs about $25 total per year. About the cost of taking your family to a fast-food restaurant once. The two things that "cost" are backpacks and calculators, items that don't need to be replaced every year. Compared to all the other costs incurred in raising a child, this isn't even a drop in the bucket.

 

[addicted2dizney]

I always purchased materials and kept what I called. "the learning closet" in my house.. extras of folders, notebooks, reinforced lined paper, colored pencils, dry erase, book sox, etc.. I would get them when they were on sale for pennies on the dollar and some of those supplies lasted for years.

I understand that everyone out there does not have the money for supplies even when it's a struggle to budget for the supplies of your own child.

But I just don't get how upset some can get over making the supplies community supplies in the classroom. Even if they get the bad brand crayons for a few months. hey, that's life! I can tell you that paying 40% of federal income tax does not afford me better national benefits than people who pay less or nothing!

I have had my kids involved with sending school supplies and backpacks to other nations as well as poverty stricken areas in our country. We all truly don't know what goes on in other's homes behind closed doors. Can't we look at it as charity in our own back yard?

If you can't afford to do it or don't want to then perhaps you can be the one to be on the receiving end of the charity.

I love the post from the 3rd grade teacher. they are doing the best they can with what they are given and what is known to work best. I'm sure they are not up all night scheming on how to waste our hard earned money.

 

[Granny square]

I have had my kids involved with sending school supplies and backpacks to other nations as well as poverty stricken areas in our country. We all truly don't know what goes on in other's homes behind closed doors. Can't we look at it as charity in our own back yard?

If you can't afford to do it or don't want to then perhaps you can be the one to be on the receiving end of the charity.

I love the post from the 3rd grade teacher. they are doing the best they can with what they are given and what is known to work best. I'm sure they are not up all night scheming on how to waste our hard earned money.

As far as quality stuff, I remember using the nasty waxy crayons. I wouldn't make mine or anyone else's kid use them. Not because they shouldn't be forced to be grateful for crappy stuff, but because it is a joy to draw a rainbow and have it be the roygbiv, not sucky!

 

[Boston Tea Party]

I have been out of school for 30 years. We did not have lists.

I only remember HAVING to buy a certain calculator model for High School calculus and my dad was NOT happy about that at all. He thought I should learn to use his engineering slide rule instead.

Only other thing I remember teaches insisting on was typewriter onion skin paper with the red margin lines. Remember that stuff? There was no requirement about it being in a folder. Some people did. Some used a clear cover. Some just typed a cover sheet. Only requirements were about typing it double line space & how many pages.

I don't recall any teacher specifying how many notebooks you needed. And no one ever collected notebooks. You could use a binder if you wanted or just a spiral notebook. It was up to us kids to be prepared for class with pens & pencils. Bring tissues for ourselves. Learn to be organized ourselves.

No one did the organizing & supplying for us. We learned to do it ourselves or suffer the consequences of being unprepared. Taught responsibility & organization that worked for ourselves. Not someone elses method of organiation.

Perhaps you are familiar with "No Child Left Behind?"

The mandates within require the extinction of the "sink or swim" method of life.

Just as your doctor doesn't do what he did 30 years ago, neither do your teachers.

 

[spacemountainmom]

This can be a hot button topic. I see both sides since I work in the schools and I donate to supply drives and purchase things out of my own pocket for my students to use. However, I can't tell you how many times I've worked with kids who talk about their free lunch or reduced fees and are excited since it's the first of the month and their checks will be there when they get home and these kids have better cell phones and ipods than I have. They're also wearing name brand clothing and carrying designer bags.

It's a little hard to believe that a student can't afford pens, paper and notebooks when they carry an Iphone and have Dr. Dre beats headphones.

 

[Texashokies]

I remember looking forward to getting the school supply list every year. I LOVED shopping for school supplies. I was in elementary school in the 1970's, so school supply lists have been in my area (Central TX) for over 35 years.

 

[torinsmom]

This can be a hot button topic. I see both sides since I work in the schools and I donate to supply drives and purchase things out of my own pocket for my students to use. However, I can't tell you how many times I've worked with kids who talk about their free lunch or reduced fees and are excited since it's the first of the month and their checks will be there when they get home and these kids have better cell phones and ipods than I have. They're also wearing name brand clothing and carrying designer bags.

It's a little hard to believe that a student can't afford pens, paper and notebooks when they carry an Iphone and have Dr. Dre beats headphones.

I totally agree here. Nothing like working your butt off to afford to pay for what your child needs, and also spending money out of your pocket to get what your students' parents won't send in, and then realizing these same students have 4 pairs of Air Jordans in various colors, video game systems that cost $500. They get free lunch, but then bring in big bags of chips and candy bars to "supplement" their lunches. I try not to resent it, but sometimes I just can't help it.

 

[kamik86]

Perhaps you are familiar with "No Child Left Behind?"

The mandates within require the extinction of the "sink or swim" method of life.

Just as your doctor doesn't do what he did 30 years ago, neither do your teachers.

I would like to think that what my doctor does now is better then what he did 30 years from now. I do not think the way student responsibility has been removed from schools so that students don't sink. My full opinons on that would be an entire new thread... so I'll just stick with saying that I hope that those that think what is being down now is worse then what was being done before are pushing back on their schools and their politicians about these changes. And while they are doing that and they still haven't been changed I think parents have every right to gripe about how ridiculous the policies are.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

I would like to think that what my doctor does now is better then what he did 30 years from now. I do not think the way student responsibility has been removed from schools so that students don't sink. My full opinons on that would be an entire new thread... so I'll just stick with saying that I hope that those that think what is being down now is worse then what was being done before are pushing back on their schools and their politicians about these changes. And while they are doing that and they still haven't been changed I think parents have every right to gripe about how ridiculous the policies are.

I am referring to teachers instituting systems of organization that require organizational materials, hence the school supplies.

I most certainly do not believe in the absence of personal responsibility.

 

[thejunker]

You know, I have no problem with the lists, even the ones with specific brands listed. I know that many of the supplies I buy for my DD will likely be used by other kids that may not be able to afford some of the items (they pool everything in her classes).

What I think is extremely inefficient and stupid is that they require each family to go out and shop for these items. So for each class, that is 25 individual trips to a market, which across the whole grade / school, adds up to a large macro waste of fuel / time /etc.

The school system should contract with a school / office supply company to buy all this in volume (at a discount), then either include the costs of these items in local taxes, or better yet, impose a "supply fee" or something similar.

Just my $0.02

 

[MM27]

We are not allowed to send home supply lists in my school. I teach in an urban area and many kids do not bring in supplies of any kind. Some parents will ask what they can bring and I usually ask them for tissues or wipes or something else that can be used for the classroom that I would normally buy myself. Every once in awhile I get a parent that will bring a nice supply, but it's rare.

As far as kids cleaning their desks, I have them do that also. Not everyday, but if they don't do it, it doesn't get done. Our custodians don't clean desktops as part of their routine and I certainly don't have time to do it. Especially during cold season, I make sure they take a Clorox wipe to their desk at least once a week, sometimes more.

I just bought 90 noteboooks yesterday in Target for my class. Three different colors because I do color coordinate subjects. When I say take out your science notebook, I can do a quick scan of the room and make sure nobody is writing their science notes in their math notebook. It might seem stupid to people not in the know, but it really cuts down on issues in the classroom and makes things flow a lot easier. I work smarter, not harder

Before the summer is over, I will buy crayons (Crayola because Rose Art crayons stink), colored pencils, markers, glue, etc. for use in my classroom. I usually pick up a backpack or two also because it's not uncommon to have a student without one. I can't hold it against kids that have parents that use their money for drugs instead of school supplies for their children or parents that need their last few dollars for food for the week.

 

[torinsmom]

You know, I have no problem with the lists, even the ones with specific brands listed. I know that many of the supplies I buy for my DD will likely be used by other kids that may not be able to afford some of the items (they pool everything in her classes).

What I think is extremely inefficient and stupid is that they require each family to go out and shop for these items. So for each class, that is 25 individual trips to a market, which across the whole grade / school, adds up to a large macro waste of fuel / time /etc.

The school system should contract with a school / office supply company to buy all this in volume (at a discount), then either include the costs of these items in local taxes, or better yet, impose a "supply fee" or something similar.

Just my $0.02

We were able to give parents this option at my previous school. We sent home a supply list, but also gave the option of the parents paying a supply fee. At that time, the class went to the circus and we also got field trip t-shirts, so I believe it was $50, which included the child's circus ticket(at $12) and the field trip t-shirt($8). We turned the money into the office and then were able to order the supplies we needed as we needed them, or buy them and get reimbursed. It was nice not to have to store all those supplies and I know our parents appreciated not having to go out in search of the things we asked for. I'd say 90% paid the fee.

 

[maxaroni]

I have been out of school for 30 years. We did not have lists.

I only remember HAVING to buy a certain calculator model for High School calculus and my dad was NOT happy about that at all. He thought I should learn to use his engineering slide rule instead.

Only other thing I remember teaches insisting on was typewriter onion skin paper with the red margin lines. Remember that stuff? There was no requirement about it being in a folder. Some people did. Some used a clear cover. Some just typed a cover sheet. Only requirements were about typing it double line space & how many pages.

I don't recall any teacher specifying how many notebooks you needed. And no one ever collected notebooks. You could use a binder if you wanted or just a spiral notebook. It was up to us kids to be prepared for class with pens & pencils. Bring tissues for ourselves. Learn to be organized ourselves.

No one did the organizing & supplying for us. We learned to do it ourselves or suffer the consequences of being unprepared. Taught responsibility & organization that worked for ourselves. Not someone elses method of organiation.

This is exactly how it was for me! I've been out of HS 38 years
We would go to the local stationery store and pick up a few things. I loved having "special" pens....blue/red/green all in one pen. The onion skin and carbon paper. Oh the memories. How about mimeographs?

When DS19 was in kindergarten we had to go buy "stop light" paper and only found in teacher supply stores....closest one 25 minutes away.

 

[Sith Lord 13]

Also, it's a private school, so unlike a public school suffering budget cuts, it's questionable that they need the parents to bridge that big of a gap. :/

Speaking as a catholic school kid (16 years of it, starting with first grade), and the child of a catholic school teacher, private schools, at least the religious ones, actually work on a tighter budget than public most of the time, at least here in NYC.

 

[stm61]

This can be a hot button topic. I see both sides since I work in the schools and I donate to supply drives and purchase things out of my own pocket for my students to use. However, I can't tell you how many times I've worked with kids who talk about their free lunch or reduced fees and are excited since it's the first of the month and their checks will be there when they get home and these kids have better cell phones and ipods than I have. They're also wearing name brand clothing and carrying designer bags.

It's a little hard to believe that a student can't afford pens, paper and notebooks when they carry an Iphone and have Dr. Dre beats headphones.

You just described my entire student roster, with 1 or 2 exceptions! They all had free lunch, most of them got checks or their parents do, and they ridicule the kids who wear something bought at Walmart! I teach in a district that's an hour from the closest mall, but Walmart is right in town. They have the money and access to a car to drive to the mall for shoes and clothes, but they can't buy lunch and their parents can't show up at school for any reason because they have no transportation. I buy my clothes at Walmart, along with most of the supplies I have to buy because their parents "can't afford it". Luckily we don't have many issues with the phones and designer bags, since it's an elementary school, but most of them have every game system and the newest games. Some of them even have 4-wheelers! But they can't afford pencils or crayons.