School supply deals?

[aprilchem]

I refuse to buy more than 4 glue sticks per kid. They aren't gluing their way thru school. The teachers ask for outrageous quantities so they have enough to cover all of the kids who bring no supplies. I keep my supplies at home and restock the supply boxes at the beginning of each quarter. Don't feel obligated to be the supplier for the class. Of course, the choice is yours and you may not mind at all.

I'm the person who posted about the glue sticks; I volunteer weekly in my children's classes and it's nothing for me to go through four glue sticks in a class period if I'm working on a project with the kids that involves glue. Glue sticks just don't last very long. I would guess we've gone through 20 or so at home this year on projects and homework.

The school that my children go to has about 55% of the students living in poverty (as defined by those who get free lunch). DH and I are very comfortable financially and I have no problem providing extra of anything for children whose parents can't (or won't - I don't make that designation because it's not the child's fault) provide for them. We are asked to send 20 per child but I will send extra if I can; my feeling is that it's easier for me to afford extra glue sticks than it probably is for the teacher.

 

[uccats97]

I'm the person who posted about the glue sticks; I volunteer weekly in my children's classes and it's nothing for me to go through four glue sticks in a class period if I'm working on a project with the kids that involves glue. Glue sticks just don't last very long. I would guess we've gone through 20 or so at home this year on projects and homework. The school that my children go to has about 55% of the students living in poverty (as defined by those who get free lunch). DH and I are very comfortable financially and I have no problem providing extra of anything for children whose parents can't (or won't - I don't make that designation because it's not the child's fault) provide for them. We are asked to send 20 per child but I will send extra if I can; my feeling is that it's easier for me to afford extra glue sticks than it probably is for the teacher.

How nice of you.

 

[dismom115]

I'm the person who posted about the glue sticks; I volunteer weekly in my children's classes and it's nothing for me to go through four glue sticks in a class period if I'm working on a project with the kids that involves glue. Glue sticks just don't last very long. I would guess we've gone through 20 or so at home this year on projects and homework. The school that my children go to has about 55% of the students living in poverty (as defined by those who get free lunch). DH and I are very comfortable financially and I have no problem providing extra of anything for children whose parents can't (or won't - I don't make that designation because it's not the child's fault) provide for them. We are asked to send 20 per child but I will send extra if I can; my feeling is that it's easier for me to afford extra glue sticks than it probably is for the teacher.

On behalf of teachers and students, thank you! I can't let children fail because their parents Can't/won't get them the supplies needed so I do buy extras for my classroom. The extras you donate allow the teacher to cover additional supplies!

 

[tinker&belle]

OP here. Our school is also about half free/reduced lunch and half solid middle class I'm sure several of the things on the list are due to the fact any children's families can't afford the supplies. I am happy to provide all they ask (and I also check with the teacher through the year to see what is needed at that time like at parent conference time). This is why I was hoping to get all the bargains I can so I can save money doing so.

 

[AZMermaid]

I'm the person who posted about the glue sticks; I volunteer weekly in my children's classes and it's nothing for me to go through four glue sticks in a class period if I'm working on a project with the kids that involves glue. Glue sticks just don't last very long. I would guess we've gone through 20 or so at home this year on projects and homework.

The school that my children go to has about 55% of the students living in poverty (as defined by those who get free lunch). DH and I are very comfortable financially and I have no problem providing extra of anything for children whose parents can't (or won't - I don't make that designation because it's not the child's fault) provide for them. We are asked to send 20 per child but I will send extra if I can; my feeling is that it's easier for me to afford extra glue sticks than it probably is for the teacher.

As a first grade teacher- I thank you! We have been asking for 24 glue sticks per kid, but honestly, that was too much. But, the school supply company our APT goes through gives a discount if they are in dozens (or so we have been told). This year we are trying 12, but I am pretty sure that will not be enough. 18 would be just right. It takes a while to train the kids not to smash them down and trying to get 25 6 year olds to put the cap back on all the way is a constant thing. It is just me, no aid, so while one on one, supplies are used very well, in the group- stuff happens. Whiteboard markers are the worst! I am always asking for more of them through out the year! I would say most of my kids bring the requested supplies, probably 20 out of the 24-26 kids. The ones who don't, generally can't, so it is really nice when parents buy a little extra. I always do too because I can't stand paying full price for glue and pencils when they were dirt cheap in August!

 

[tarheel618]

I'm the person who posted about the glue sticks; I volunteer weekly in my children's classes and it's nothing for me to go through four glue sticks in a class period if I'm working on a project with the kids that involves glue. Glue sticks just don't last very long. I would guess we've gone through 20 or so at home this year on projects and homework.

The school that my children go to has about 55% of the students living in poverty (as defined by those who get free lunch). DH and I are very comfortable financially and I have no problem providing extra of anything for children whose parents can't (or won't - I don't make that designation because it's not the child's fault) provide for them. We are asked to send 20 per child but I will send extra if I can; my feeling is that it's easier for me to afford extra glue sticks than it probably is for the teacher.

This is so refreshing to hear. This may seem like a small act of kindness but I can tell you it is greatly appreciated.

 

[famofsix]

I am a teacher. I don't expect parents to supply the whole class, but keep in mind that the supplies you do buy in the beginning of the year never last the whole year. My budget for my classroom is 75 dollars for the entire year for supplies (for 16-22 students) so I stock up on deals during the summer to supply my classroom. I teach primary school so we do not label anything so the supplies parents send in go into a community "pool". I do have some parents who don't send supplies so that is why I buy extra supplies out of my pocket. If you have the means to send extra when you land deals over the summer, please send them for your child's classroom. Even better, send extra supplies in randomly, if you can, throughout the year.

You might not realize that some districts expect the teacher to supply many things that are not on your school list (expo markers, construction paper, art supplies, sentence paper, newsprint, cardstock, markers, ziplocs, binders, folders, composition notebooks, nametags, paper clips, scissors, primary pencils, staples, crayons, glue, tape etc). In addition, some of the school lists are RIDICULOUS because of the district's lack of supplying the classroom. In my school, we have a ten dollar limit for families. It leaves me no choice but to buy supplies all year round if I want to keep my students happy and engaged in learning.

 

[thebeesknees]

60 glue sticks, that's crazy!

Last year I had to send in 24 DOZEN sharpened pencils between my 2 younger kids. About wore out my electric pencil sharpener! Good thing my oldest one prefers mechanical pencils!

 

[mistysue]

Last year I had to send in 24 DOZEN sharpened pencils between my 2 younger kids. About wore out my electric pencil sharpener! Good thing my oldest one prefers mechanical pencils!

I've found the numbers of pencils crazy the last couple years too. I remember my daughter was asked to bring in three 48 packs last year. I know kids lose and go through pencils like crazy, but that's approaching a pencil per school day. I know we have kids not sending them, but I've still been looking for the pencil sculptures that would necessitate that sort of turnover.

 

[AZMermaid]

Last year I had to send in 24 DOZEN sharpened pencils between my 2 younger kids. About wore out my electric pencil sharpener! Good thing my oldest one prefers mechanical pencils!

Wow! I ask for 2 dozen for my first graders. I buy some myself at the start of the year and some years I need to ask for more in the Spring, some years I end up with a few extra boxes.

I did add a second box of crayons to the list for this year though. I feel way better asking now when they are a quarter than having to ask in January when it is $2.99 for the same box. I am going to put the kids' names on the second box and store it until after Christmas.

This year I had a kid put a little label on every single pencil. It was annoying for me as the teacher (I always managed to pull out "Ryan" pencils) but smart as the parent. "Ryan" was a careful kid and those pencils lasted all year! And putting them on the markers- ingenious! Whenever his markers fell on the floor, we knew whose they were!

 

[Minnie-Mickey]

I am going to start by saying my sister is a teacher. It is a tough job and we thank you for your time. I know first hand dealing with families can be difficult at times. My issue with the supply list in our school system is the length and cost. Last year two teens $350. and I did not buy everything asked and most was on sale. (We are middle class and I think that is alot. I know there are others for whom this is just too much $) Now at the end of the year, one page used in a composition book. Folders which "need" to be with them everyday are unused but now falling apart due to being in a backpack for the year. I would estimate 20% of the stuff is never used. I have a stack of notebooks maybe 20 total 1,2 3 and 5 subjects that they "needed" that I took out of their backpacks. I will buy what is asked for and even donate a complete other list but wish they would use what is requested. ps now both are in high school and they do not use notebooks it is all about the 3 ring binders. http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/sad02.gif

 

[tripinbrums]

I am a teacher too and thank you to the parents that send in extras!! We went through 300 pencils by Christmas! I had $600 in receipts for our taxes this year. Most parents don't realize how much money teachers spend on their class. Nothing makes me happier than when a mom sends in sharpened pencils!

 

[uccats97]

I'm sorry, but 4 glue stick for an entire year is not enough. I homeschool, rarely use glue and we go through at least one a month. I agree the amounts they ask for are usually overkill, but I wouldn't do less than 10. (One a month.) OP, sales start the weekend of the 4th. That's the first week you will see smokin hot deals.

Let me clarify. I buy my kids their supplies and restock their boxes from my own stash. They don't go to their teachers for extra supplies. They come to me.

 

[kimsuenew]

I refuse to buy more than 4 glue sticks per kid. They aren't gluing their way thru school. The teachers ask for outrageous quantities so they have enough to cover all of the kids who bring no supplies. I keep my supplies at home and restock the supply boxes at the beginning of each quarter. Don't feel obligated to be the supplier for the class. Of course, the choice is yours and you may not mind at all.

Unfair statement! I am a school teacher and by no means expect parents to provide supplies for others! Those supplies usually come out of my pocket!!!

I totally agree Tink! I pay out of pocket for plenty of supplies and also provide, again out of pocket, for those students that do not come with their needed supplies or not enough. My kids go through waaaaaaaaaay more than 4 glue sticks per child per school year!

 

[TCups4Me]

So can we expect the deals to be in the paper this Sunday or next?

 

[wuzzles]

Staples® 1 Subject Notebook, 8" x 10-1/2"

Item: 321463 Model: 10469-CC

$.17 each online at Staples. Limit 24 per person.

Sure they do go cheaper than that but usually with a limit of 2 or 5.

Offer is good until 9/27/14 or while supplies last. I doubt they will last that long.

 

[threecrazykids]

Since there are so many teachers here on the board I am going to ask a question to see what your thoughts are on this.

What about sending out supply lists just for the first half of the year? Some parents who have several children can't afford to buy $100 per kid of supplies to fulfill the supply list requirements but could afford to buy half of what will likely be required to start the year and the first few months. I think the $$ factor would even allow more parents to throw in a few extras for the class when they aren't faced with 3 kids needing $100 worth of supplies at once.

I've often wondered why the teachers don't ask for say 1/2 the supply list at the beginning of the school year, and then in the spring send out a request for the second half of the year - based on what's running low from the first 1/2's supply.

Maybe no one needs pencils, but the room is getting low on glue sticks. Instead of storing 10 boxes of pencils or markers that would suffice the rest of the year - maybe just ask for each student to bring a pack of glue sticks. Granted, as a cheapo, I would still buy all the supplies and extras when there are back to school sales - but it would also lessen my frustration as a parent when I clean out their backpack at the end of the school year and find the $20 worth of "necessary supplies" that came home unused.



I will admit I don't send ALL of their pencils, etc. at the first of the year (my kids are graduated/middle school now). We buy 100% of the list plus extras for home/classroom donations but I don't send it all with them on the first day. They let me know when they need items and I send accordingly - but we can afford to do that. Some parents can't.

Just curious if there are discussions about this and what you teachers think. I am sure that supply list logistics are probably one of the least of your worries - just curious.

 

[AZMermaid]

I think that would be a really good idea, but I also think parents are conditioned to buy supplies in August. I also have a hard time asking for crayons in January when they are $3.00 a box vs 0.25 in August. My first grade list is $35 through the APT and can be bought for $20-25 at Target or the likes. I don't pad for extras for kids who don't bring (probably 2-3 kids out of my 24-27). I buy some myself to pad for those kids. So, I do appreciate the parent that buys and extra few boxes of crayons or pencils or whatever if they can. It really does help!

I do occasionally send out an SOS for supplies later in the year (almost always Expo markers) and 2-3 people send things, always the same 2-3 people. I like the idea of buying it cheap and stashing it away.

 

[SEA333]

You will definitely be able to find some prior at Staples. The sales start way before the 1st week of Aug (I work for them so I know when the sales start)

Yes, and I work for one of Staples major vendors. We just shipped our back to school orders out so that Staples (and Walmart, and Target, and Office Max/Depot, etc) will be all set to start their sales!

So get out there and start buying!! I like job security

 

[SEA333]

I think that would be a really good idea, but I also think parents are conditioned to buy supplies in August. I also have a hard time asking for crayons in January when they are $3.00 a box vs 0.25 in August. My first grade list is $35 through the APT and can be bought for $20-25 at Target or the likes. I don't pad for extras for kids who don't bring (probably 2-3 kids out of my 24-27). I buy some myself to pad for those kids. So, I do appreciate the parent that buys and extra few boxes of crayons or pencils or whatever if they can. It really does help!

I do occasionally send out an SOS for supplies later in the year (almost always Expo markers) and 2-3 people send things, always the same 2-3 people. I like the idea of buying it cheap and stashing it away.

You would love to have my kids in your class then....Expo markers for everyone, all year long, in different colors! My kids love giving their teachers school supply "gifts" - luckily their mom works for a pen/marker manufacturer! (or rather, lucky for their teachers...LOL We send in tons of free school supplies every year)