specific school supplies frustration

[jen0610]

YES< that is what is was, graph paper comp book. He plays Dungeons and Dragons, so it got relegated to that afterwards. Teachers since have only asked for looseleaf graph paper (totally fine, it lasts us far more than a year.)

DS is also going into tenth- and has been using the same binders for several years now. A neighbor gave him some metal ones they didn't need anymore at her work- indestructable!

I wish they would go to the loose leaf paper. Both DS and DD had to have them, so we have two barely used notebooks floating around. Atleast with the loose leaf, I could buy one package and split it between them.

And binders - UGH!!!!!! Never had to get more than 1 a year while DS was in middle school. As a 9th grader, he had to have 1 for all 4 of the core subjects, plus 1 for band. He did marching band as well and he went thru 3 binders before the end of marching season. I get that it makes keeping their drill all nice and together, but dang those kids are hard on those binders. Here is what they do.

They have them strung on shoe string or twine, so that then can sling them over their shoulders and be able to quickly look at and review.

 

[hereyago]

DD is going into 8th grade and really ever since 6th grade, the supplies haven't been really brand etc specific.

The basic supplies list is on the school website: however, we won't know if there are any other or specific supplies that the teachers need until Open house night which is a few days away from when school starts, so there are often last minute things to get.


Ok, I am bad at math, but wouldn't a scientific calculator also have the 4 basic functions on it? or not? her list has 4 basic function calculator and a scientific calculator. TIA

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I like that they're asking for "made in the USA" products. I never really thought about it before.

Unless it is a private school, buying American is a choice based on one's own values, not something for the school to dictate.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

The only year my DD had the specific color folders was in FIFTH grade. I can certainly understand telling K students 'take out the red folder for your homework' but by fifth grade, they certainly can handle "take out your homework folder" instead.

Yes but if you are the teacher it is way easier to know that the kids are doing the right thing if it is uniform. If you want kids to take out their reading log and one kid is still fiddling with his homework folder you will know in an instant, if you are spot checking binder organization and you see the folders are in the correct order you can guess that other things probably are too.

Colored folders are always the cheapest here.

 

[daisyduck123]

Why doesn't every student just bring their own snack?

Oh my - we tried that one year & it was a mess. On Back to School Night we teachers commented to the parents about snacks:

1) no candy
2) dry finger foods like pretzels, Goldfish crackers, Ritz crackers, are best
3) nothing that requires a spoon - pudding pack, jello, etc

There were always kids that brought frosted cupcakes, Gummi Bears, etc.

The worst was the time a girl brought a pink "Go-Gurt". When she was finished, half of it was on her shirt and the other half was smeared all over her face.

1st grade teacher

 

[NHdisneylover]

DD is going into 8th grade and really ever since 6th grade, the supplies haven't been really brand etc specific.

The basic supplies list is on the school website: however, we won't know if there are any other or specific supplies that the teachers need until Open house night which is a few days away from when school starts, so there are often last minute things to get.


Ok, I am bad at math, but wouldn't a scientific calculator also have the 4 basic functions on it? or not? her list has 4 basic function calculator and a scientific calculator. TIA

My guess would be that there will be test where they are not allowed to have MORE than the four basic functions to work with and thus the need for the basic calculator, as well as times when they will need the functions.

 

[kamik86]

DD is going into 8th grade and really ever since 6th grade, the supplies haven't been really brand etc specific.

The basic supplies list is on the school website: however, we won't know if there are any other or specific supplies that the teachers need until Open house night which is a few days away from when school starts, so there are often last minute things to get.


Ok, I am bad at math, but wouldn't a scientific calculator also have the 4 basic functions on it? or not? her list has 4 basic function calculator and a scientific calculator. TIA

The only reason I can think of for this is that some classes (science) may want the scientific calculator for some functions that aren't in your standard (easier to do numbers to the power of x etc). However Math may only allow a 4 function calculator since scientific ones will automatically do many things that she may be supposed to be learning by hand. I had math teachers that didn't allow scientific calculators so if you didn't have a 4 function you couldn't use one at all.

 

[princessmom29]

The folders with the pictures on them cost exactly the same price as solid color folders, so your scenario where the poor kids get teased because they have plain folders makes no sense at all.

It is just way easier to actually find decent quality folders that happen to have photos on them than solid colors. It is not a hardship for the kid to have a plain folder. That is not the issue. It is a hardship for me to find a teal folder, a magenta folder, a dark green folder, a light green folder, a sky blue folder, a navy folder, a black folder, and a maroon folder, all heavy duty laminated, two pocket, no center paper fasteners, preferably Mead. (Last year's list).

The teachers in our district never go looking to see where any of this stuff can be obtained, I guarantee it.

I agree your list is execessive. If the list were a blue, green, red, and yellow folder would you still have a problem with it? The solid color 3 prong folders are $.10 each at walmart here, but the ones with characters are $2-3 each so yea, the character argument actually does hold water. They use the color system in DD's classroom and belive me it is a lot easier to just say, "pull out your red folder" than to wait for 20 kids to firuge out which folder their math homework is in. If you don't understand why they need the color coded folders, why not just ask what they are being used for, or better yet, go observe class and see how the color code system works. If there is really no reason they are asking for them, then sure protest sending them, but I would find out first.

 

[hereyago]

My guess would be that there will be test where they are not allowed to have MORE than the four basic functions to work with and thus the need for the basic calculator, as well as times when they will need the functions.

The only reason I can think of for this is that some classes (science) may want the scientific calculator for some functions that aren't in your standard (easier to do numbers to the power of x etc). However Math may only allow a 4 function calculator since scientific ones will automatically do many things that she may be supposed to be learning by hand. I had math teachers that didn't allow scientific calculators so if you didn't have a 4 function you couldn't use one at all.

Thank you both.

 

[Styx Fan]

I have definitely gotten much more laid back about following the supply list. And for all the reasons given here....hard to find items and unused items in particular. DS was required to have a several specific color of folders for 5th grade. I went nuts looking for one color and ended up paying twice as much. Then of course it ended up not mattering at all.

I have also quit trying to have every single item by the beginning of classes. I buy tons of items at the back to school sales and stockpile. But the extra items like tissues, soap, etc I usually hold off on. Enough parents send in items right away that I can wait and pick them up at sales during the fall. Spreads out the cost and the shopping a bit. Plus teachers really don't have enough storage to easily keep 60 boxes of tissue! The key is to keep track of what you have sent and don't forget. I keep the list on the fridge until I have filled it.

I also keep track of what my kid has at school throughout the year and make sure to send in new items as needed...that's where the stocking up helps. Since I was in the classroom one day a week last year it was easy to check her supplies. None of her teachers have ever asked for large quantities of pencils or that type of thing, so I know they must be running out by mid year. After 1st grade none of our teachers have pooled basic supplies.

 

[Pigeon]

I agree your list is execessive. If the list were a blue, green, red, and yellow folder would you still have a problem with it? The solid color 3 prong folders are $.10 each at walmart here, but the ones with characters are $2-3 each so yea, the character argument actually does hold water. They use the color system in DD's classroom and belive me it is a lot easier to just say, "pull out your red folder" than to wait for 20 kids to firuge out which folder their math homework is in. If you don't understand why they need the color coded folders, why not just ask what they are being used for, or better yet, go observe class and see how the color code system works. If there is really no reason they are asking for them, then sure protest sending them, but I would find out first.

The ten cent flimsy paper folders are widely available in solid color here, but that's not what they want, and I can understand why as they would fall apart in a week. Yes, finding the blue, green, red and yellow heavy duty, laminated folders would require me going to 8 different stores, and then I probably wouldn't have all of them. They just are not carried widely here at all. If the teachers went to Target, Office Max or Staples, they would be aware of that.

If the kids took a permanent marker and wrote the subject on the folder, past first grade I'm sure they could figure it out without the obsessive compulsive color coding.

Dh is a public school teacher and the school supply lists drive him nuts, too. (Although for some mysterious reason, I'm always the one doing the School Supply Scavenger Hunt.) He requires that his students have a pencil, a notebook, and the calculator that they need to use on the state exam.

 

[4greatboys]

Evan back when I worked I used a color coded system daily. I worked at an imaging center and we had a thick sch of patients daily that the insurance had to be verified and many of the procedures we did required preauthorization. So I used one color for things that needed preauth, one for HMO's, one for Workers Comp...etc. all I had to do was glance down and see the color to know which ones had to be done first leaving plenty of time for follow up on down to the ones that would be easiest and no issues.

Made my day much and job much easier.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

I swear, the three prong, plastic folders with pockets are going to be the death of me.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love back to school shopping; I even restock my own pencil case with new expensive pencils, nice pens, and colored pencils.

However, three years in a row, I have had trouble finding the three prong, plastic folders with pockets. I completely understand why they want these folders - they hold up. Easy, peasy. Finding them, however, is a nightmare. One year, after having visited many stores the year before, I snagged a whole package in the middle of the year, and it turned out I was one short when the supply list was released....went to 6 stores looking for that last folder. This year, the list is color specific. I truly have no problem with color specific...except last year, I only found red and yellow. This weekend, I will make the journey again in an attempt to find "one of each color: yellow, red, blue, green, orange, purple."

The part I really don't get is how the generic list for all kids in the grade is so specific. Are all 19 3rd grade teachers using the same color coding method?

The other item that I find particularly hard to find is 12x18 manilla paper. I was in target the day after they set out their school supply section this year, and they didn't have any. I am willing to bet that I'll be doing a Walmart run for that one item again this year. Last year, Alison's teacher ran out in the middle of the year, and I tried to help her restock, but I couldn't find any anywhere.

 

[JVL1018]

The ten cent flimsy paper folders are widely available in solid color here, but that's not what they want, and I can understand why as they would fall apart in a week. Yes, finding the blue, green, red and yellow heavy duty, laminated folders would require me going to 8 different stores, and then I probably wouldn't have all of them. They just are not carried widely here at all. If the teachers went to Target, Office Max or Staples, they would be aware of that.

If the kids took a permanent marker and wrote the subject on the folder, past first grade I'm sure they could figure it out without the obsessive compulsive color coding.

Dh is a public school teacher and the school supply lists drive him nuts, too. (Although for some mysterious reason, I'm always the one doing the School Supply Scavenger Hunt.) He requires that his students have a pencil, a notebook, and the calculator that they need to use on the state exam.

I agree with you.
My son's list specifically says durable long lasting folders. They do not want the cheap paper folders.
The blue, red, green, and yellow are easy for me to find. The orange and white are not.
An orange notebook, also not easy.
Black folders and notebooks abound. You'd think whoever was making up the list might take a peek in the store and see what is readily available and what isn't. Just seems like common sense to me.
I don't mind spending the money, I don't mind specific lists, I actually enjoy shopping for it. Just why not ask for black notebooks when they are all over the place, instead of orange, which no one can find?

 

[sssteele]

It is in our nation's interest that we all buy American, if you can afford it. ABC recently ran a couple of series called "Made in America" on the evening news. Their statistics claim that if each individual in the US spends an additional $3.33 on American goods, it creates 10,000 US jobs. Sounds plausible to me 300 million x $3.33. I am so devoted to this idea, that I buy stuff I don't really need if it's made in the USA. We have to turn this thing around before it's too late. You can't blame politicians when you choose to buy imports when there is an American-made alternative available. Wouldn't it be nice if Disney would try this, especially since they own ABC. Now stepping down from my soapbox, and waiting to see if Disney lifts my WDW annual pass.

 

[4greatboys]

I swear, the three prong, plastic folders with pockets are going to be the death of me.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love back to school shopping; I even restock my own pencil case with new expensive pencils, nice pens, and colored pencils.

However, three years in a row, I have had trouble finding the three prong, plastic folders with pockets. I completely understand why they want these folders - they hold up. Easy, peasy. Finding them, however, is a nightmare. One year, after having visited many stores the year before, I snagged a whole package in the middle of the year, and it turned out I was one short when the supply list was released....went to 6 stores looking for that last folder. This year, the list is color specific. I truly have no problem with color specific...except last year, I only found red and yellow. This weekend, I will make the journey again in an attempt to find "one of each color: yellow, red, blue, green, orange, purple."

They are to find. Check now. Our stores just started putting out school supplies and I found the 3 prong pocket folders at Walgreens--and on sale!
I'm stocking up on them

 

[TanyaS]

My children's schools have an ordering option through www.epipacks.com

I can order the school supplies (lists are very similar to some of those posted above) in June and when we go to the Meet the Teacher day before school starts, there will be a package with the pre-ordered supplies waiting on us.

I have heard other parents say that they can find better deals by shopping around, but after doing the whole drive-to-three-different-stores thing when DS#1 was entering kindergarten, I happily write the check to avoid the back to school shopping for long lists of specific supplies.

I think the epipacks sale might be a little fundraiser for the PTA, but I'm not sure. It sure does make my life easier, so my thanks to whichever parent organizes it!

****

What also drives me crazy are the endless requests for random things throughout the year. I heard of one room parent that requested a slightly large amount of money from the class at the start of the school year and then she or the teacher purchased all those random things they needed during the year. The room mom also purchased the Christmas and end-of-year gifts for the teacher from the class from this collection. I would love this option! But understand why others would prefer to pay a little here and a little there throughout the year.

 

[teacherforhi]

I know the folders are in stores here. I just bought 15 each of red, yellow, blue, green, and purple--the five colors I use in my classroom. I paid .15 each for them.

 

[design_mom]

I swear, the three prong, plastic folders with pockets are going to be the death of me.

I saw them last week at Target! I noticed because I'd never seen the plastic ones with pockets *and* prongs before (had always been either/or). Good luck.

 

[spacemountainmom]

I saw them last week at Target! I noticed because I'd never seen the plastic ones with pockets *and* prongs before (had always been either/or). Good luck.

A week ago they were on sale for $.50 and I think the regular price was $2.04. I was mad because my Target had three colors: hot pink, dark blue and purple. DS needs two for science this year, but with a good deal, I like to stock some extras. I bought blue and purple and ds was unhappy about purple. Ugh! I'll have to watch for the next sale.

I have a rubbermaid bin that I keep stocked up with various school supplies so when I get that, "MOM, I need new notebooks, folders, pens, pencils...." I tell them to check the bin before we have to make a run to the store. It has saved me many a trip to the store.