Where is the Back to School Thread?

[easyas123]

And since my youngest has been out of school for 4 years, I've been out of school for 39 years, and I have no Grandkids, really doesn't matter other than I will know to avoid the schools at 2 pm when there are 100+ carloads of parents lined up to pick up their kids. Apparently kids don't walk or bike to school anymore, and parents don't have jobs so they can pick them up Buses are long gone

Same here - Back to School for us consists of making sure we leave for the office at the right time to miss the buses stopping along the way (rural area, buses still very much a thing here)!!

 

[bigbabyblues]

I'm amazed at all the schools that start in early/mid August (and July!!!). I'm annoyed that our school system starts before Labor Day. (Back in MY day, we didn't start until after Labor Day - it was nice.)

We've been out since the week before Memorial Day, and we start back August 20.

My kids are entering 12th and 9th grades this year. DH picked up some notebook paper, the pens they like, pencils, and a few binders last week when he was shopping. He will continue to get a few things each week and by the time schools starts, they'll be set.

They aren't allowed to wear shorts to school, so we need to pull out all of the jeans and see what fits and what doesn't. My oldest is very picky about jeans and was wearing a 28x34 at the end of last year. He has gotten a little taller, and I really hope he can still wear that size. They aren't easy to find, but a 28x36 is probably impossible. DS15 has grown about 5 inches since May, and I'm sure none of his stuff fits either.

 

[MrsPete]

At my son's school textbook rental is the way to go. The first semester he rented from an off campus store but second semester the university bookstore was so good at price matching he got them all there.

Be careful about rentals.

Oh, don't get me wrong: it's a great deal, and the way to go; however, a whole lot of students don't "get" the idea of rental ... or they forget that the books were rented. Two of my teacher colleagues worked at two different bookstores at two different colleges, and they both say the same thing: Only about 1/3 of the students who rent actually turn their books in on time! What happens if you don't turn the book in on time? You just bought it (they take your credit card # for the rental). And you just bought it at full price, even though it was probably a used book. Both of my colleagues say that parents call up after the return date saying, "You've placed a charge on my credit card! Remove it!" Nope, they don't do that.

Of course, this doesn't have to happen: Write your book return date on YOUR calendar and remind your student when the date draws near -- especially if you're talking about a freshman. Or set a reminder on your phone AND your student's phone. My college junior uses her rental receipt as a bookmark.

 

[kymom99]

Be careful about rentals.

Oh, don't get me wrong: it's a great deal, and the way to go; however, a whole lot of students don't "get" the idea of rental ... or they forget that the books were rented. Two of my teacher colleagues worked at two different bookstores at two different colleges, and they both say the same thing: Only about 1/3 of the students who rent actually turn their books in on time! What happens if you don't turn the book in on time? You just bought it (they take your credit card # for the rental). And you just bought it at full price, even though it was probably a used book. Both of my colleagues say that parents call up after the return date saying, "You've placed a charge on my credit card! Remove it!" Nope, they don't do that.

Of course, this doesn't have to happen: Write your book return date on YOUR calendar and remind your student when the date draws near -- especially if you're talking about a freshman. Or set a reminder on your phone AND your student's phone. My college junior uses her rental receipt as a bookmark.

My son is responsible for buying his books, so he returns the ones he rents. At least he did last year both semesters. I did tell him to make sure he remembered to do so, but it was a general statement.

 

[tvguy]

My kids are entering 12th and 9th grades this year. DH picked up some notebook paper, the pens they like, pencils, and a few binders last week when he was shopping. He will continue to get a few things each week and by the time schools starts, they'll be set. .

We got our first Walmart in 1992 when DD was 1 and DS was 5 and starting kindergarten. We overdid it a bit because of how low the prices were. I think I spent less than $20 for 200 pencils, 200 pens and lord knows how many thousands of sheets of binder paper (as I recall 100 sheets of binder paper were like 5 cents) .
26 years later, DD is 27, DS is 31, both are LONG out of College, and we still have pens, pencils and binder paper left. If we ever have Grandkids, we're set!

 

[Scifidiner]

We've been out since the week before Memorial Day, and we start back August 20.

My kids are entering 12th and 9th grades this year. DH picked up some notebook paper, the pens they like, pencils, and a few binders last week when he was shopping. He will continue to get a few things each week and by the time schools starts, they'll be set.

They aren't allowed to wear shorts to school, so we need to pull out all of the jeans and see what fits and what doesn't. My oldest is very picky about jeans and was wearing a 28x34 at the end of last year. He has gotten a little taller, and I really hope he can still wear that size. They aren't easy to find, but a 28x36 is probably impossible. DS15 has grown about 5 inches since May, and I'm sure none of his stuff fits either.

I remember wearing 28" jeans, MTV actually showed music videos and your "phone" was in your house then. Around here kids get out of school well into June and go back in the middle of August. Back in the day we had 3 full months and it was glorious. As a child 3 months seemed like forever. I feel sorry for kids these days. Man I feel old.

 

[abs1978]

We are pretty well set here. DD goes back on August 20th. She is not ready but I sure am! We ordered the school supply pack through the school so we are set there. Her backpack is still in good shape and most of her summer clothes still fit. She does need new shoes. I will also let her pick out a new outfit for the first day of school. Otherwise bring on the school year!

 

[mickeyplanner08]

We've been out since the week before Memorial Day, and we start back August 20.

My kids are entering 12th and 9th grades this year. DH picked up some notebook paper, the pens they like, pencils, and a few binders last week when he was shopping. He will continue to get a few things each week and by the time schools starts, they'll be set.

They aren't allowed to wear shorts to school, so we need to pull out all of the jeans and see what fits and what doesn't. My oldest is very picky about jeans and was wearing a 28x34 at the end of last year. He has gotten a little taller, and I really hope he can still wear that size. They aren't easy to find, but a 28x36 is probably impossible. DS15 has grown about 5 inches since May, and I'm sure none of his stuff fits either.

Arizona from JC Penney makes a 28x36 and a 29x36. If your son isn't too picky-that's where 99% of my son's pants/jeans have come from in the past 4 years. He may make it into a 30" waist this year and we may have other options

 

[xlsm]

They aren't allowed to wear shorts to school, so we need to pull out all of the jeans and see what fits and what doesn't. My oldest is very picky about jeans and was wearing a 28x34 at the end of last year. He has gotten a little taller, and I really hope he can still wear that size. They aren't easy to find, but a 28x36 is probably impossible. DS15 has grown about 5 inches since May, and I'm sure none of his stuff fits either.

Just wanted to chime in and say I understand the jeans struggle. My soon-to-be 15 year old wears a 28 or 29x34 (I've expanded to the 29 in waist b/c sometimes they're easier to find!). I am terrified of the day we need to look for a 36 inseam, i know it's rapidly approaching. I feel like all I do is search for jeans online. We have the usuals from Hollister, American Eagle, and Aeropostale - sometimes we get lucky at Marshalls with some levis, and we found some good ones at The Buckle - the girl who helped us said they always have at least three styles in the smaller sizes in stock. He also has to wear skinny jeans...which aren't all that skinny on him, haha. He hates any other cut b/c they're super baggy in the legs and he makes a rustling sound when he walks

 

[kymom99]

I remember wearing 28" jeans, MTV actually showed music videos and your "phone" was in your house then. Around here kids get out of school well into June and go back in the middle of August. Back in the day we had 3 full months and it was glorious. As a child 3 months seemed like forever. I feel sorry for kids these days. Man I feel old.

The people who head our state's education department think that tacking days into the end of the school year to make up for snow days results in a better education. In reality, most people know that once state testing ends, everyone is "done". So in years with a lot of snow, some districts can go well into June. Those last few days are purely survival. Kids start missing for vacations, teachers use personal days to attend their own kids' programs. It's nuts.

 

[Magical2017]

School starts after Labor Day here. I have not bought anything yet, but plan to hit the sales soon. I think tax free week is the week we are at Disney.

 

[Patches Lee]

DD9 starts 4th grade August 9th. Have to wait till the 7th for teacher assignment and find out if the bus schedule will mean finding a sitter.
School supplies done except any teacher requests. We don't do clothes shopping cause she hasn't grown out of previous year, and we keep school separate from play. Family buys a size up for X-Mas and Birthday so she still has plenty of new clothes waiting for her. Come 6th grade she has to go school uniforms for 3 years, then she gets to go back to regular clothes.
She's already worrying about math again. Common core style teaching she doesn't grasp. Showing her the way I was taught she picks it up quick, but she's not allowed to do it that way in school. I've tried to get the school to help but they just push her through and it's frustrating. They still won't help with ADHD assessments that I have brought in for 2 years.
In all honesty I hate her going back to school knowing the previous years were HORRIBLE. 2 hours a night on homework, reading assignments, teacher notes about not focusing, talking in class, ect. and there are no alternatives where we live.

 

[Bamaclan4]

DD9 starts 4th grade August 9th. Have to wait till the 7th for teacher assignment and find out if the bus schedule will mean finding a sitter.
School supplies done except any teacher requests. We don't do clothes shopping cause she hasn't grown out of previous year, and we keep school separate from play. Family buys a size up for X-Mas and Birthday so she still has plenty of new clothes waiting for her. Come 6th grade she has to go school uniforms for 3 years, then she gets to go back to regular clothes.
She's already worrying about math again. Common core style teaching she doesn't grasp. Showing her the way I was taught she picks it up quick, but she's not allowed to do it that way in school. I've tried to get the school to help but they just push her through and it's frustrating. They still won't help with ADHD assessments that I have brought in for 2 years.
In all honesty I hate her going back to school knowing the previous years were HORRIBLE. 2 hours a night on homework, reading assignments, teacher notes about not focusing, talking in class, ect. and there are no alternatives where we live.

As a veteran teacher you caught my attention. Common Core style and ADHD do not work well together. Too many steps are added to the cc style and usually by step 2 you have lost your ADHD child and by step 4 most of other students. I am not a fan at all of that style of teaching as a one and done style. Good teachers introduce various learning styles. Great teachers keep working until the child grasps the concept regardless of how they got there. What type of ADHD assessments are you referring to? I have filled out many through the years along with letters and phone calls with doctors. I wish you well. It breaks my heart to see a child not enjoy school because of the stupidity of adults. Unfortunately along the some in my profession forgot what are main focus is.

 

[barkley]

Be careful about rentals.

Oh, don't get me wrong: it's a great deal, and the way to go; however, a whole lot of students don't "get" the idea of rental ... or they forget that the books were rented. Two of my teacher colleagues worked at two different bookstores at two different colleges, and they both say the same thing: Only about 1/3 of the students who rent actually turn their books in on time! What happens if you don't turn the book in on time? You just bought it (they take your credit card # for the rental). And you just bought it at full price, even though it was probably a used book. Both of my colleagues say that parents call up after the return date saying, "You've placed a charge on my credit card! Remove it!" Nope, they don't do that.

Of course, this doesn't have to happen: Write your book return date on YOUR calendar and remind your student when the date draws near -- especially if you're talking about a freshman. Or set a reminder on your phone AND your student's phone. My college junior uses her rental receipt as a bookmark.

this is why my preferred rental site is amazon. they send out 2 reminders to the email associated with the rental-one about 20 days out and another 10 or so.

 

[Patches Lee]

As a veteran teacher you caught my attention. Common Core style and ADHD do not work well together. Too many steps are added to the cc style and usually by step 2 you have lost your ADHD child and by step 4 most of other students. I am not a fan at all of that style of teaching as a one and done style. Good teachers introduce various learning styles. Great teachers keep working until the child grasps the concept regardless of how they got there. What type of ADHD assessments are you referring to? I have filled out many through the years along with letters and phone calls with doctors. I wish you well. It breaks my heart to see a child not enjoy school because of the stupidity of adults. Unfortunately along the some in my profession forgot what are main focus is.

It's the Vanderbilt Assessment form. I think part of the school ignoring is she isn't failing yet. Math is a B average, but the Indiana Istep she was 30 points away from what the consider fail this past year, cause she spaced out during the test. It's frustrating because she is smart, tries, and still receives decent grades. But I feel like she has the potential to do more with other support. If you have ever heard of xtra math that is what she is supposed to work on for morning work at school, which she stayed at the addition level this year because she would get right answers consistently, then when she just wanted to "get it over with" she would type random numbers. That in turn showed she wasn't proficient so no advancing to even subtraction. Until the psychologist can get more than just my assessment paper he can't really diagnose ADHD, and in turn the school won't do anything.
She enjoys school, it's math she avoids with a passion. I've heard for already 2 years she is going to a specific college, so her ambition is high lol

 

[kymom99]

DD9 starts 4th grade August 9th. Have to wait till the 7th for teacher assignment and find out if the bus schedule will mean finding a sitter.
School supplies done except any teacher requests. We don't do clothes shopping cause she hasn't grown out of previous year, and we keep school separate from play. Family buys a size up for X-Mas and Birthday so she still has plenty of new clothes waiting for her. Come 6th grade she has to go school uniforms for 3 years, then she gets to go back to regular clothes.
She's already worrying about math again. Common core style teaching she doesn't grasp. Showing her the way I was taught she picks it up quick, but she's not allowed to do it that way in school. I've tried to get the school to help but they just push her through and it's frustrating. They still won't help with ADHD assessments that I have brought in for 2 years.
In all honesty I hate her going back to school knowing the previous years were HORRIBLE. 2 hours a night on homework, reading assignments, teacher notes about not focusing, talking in class, ect. and there are no alternatives where we live.

Not to tell you what to do but after you document your efforts with the school it's time to move up the chain of command to central office. It sounds like a 504 plan is appropriate. Good luck. I'm sorry school is stressful for you all. It should be a time of anticipation and excitement.

 

[2China2009]

This school year we are trying to stay frugal. I have so many school supplies from previous years of buying my kids are shopping from my baskets. I will have to pick up a few odds and ends, but nothing major. They have plenty of clothes until fall comes in October. They each got a new pair of tennis shoes and I paid half and they payed for the other half. When I told my girls that they would have to start paying their half for clothes and shoes they started looking at money very differently. Teaching life lessons early so the value of working hard for their money will pay off in the long run.

 

[Bamaclan4]

I was about to suggest the same as kymom99 . It's time to go farther up the chain. She is your child and you know her better than anyone else.i am familiar with the Vanderbilt Assessment. It takes minimal time on the teachers part compared to what it can reveal. I wish you luck in getting more understanding this year.in our school district we may not always agree, but if a parent makes a request due to a legitimate concern we do our best to work with them. Sometimes they are correct, sometimes they're not, but you never know until you cover all of your bases.

 

[MomToOne]

As a veteran teacher you caught my attention. Common Core style and ADHD do not work well together. Too many steps are added to the cc style and usually by step 2 you have lost your ADHD child and by step 4 most of other students. I am not a fan at all of that style of teaching as a one and done style. Good teachers introduce various learning styles. Great teachers keep working until the child grasps the concept regardless of how they got there. What type of ADHD assessments are you referring to? I have filled out many through the years along with letters and phone calls with doctors. I wish you well. It breaks my heart to see a child not enjoy school because of the stupidity of adults. Unfortunately along the some in my profession forgot what are main focus is.

The first year DD had to deal with common core, after the first week or two of school she asked the Math teacher when she was going to "start teaching them some math."Until then, she had just given them group problems to "figure out an answer however they could" and it wasn't DDs idea of learning (DD has a processing disorder so random problem solving like that is pretty much a waste of time with her.)

It was 10th or 11th grade - why the heck they thought throwing it at kids at that point made any sense I'll never understand.

 

[Magical2017]

As a veteran teacher you caught my attention. Common Core style and ADHD do not work well together. Too many steps are added to the cc style and usually by step 2 you have lost your ADHD child and by step 4 most of other students. I am not a fan at all of that style of teaching as a one and done style. Good teachers introduce various learning styles. Great teachers keep working until the child grasps the concept regardless of how they got there. What type of ADHD assessments are you referring to? I have filled out many through the years along with letters and phone calls with doctors. I wish you well. It breaks my heart to see a child not enjoy school because of the stupidity of adults. Unfortunately along the some in my profession forgot what are main focus is.

I love a good math discussion! Here are my thoughts on the issues with CCSS-M, a a parent of an ADHD child as well as an educator.

1. Implementation and testing have caused issues. Too many tests!
2. Curriculum that is chosen does not always align with student centered, problem based learning and can be very scripted and procedural. Making kids learn 7 ways to solve a problem is not student centered. It's teacher centered. Student invented strategies come from the student, with probing guidance from the teacher.
3. In my county, at least, there are inconsistencies with parent communication, which causes frustration about how parents are supposed to help their child with math.

The "cc" style of learning is a curriculum issue, imo, not a CCSS-M issue. The standards do not say a teacher must teach this way. The progression documents emphasize student invented strategies that are based on properties of operations and place value in grades 2 and 3, and then by grade 4 the traditional algorithm is used. Moving away from drill and kill and teaching for understanding should be the goal.

All these steps go against the NCTM Principles and Standards and the 8 SMP. Instead of having mathematically proficient students who have a balance between conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and application of problem solving skills, we have kids memorizing steps. A child should be able to look at a problem and apply the strategy that works best in that situation. Sometimes it is the "old" way (traditional US algorithm), sometimes not. Other countries use different algorithms, which is always interesting to me. Student-centered, problem based learning is not new and is not a common core style.

I am not sure what state you are in or what you are seeing, but I feel that my county has a long way to go on this.