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RE: School supplies?? - 7/14/2010 12:30:38 PM
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doinkdom
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From: The higher lowcountry
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quote:
ORIGINAL: stellaluna
Here are my problems with classroom supplies:
1) Asking for them at the beginning of the year pre-supposes they'll be needed at all. Not all of them will.
2) Not every parent can afford all the supplies. By asking for things for the classroom, it makes their list longer and less affordable. For those that can't afford anything, everyone else is required to pick up their tab.
3) I question most supply lists at all, especially when brand names are given. A ruler is a ruler. If a child is required to have a wooden ruler one year and a plastic one the next, that's a waste of money for the family. If a child is required to have a wooden ruler and a plastic one is half the price, that's a waste of money for the family. A ruler is a ruler, as long as it is long enough and has the appropriate measurement markings.
I think supply lists should be very basic, with parents being alerted after school starts if there are special projects coming down the line that will need special supplies.
I deal with this every year with my grandkids. Their lists are truly ridiculous.
First, everything you buy goes into a community closet and then doled out as needed.
Secondly, you cannot put the child's name on anything. So if I buy my one grandson the spiderman notebook that he adores...he has to give it up to some other kid whose mom bought a plain notebook. Uh...no.
It's just maddening to me. I went to the school office last year and asked to speak with the respective teachers and asked them what was up with the forever list of "needs." They had no explanation other than they would have to purchase what they did not receive.
I suggested they adjust their classroom studies to use resources and materials they already had available without putting a $50 burden for each child on the parents.
I have noticed that as the boys get older, their lists get smaller which is a good thing.
I've also noticed that "charter" and "magnet" schools have lists twice as long as a regular public school list.
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/14/2010 12:34:40 PM
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doinkdom
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A few local churches actually get a list of kids who need supplies and volunteers can go buy a bookbag and fill it up with a particular child's list of school supplies. It becomes a small project for anyone interested in serving that way.
I guess they still do it since it seemed to be a big hit with many people who were able to help and didn't have kids of their own.
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/14/2010 2:24:32 PM
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myka
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quote:
This is an excellent idea. I would have no problem with a teacher or school district asking for donations. It's the idea that parents should be expected to pick up supplies for others that bothers me.
In our city, there is a school supply drive where people can buy school supplies and donate them to families who are in need. The supplies are then distributed through the individual schools. The donations don't usually include all the supplies on the lists, but it does help.
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/14/2010 2:55:29 PM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 572
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From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
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quote:
What really bothers me is that our school system spends millions on a sports complex
regarding sports complexes...around here those are usually funded primarily through "booster organization", with little money coming from the actual school district.
quote:
2) Not every parent can afford all the supplies. By asking for things for the classroom, it makes their list longer and less affordable.
our school has a "system" in place to identify those very few with that issue....and, let's it be known that IF you're in the position to be unable to pay the $44 for supplies, to see the teacher/principal ASAP, and they will work with you....there are many "social organizations" in our area that help families out...and "school supplies" are handled by a few of them. You've just got to "speak up"!
quote:
especially when brand names are given
Sure, there may be SOME things that brand does not matter, but when it comes to other items, it is imperative, for instance, for paints/color items be from Crayola. Why? No other brand performs better with "washability"....these lists were initiated by the teachers themselves, then "refined" by PARENTS in the PTO...who have first-hand knowledge about which items will be most durable and the BEST VALUE....with "best value" not necessarily being "the cheapest".
quote:
I don't like the idea that some parents can get by without paying for their own supplies
and, meanwhile, their kid walks around with an iPhone or other "smartphone" device....mom/dad both have a new car, and you know they just spent a fortune remodeling the kitchen...and, they all just spent part of the summer in Turks/Caicos. (perhaps a bit of an exaggeration, but, you get the idea)
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/14/2010 3:36:46 PM
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Elena1030
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Do y'all get teachers who state that kids should not choose certain things for their school supplies? For example, I remember Trapper Keepers (back in the 80s) being "outlawed" by a few of the teachers at my school... 'cause the kids papers fell out a lot... or it didn't promote organization as much as another notebook and folder system did.
Is it sometimes better to let the child and parent figure out what organization system works best for him/her? Or is it sometimes better that the teacher state a rule for the entire class (like, "You must use folders with pockets and brads; no characters on them, just plain covers")?
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/14/2010 3:51:35 PM
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christsstar
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quote:
regarding sports complexes...around here those are usually funded primarily through "booster organization", with little money coming from the actual school district.
This is money that the schools get from their STAR testing. Our local HS has chosen to put all that money into the sports complex. The sports complex at the HS is so nice it hosts state competitions. The best football team in the state, if not one of the best in the nation, has played there several times. And they are continuing to add to it.
quote:
Is it sometimes better to let the child and parent figure out what organization system works best for him/her? Or is it sometimes better that the teacher state a rule for the entire class (like, "You must use folders with pockets and brads; no characters on them, just plain covers")?
I think it depends on the age of the kid. In elementary school, I say they should be organized the way the teacher wants. In middle school and high school, let the kids decide for themselves. I get so upset when the kids have to do things the way the teacher wants when the kid should be able to know what works best for him/her. Same thing regarding taking notes and keeping notebooks. HS kids should not be graded on organization if they are learning and passing tests.
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/15/2010 2:36:14 PM
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theprincessbuttercup
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quote:
I suggested they adjust their classroom studies to use resources and materials they already had available without putting a $50 burden for each child on the parents.
This would be a great thing to take up with the local board, the state board, the legislature, the taxpayers, and No Child Left Behind. most teachers don't get a whole lot of say about which subjects and units they teach and which they just leave out due to expense. Most teachers spend between 400-800 dollars of their own money buying supplies, etc. for the classrooms every year - I don't mean instructional supply money, I mean personal money. I have seen teachers who struggle to pay their bills fork over bus or field trip money so a child who can't afford it can go on a field trip. In our state, we got zero classroom supply money last year from the state and zero text book money. We won't get any this year either. Our teachers spent 1/2 of our last professional work day trying to pare down every supply list and still figure - based on the hundreds of years of collective teaching experience in the room - what they would have to have to operate. And we really want 7 year old Judy to sit the and watch everyone else draw a picture because her mom couldn't bring crayons in and everyone else's mom could?
If education isn't worth taxing, then lined paper and tissue has to come from somewhere....and if supply lists are not appropriate, then taxes need to pay for them. I actually wish we would just go to a voucher system or something. Then I would never again have anyone question why they have to buy construction paper for that "school MY taxes are already paying for." I'm already on the watch list for teaching public school, reading Harry Potter, and watching cable television :)
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/15/2010 4:28:05 PM
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stellaluna
Posts: 4250
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quote:
ORIGINAL: theprincessbuttercup
quote:
I suggested they adjust their classroom studies to use resources and materials they already had available without putting a $50 burden for each child on the parents.
This would be a great thing to take up with the local board, the state board, the legislature, the taxpayers, and No Child Left Behind. most teachers don't get a whole lot of say about which subjects and units they teach and which they just leave out due to expense. Most teachers spend between 400-800 dollars of their own money buying supplies, etc. for the classrooms every year - I don't mean instructional supply money, I mean personal money. I have seen teachers who struggle to pay their bills fork over bus or field trip money so a child who can't afford it can go on a field trip. In our state, we got zero classroom supply money last year from the state and zero text book money. We won't get any this year either. Our teachers spent 1/2 of our last professional work day trying to pare down every supply list and still figure - based on the hundreds of years of collective teaching experience in the room - what they would have to have to operate. And we really want 7 year old Judy to sit the and watch everyone else draw a picture because her mom couldn't bring crayons in and everyone else's mom could?
If education isn't worth taxing, then lined paper and tissue has to come from somewhere....and if supply lists are not appropriate, then taxes need to pay for them. I actually wish we would just go to a voucher system or something. Then I would never again have anyone question why they have to buy construction paper for that "school MY taxes are already paying for." I'm already on the watch list for teaching public school, reading Harry Potter, and watching cable television :)
I'm not really following your post.
What is taught is only partly related to the supplies teachers ask for. A unit on the US map doesn't require Crayola washable markers; it could be done with an 8-count box of crayons. Or cheap colored pencils.
Also, I'm not sure field trips should be scheduled that require money and if they are, is it necessary that everyone goes? I'm really asking.
And finally, is it really fair for a teacher to decide another parent will foot the bill for Judy's parents who can't or won't buy supplies?
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/15/2010 4:35:33 PM
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zoebob
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From: land of limbo
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Walmart was putting out their school supplies today. 24 packs of crayola crayons for 25 cents each
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/15/2010 5:29:01 PM
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garsyt
Posts: 1934
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quote:
What is taught is only partly related to the supplies teachers ask for. A unit on the US map doesn't require Crayola washable markers; it could be done with an 8-count box of crayons. Or cheap colored pencils. True it could be taught that way -Teachers ask for certain products because they KNOW they work the way they should. Clean up is MUCH easier when things are washable Especially for the lower grades where some kids STILL haven't figured out that markers and crayons belong on paper, not desks, floors and each other.
quote:
Also, I'm not sure field trips should be scheduled that require money and if they are, is it necessary that everyone goes? I'm really asking. In the upper elementary grades - say 3rd and up, often the field trips, at least the ones here, ARE related to what is being studied in the classroom and are tested on. The third graders go on a bus trip around our town and it is in conjunction with their studies of our local community. The 4th graders visit the state capital and the history museum during their studies of our state which is required by our state board of education. The trip isn't required but the study of the state is - AND the kids in our district consistently score very high in state testing of Social studies in the 4th and 5th grades and I'm sure a lot of this has to do with being able to take that trip. Here however the PTC has a special find set aside for those children that are truly in need that will assist in paying for field trips if need be. Kids are never REQUIRED to go on the field trips - but quite honestly I see them as breaks outside of the classroom, a change of pace for the kids, something different - and sometimes that's all it takes to get a kid excited about a topic.
quote:
And finally, is it really fair for a teacher to decide another parent will foot the bill for Judy's parents who can't or won't buy supplies? Teachers are just trying to make sure that they have enough supplies in the classroom so EVERYONE can learn. If little Judy's parents are flakes and don't buy her pencils or paper what should the teacher do? Buy them herself? What if that teacher has children of her own that she has to buy for? Schools are under some pretty harsh budget restraints right now. They can barely afford to keep the art rooms stocked with supplies - yet parents expect great things. They can barely afford to buy musicals for music departments, and yet parents expect great performances every year. They can barely afford to copy paper - yet parents expect to get weekly progress reports and expect their children to have worksheets to do. And if someone does not have the supplies in the classroom and they are unable to do the assignment - then parents get upset with the school and the teachers. But if a teacher tells a parent they need to get certain supplies for their child - the teachers get yelled at and given the attitude that "well my tax dollars are paying so much for schools already."
Anyway - back to the topic at hand - school supplies!
We were at Walmart today and picked up a few supplies! I love this time of year! The smell of a fresh box of Crayola's is quite intoxicating! 
Blessings,
Garsy
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/15/2010 7:21:06 PM
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daughter_of_faith
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On the subject of school field trips, our students had to participate in fund raisers if they wanted to go on their field trip. Y'all already know how that goes....it goes the same was as purchasing school supplies.
DS has had HUGE lists both years so far and he's only 7.
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/15/2010 7:43:28 PM
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theprincessbuttercup
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I think that what would be wonderful is if each child could walk through the school doors with a backpack, a lunch, and a smile each August. As a parent, I would LOVE not having to go all over creation getting ready every July or August. I would love for my kids to walk into a classroom stocked with textbooks that have all the pages, plenty of pencils, supplies to learn creatively in a data-driven and engaging way, with lots of enrichment experience. That would be my dream. The only downer is that it all costs money. And - at least for now - education IS a right in our country for all children. So I am not sure how to fix the yearly school supply dilemma. And it is a dilemma - we've had to scrounge some years too to get all that stuff. I do know that the teachers I work with twist themselves into pretzels to keep parents from having to spend a single cent that isn't needed for effective, creative, and data-driven instruction. I just wish there was an answer that was easy and cost-free. Luckily, my kids have never been that Judy with no supplies. But I've taught some Judy's. I wish - as a teacher - that I could afford to supply all the Judy's of the world from my pocket. I can't. And I am not going to forgo effective lessons for an entire class either. It certainly is a hard thing to solve. On a good note, in tight years I have bought dollar store markers instead of crayola, and none of my kids' teachers ever said anything. As a teacher, I always buy crayola because by the time I replace the cheap ones several times because they dry out so much quicker, it's about the same difference.
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/15/2010 10:47:17 PM
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myka
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quote:
Also, I'm not sure field trips should be scheduled that require money and if they are, is it necessary that everyone goes? I'm really asking.
Our kids have had field trips that 'require' money, but the schools do have assistance for those who cannot afford the money for the field trip. All the field trips have been related to a subject that the kids were studying during school -- for example, our youngest was studying animals in kindergarten and they had a field trip to one of the zoos in the area. She came home talking about the baby giraffe that she saw. Field trips are a different type of learning.
We have also had scholarships for some of the outside testing that was required as part of ds's classes (AP tests).
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/16/2010 10:00:41 AM
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ladioffaith
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You have to spend $5 at staples to get the penny pencils and folders.
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/16/2010 11:58:03 AM
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GregandJenny
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From: Near Seattle Washington
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quote:
Then came along those PTA groups, teachers and principals who said that everyone has to go on trips, everyone has to have the school shirt, everyone has to do X. Even the playing field. What do people have to work for? Now, you have people that CAN afford it not paying because they are making a point that the system is messed up. Then there is a short fall everywhere.
What an assumption... 
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/16/2010 12:08:54 PM
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aprilshowers12
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Regarding classroom supplies: papertowels, tissues, etc. I don't send them in during the first week of school. I usually send the teachers a note letting them know that I am spending a lot of money on supplies for 3 children and would like to send the classroom supplies later if possible. If they will let me know when they get low on something during the year, I am more than happy to get them restocked. The middle school has a "grade level" coordinator, so I contact him/her.
I have never had a teacher turn me down on this because they said they ALWAYS need restocking mid-year. I always make sure I follow through on their requests within a few days. Last year DD3's teacher needed paper towels and tissues. I a case of each from Sam's. It was much more than she would have gotten the first week of school and it lasted through the end of the year.
DS's grade level needed copy paper mid-year: I bought two cases. They would have gotten one ream on the list.
For the high school, they did not have mandatory classroom supplies the kids got extra credit. DD's biology teacher did something that I thought was great. Since they work on a every other day schedule he had the "day one" kids bring paper towels and liquid soap first semester. Then "day two" replenished second semester because he said he did not storage for everything. We were day two; I sent an 8 roll pkg. and 3 pks of hand soap because that was all DD could carry. She said he was thrilled.
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/16/2010 2:02:22 PM
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sharonjef2007
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I remember when I was a kid....I LOVED school supply time! Get the list, see what I have and what I need. Have a day out with mom and get it and some clothes. It always seemed like a fresh start.
But, I remember things like paper and such being a lot more expensive when I was a kid than last year when I took out my neice to get her school stuff. We spent $100ish dollars at Walmart, but that included about $30 in supplies and the rest was a new wardrobe and shoes which she needed thanks to a recent growth spurt. Not too bad in my opinion. I call it the Walmart effect....things get cheaper when you have competition like that.
I saw Walgreens is having some good sales too. When it is time to send out little guy, I'll probably use Register Rewards to help with the cost. I figure I'll probably get a bunch of stuff free that way.
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/16/2010 4:26:54 PM
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judii1
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The sports thing- Dd paid over $600 last year for her 9th grader to play football on the JV team. She wasn't happy when the season was over. There were over 100 kids on the team and her son ended up playing for 2 minutes all season. She said it came to $300 a minute and she didn't even count the money she paid for the rest of the family to see the games or all the snacks and hot dogs she bought.
There was a church in MO that collected school supplies and clothes for the kids. A week or so before school started they would have a huge room filled with clothes, shoes, supplies, etc for any of the kids that needed them. They even handed out new socks and underwear.
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/16/2010 5:10:17 PM
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FunBetty
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quote:
ORIGINAL: judii1
The sports thing- Dd paid over $600 last year for her 9th grader to play football on the JV team. She wasn't happy when the season was over. There were over 100 kids on the team and her son ended up playing for 2 minutes all season. She said it came to $300 a minute and she didn't even count the money she paid for the rest of the family to see the games or all the snacks and hot dogs she bought.
There was a church in MO that collected school supplies and clothes for the kids. A week or so before school started they would have a huge room filled with clothes, shoes, supplies, etc for any of the kids that needed them. They even handed out new socks and underwear.
Our church is planning an event for the community and has a goal to give out school supplies for 2,000 kids. (Our church is small....like 175 people). I bought some supplies from the Staples sale the other day, and the associate pastor's wife said that the church could buy whatever supplies they needed at cost. (The church did a fundraiser a month ago specifically for this cause).
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/17/2010 6:12:19 PM
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christsstar
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so Josh and I decided that we're hitting up the dollar store this year for the basics.
in theory, the kids don't need calculators or backpacks. dollar store should be sufficient.
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/18/2010 5:39:40 PM
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garsyt
Posts: 1934
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By the way this thread is NOT about which form of schooling is better.
This thread is not about field trips and the extra costs.
This thread is about supply lists. This thread is about where you are going to find those supplies. This is the perfect spot to give others a heads up regarding sales you come across!
That said!
I found nice pencil pouches today for a $1 each! I picked up a couple because I know they will get used eventually!
And even though it wasn't needed I picked up a box of brand new Crayolas! I figure I'll toss them into the bin for future use or donation!
As for backpacks - we are reusing what we already have. One more calculator isn't going to break us!
Blessings,
Garsy
< Message edited by garsyt -- 7/18/2010 6:13:41 PM >
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RE: School supplies?? - 7/18/2010 6:08:38 PM
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sharonjef2007
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I saw composition books for a quarter a piece today at Walmart. They were in full force with the school supplies and many of the schools already had their lists out too.
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