This is different than most other school supply topics - I'm sort of wanting some insight as to why, every year, the lists of supplies to buy just gets longer.

I know a large part of the supply issue is school-budget related. But, if a school has a slim supply budget, doesn't it make more sense to tailor your teaching needs to fit within that budget instead of passing the expectations, and the buck, along to the parents?

In my years as a child - and yours - paper, pencils, and a notebook were all that needed to go with us - if we ran out throughout the year it was up to us and our parents to just buy a bit more.
Why is this no longer the preference?

And, what baffles me completely, is that at the end of the year my kids have always brought home a bag full of glue sticks, crayons, pencils, pens, paper, etc etc - all the leftover supplies get sent home.
Doesn't it make more sense to just keep what's usable and reuse it next year?

My parents had no problems buying me school supplies and i will have no issues at all buying things for my child to make his school year productive.

My sister buys the supply list twice..So my nephew can have the same ones at home for home work.

Because the schools can't afford to supply each child with all that stuff, and the teacher certainly can't!

As a parent, it's your job to buy that stuff no matter how long the list is. As long as it's being used to further their education, who cares how much it costs?

This is a touchy subject for me. I probably should have just ignored it :lol

This is different than most other school supply topics - I'm sort of wanting some insight as to why, every year, the lists of supplies to buy just gets longer.

I know a large part of the supply issue is school-budget related. But, if a school has a slim supply budget, doesn't it make more sense to tailor your teaching needs to fit within that budget instead of passing the expectations, and the buck, along to the parents?

In my years as a child - and yours - paper, pencils, and a notebook were all that needed to go with us - if we ran out throughout the year it was up to us and our parents to just buy a bit more.
Why is this no longer the preference?

And, what baffles me completely, is that at the end of the year my kids have always brought home a bag full of glue sticks, crayons, pencils, pens, paper, etc etc - all the leftover supplies get sent home.
Doesn't it make more sense to just keep what's usable and reuse it next year?

I agree with you. We just had to deal with over $100 for stuff for my kids. I don't mind. I always will get my kids what they need but the list seems to get longer each year. I don't mind helping the teacher out but if the list says 5 dry erase markers and a class has 20 kids why would a teacher need that many. IMO that's not helping the teacher, thats providing for her. So what is done with the budget. My other problem is with parents who don't fill their kids list. Because of that I need to buy 10 glue sticks and 6 notebooks along with large amounts of other things. Because some refuse to get their kids what they need the list gets longer every year. Now, not only do I buy for the teacher put I provide others in the the class their stuff. Each year it bugs me more and more.JMO

Because the schools can't afford to supply each child with all that stuff, and the teacher certainly can't!

As a parent, it's your job to buy that stuff no matter how long the list is. As long as it's being used to further their education, who cares how much it costs?

This is a touchy subject for me. I probably should have just ignored it :lol

I agree with you! Its for the betterment of them, and I plan to buy the better of some items like calculators so that they can be used for more than 1 year.

Because the schools can't afford to supply each child with all that stuff, and the teacher certainly can't!

As a parent, it's your job to buy that stuff no matter how long the list is. As long as it's being used to further their education, who cares how much it costs?

This is a touchy subject for me. I probably should have just ignored it :lol

I ditto this... as a teacher, I can vouch for the fact that (at least in my Title I school) less than half of my students actually bought school supplies, and you can't MAKE people do it. Also, we don't send home the "leftovers"... we reuse them the next year if possible, and adjust the supply list to be only things we NEED.

When halfway through the year, my first-graders had filled up their morning writing journals and I sent home a note to the parents requesting composition books, I got ONE. Which meant I had to either spend my own money on the books or have the kids write on looseleaf paper, which gets lost and mixed up and out of chronological order. Well, I bought more books. With my own money, from my tiny teacher's salary.

The same exact thing happened with the glue sticks. I had to buy new glue sticks for my whole class TWICE during the year, because they actually do use them that much.

That's not to mention all of the read-aloud books, educational games, puzzles, and more that I bought from my own money for the kids.
Yes, it would be more economical to "tailor my curriculum to my budget" but the kids wouldn't benefit as much, and I became a teacher because I wanted to help kids to learn and to LOVE learning... so I wanted the best for them.

So please, if your teachers want you to buy 40 pencils for your kid and you think that's excessive, rest assured that your child's teacher is probably spending more of his or her personal money on the class than you are.

So please, if your teachers want you to buy 40 pencils for your kid and you think that's excessive, rest assured that your child's teacher is probably spending more of his or her personal money on the class than you are.

As a teacher you should not have to purchase out of pocket for supplies, there are alternatives you could have used instead of the composition notebooks you bought as an example. I know teachers are grossly underpaid and the budgets are not big enough but what gets me is that I buy supplies for MY child, I spend MY money to better HER education and it gets put into a "community box" for all the kids. How is that fair?

At my DD's school they have supplies from the state for the kids that can't afford it. Every year I lug the 18 bags of crap that I had to buy into the class room and see that Betty Sue got hers for free but my childs supplies are still expected to be used in the "community box".

I think as parents we have the right to bitch a little about the amount of cash that it takes to supply our children with things for school. The entire school year they nickle and dime you to death...free public education is NOT free.

As a teacher you should not have to purchase out of pocket for supplies, there are alternatives you could have used instead of the composition notebooks you bought as an example. I know teachers are grossly underpaid and the budgets are not big enough but what gets me is that I buy supplies for MY child, I spend MY money to better HER education and it gets put into a "community box" for all the kids. How is that fair?

At my DD's school they have supplies from the state for the kids that can't afford it. Every year I lug the 18 bags of crap that I had to buy into the class room and see that Betty Sue got hers for free but my childs supplies are still expected to be used in the "community box".

I think as parents we have the right to bitch a little about the amount of cash that it takes to supply our children with things for school. The entire school year they nickle and dime you to death...free public education is NOT free.

NOW i would be ticked if it went into a communtiy box!!

At my nephews school the teacher makes a list for things like tissues and and sanitizer for the class room but everything she buys is for him alone.

See - I didn't realize that a lot of parents don't buy their necessary supplies...I have always bought what's on the list - Some things I just can't get because we only have a small store in our town and they often run out of things, but often the teacher is satisfied with a small check to make up for the lack.
Right now we can handle for the two kids - but in just afew years the others will be in school, too ... I don't know how we'll be financially, but i'll still try my best to provide what's necessary.

I've just been presumptuous, I guess, thinking that everyone dibs in equally - or at least partially.

now - I, though, don't get the imbalance in our children's school district - part of the district simply says "a $____ fee per child will cover the cost of supplies" ... and there's no list to shop for.
Whereas the other half (our half) does have a list.
So I guess what is needed for the year is a school-to-school decision? Teacher-to-teacher decision?

The one thing that's actually been a problem from time to time is the lack of description for certain items ... like this year my oldest needed an "assignment notebook" ... I presumed he needed a divided notebook - one section for each subject. I found out a few days into the school year that the "assignment notebook" was actually a book filled with workpages, homework sheets and so forth...Because of a lack of description he went for a few days without being able to do his work and is already behind.


*edit* USCG -

This year is actually the first year that i bought solely for one of the kids - the items I sent with him were for his use, only, when he runs out of something his teacher will let me know.

I feel the same about being pressed to constantly support the school through fundraisers and such.
Last year I 'bought books' for my kids through the school's monthly bookfair - only, a few weeks without seeing the books come home, I asked their teachers and they informed me that the school book fair was for the entire classroom - not the individual student. So at the end of the year they'd be able to bring the book home.
Which is sort of ok - but I would have liked to have known that before rather than after.

Throughout the year our school took each class on no less than 5 field trips, and had 5 monthly book fundraisers, a fundraiser for each 'season' ... equaling maybe 9 by the end of the year...I really don't like being the shitty mom who doesn't get involved - but 9 + 5 x 2 = way to much for me to cover.

My state is in dire need of a tax use makeover - throughout the last few years they've closed a large number of schools because they were in 'debt' to the state too much, taxes keep going up, yet the extra tax money is going nowhere.

It would be nice to have an educational 'standard' for schools across the country to balance out the educational differences...especially when being military - we've had to 'catch' the kids up far too many times, it's crazy.
Even when I was younger we moved frequently - There were subjects that I just never learned.
I think, country wide, that's the reason for a lot of economical and financial imbalance.

As a teacher you should not have to purchase out of pocket for supplies, there are alternatives you could have used instead of the composition notebooks you bought as an example. I know teachers are grossly underpaid and the budgets are not big enough but what gets me is that I buy supplies for MY child, I spend MY money to better HER education and it gets put into a "community box" for all the kids. How is that fair?

At my DD's school they have supplies from the state for the kids that can't afford it. Every year I lug the 18 bags of crap that I had to buy into the class room and see that Betty Sue got hers for free but my childs supplies are still expected to be used in the "community box".

I think as parents we have the right to bitch a little about the amount of cash that it takes to supply our children with things for school. The entire school year they nickle and dime you to death...free public education is NOT free.

:clap :thumbsup
I am with you. I understand that the teachers should not supply the stuff and I have no problem getting my kids what they need. What bugs me is those who don't provide for their kids so the burden is put on us. I also agree free public education is no longer free. I will always get my kids what they need but next year I plan on dividing things up and sending them as she needs them. I don't feel sahe needs everything all at once.

I don't even think about it anymore. I shop early and then I shop the clearance after the back to school sales to stock up for the next year on things they'll always need (pens, pencils, glue sticks, paper, notebooks, comp. books).

Since I got to hang around with a lot of teachers going for my own teaching degree, I don't even bat an eye at the cost of school supplies. Yeah, I don't enjoy it, but I know their teachers don't get paid enough, the schools don't have enough funding and if I was really broke, mine would get the supplies for free too. I get more pissed off at the reasons I would have to buy supplies than the actual part of buying them. Look what they pay football players...and look what they pay teachers. Hardly makes any sense.

I ditto this... as a teacher, I can vouch for the fact that (at least in my Title I school) less than half of my students actually bought school supplies, and you can't MAKE people do it. Also, we don't send home the "leftovers"... we reuse them the next year if possible, and adjust the supply list to be only things we NEED.

When halfway through the year, my first-graders had filled up their morning writing journals and I sent home a note to the parents requesting composition books, I got ONE. Which meant I had to either spend my own money on the books or have the kids write on looseleaf paper, which gets lost and mixed up and out of chronological order. Well, I bought more books. With my own money, from my tiny teacher's salary.

The same exact thing happened with the glue sticks. I had to buy new glue sticks for my whole class TWICE during the year, because they actually do use them that much.

That's not to mention all of the read-aloud books, educational games, puzzles, and more that I bought from my own money for the kids.
Yes, it would be more economical to "tailor my curriculum to my budget" but the kids wouldn't benefit as much, and I became a teacher because I wanted to help kids to learn and to LOVE learning... so I wanted the best for them.

So please, if your teachers want you to buy 40 pencils for your kid and you think that's excessive, rest assured that your child's teacher is probably spending more of his or her personal money on the class than you are.

:yes You said it better than me!

:clap :thumbsup
I am with you. I understand that the teachers should not supply the stuff and I have no problem getting my kids what they need. What bugs me is those who don't provide for their kids so the burden is put on us. I also agree free public education is no longer free. I will always get my kids what they need but next year I plan on dividing things up and sending them as she needs them. I don't feel sahe needs everything all at once.

My aunt in Chicago, though, pays a 'tuition' for each child that covers everything - books, facility use, paper, everything...i remember - years ago - she complained that it was somewhere around $800 per student for PUBLIC SCHOOL ... which I find to be appauling and disgraceful.

*edit*
Too true, Lux - our national standards are way off - other countries that outdo us in all ways educational are fine examples of what we should work for.

My aunt in Chicago, though, pays a 'tuition' for each child that covers everything - books, facility use, paper, everything...i remember - years ago - she complained that it was somewhere around $800 per student for PUBLIC SCHOOL ... which I find to be appauling and disgraceful.

*edit*
Too true, Lux - our national standards are way off - other countries that outdo us in all ways educational are fine examples of what we should work for.

But add up all that you spend on your child during the year that goes to the school - fundraisers, supplies, etc..and I guarantee you are not far off from the $800 bucks!

I was actually pleasantly surprised this year. After having carped about the "book rental/registration" fees we paid ($140 for DS and $130 for DD) the supplies were surprisingly inexpensive. For DS I paid a flat $4.00 to his teacher who had put together supply packets that had everything she wanted the kids to have (she had purchased, in bulk and with a teacher's discount, these items and we re-imbursed the cost for the items our child would receive) and then bought a box of tissues and a box of ziplocks. DD's list cost all of about $20 to fill.
We are in an area where many families face extreme economic challenge. Many of them cannot afford the basic supplies. I would rather spend an extra $5-10 on things so that EVERY child in the class has the same opportunity to learn (and perhaps be able to lift themselves out of these financial struggles their parents face) by supplying an extra set of glue sticks, etc.

My aunt in Chicago, though, pays a 'tuition' for each child that covers everything - books, facility use, paper, everything...i remember - years ago - she complained that it was somewhere around $800 per student for PUBLIC SCHOOL ... which I find to be appauling and disgraceful.

I can see some out of pocket expense but not $800 for public school. Thats insane. Again, my biggest complaint is not having to buy the stuff just having to provide for the kids who's parents won't do it. Back to school time just gets more crazy every year.:hairpull

But add up all that you spend on your child during the year that goes to the school - fundraisers, supplies, etc..and I guarantee you are not far off from the $800 bucks!

LOL - yeah, if we could afford to participate I'm sure it would...but it's not required in order to attend.

In this regard I envy Germany and othe Euro. countries..
There are some countries where children and parents have a choice as to where that child will attend school - the school, in turn, is paid per student.
If the teachers/school isn't fullfilling the parent's expectations - they might lose their students and lose their funding.

That's classic European, in my view - stemming from the days of the Greek. Students had the upper hand in education - if their teacher didn't satisfy their expectations (and we're talking adults, now kids) ... then they could 'fire' that teacher and hire someone else.


In the US education has lost some of it's importance to some people, unfortunately.

Traci I TOTALLYagree. It's not that I am against buying supplies for my own children, it's that the supply list has gotten so out of hand because those of us that actually do purchase everything on the lists (and then some) have to pay more out of our pocket because someone else does not send supplies in for their kid for whatever reason.

I can understand the frustration from a parents POV. I wouldn't be happy about buying a bunch of supplies because other parents don't hold up their end of the deal.

But as a teacher, it's the same thing. We certainly don't have the money to supply all the kids with paper and notebooks, but usually we end up doing it. We spend a lot more money than parents think we do!

oh well I have no problem buying what just my child needs but I found out from Robbies Pre-K teacher that everything those kids bring in on the supply list is shared? So the stuff we bought for him wont be just for him apparently. I can see supplying tissues because you have all those kids who get colds and can go thru some tissues. I also do not expect for the teachers to provide everything either because in my opinion teachers are very underpaid for what they have to put up with and deal with and I dont mind doing my part for my one child. I dont think it should be up to us parents to provide materials for the kids that cant afford it either. I think that either the school budget should cover that or they can get some kind of allotment of money from the state for that purpose. Why should we parents have to provide for the people who either dont do their part in providing supplies for their own kids. I feel bad for parents that have more than a couple kids in school. They cant always afford to provide everything for each of their own kids much less the other kids whose parents dont do their part. I will do what I need to do but its been like this since my 2 older sons were in school. Education is not as free as it used to be. I wasnt even aware that its up to the teachers to provide the stuff for their classrooms. To me thats not right at all. oh and when I was in school all we needed was just paper and pencils and binders and thats all i can actually remember since its been a longgggggggg time since i was in school. LOL

I'm really baffled by everyone who is complaining about pitching in toward a "community supply"... what do you think public school IS? You pay taxes (and if you make more money than someone else, you pay more taxes than they do) and it goes into a "community supply" for the public schools. If you want to sharpie your child's name all over their supplies, because you don't want to share a glue stick with another kid whose parents can't afford to put food on the table... why support public education at all?

Vote for vouchers, school choice, whatever... put your child in a private school and pay the cost of tuition, and then you'll really understand the cost of education.

Once again, I'm not sure a lot of you are understanding the situation a lot of our kids are in. I had students who came to school hungry almost every day because their parents didn't (couldn't) feed them breakfast. I kept fruit cups, crackers, etc. (that I bought with my own money) in my classroom for these instances, because it's my job to help kids learn and they can't learn if they are hungry.

I think the issue is bigger than you're willing to accept.

I ditto this... as a teacher, I can vouch for the fact that (at least in my Title I school) less than half of my students actually bought school supplies, and you can't MAKE people do it. Also, we don't send home the "leftovers"... we reuse them the next year if possible, and adjust the supply list to be only things we NEED.

When halfway through the year, my first-graders had filled up their morning writing journals and I sent home a note to the parents requesting composition books, I got ONE. Which meant I had to either spend my own money on the books or have the kids write on looseleaf paper, which gets lost and mixed up and out of chronological order. Well, I bought more books. With my own money, from my tiny teacher's salary.

The same exact thing happened with the glue sticks. I had to buy new glue sticks for my whole class TWICE during the year, because they actually do use them that much.

That's not to mention all of the read-aloud books, educational games, puzzles, and more that I bought from my own money for the kids.
Yes, it would be more economical to "tailor my curriculum to my budget" but the kids wouldn't benefit as much, and I became a teacher because I wanted to help kids to learn and to LOVE learning... so I wanted the best for them.

So please, if your teachers want you to buy 40 pencils for your kid and you think that's excessive, rest assured that your child's teacher is probably spending more of his or her personal money on the class than you are.

I am not disagreeing with you. I am sure teachers also have alot of out of pocket expense of their own. It just bugs the hell out of me knowing some parents won't get a single pencil let alone anything else. I know some can't afford it but alot of people can and just won't. So it takes more money out of my pocket and the teachers. I understand it's not something that can be enforced. You can't tell a child he can't learn because he/she does not have paper and pencil. I always get my kids everything they need and I do send stuff in through out the year. As I said it just bugs the hell out of me. I don't know whats wrong with me this morning. I am just in a mood.:lol

I'm really baffled by everyone who is complaining about pitching in toward a "community supply"... what do you think public school IS? You pay taxes (and if you make more money than someone else, you pay more taxes than they do) and it goes into a "community supply" for the public schools. If you want to sharpie your child's name all over their supplies, because you don't want to share a glue stick with another kid whose parents can't afford to put food on the table... why support public education at all?

Vote for vouchers, school choice, whatever... put your child in a private school and pay the cost of tuition, and then you'll really understand the cost of education.

Once again, I'm not sure a lot of you are understanding the situation a lot of our kids are in. I had students who came to school hungry almost every day because their parents didn't (couldn't) feed them breakfast. I kept fruit cups, crackers, etc. (that I bought with my own money) in my classroom for these instances, because it's my job to help kids learn and they can't learn if they are hungry.

I think the issue is bigger than you're willing to accept.


oh i dont think its because we dont understand but I guess alot of parents just dont think its right to have to provide for more kids other than their own and its not because they dont care it might be because they really cant afford it. some of us are on a one income family and have bills to pay for too. I mean if people have the extra money and dont mind helping to provide for the other kids who cant then thats great. but why should it be only up to us parents. Doesnt the state get involved for people that cant afford it. thats why there is free and reduced lunches. If a family is that poor off they should be seeking help from the state too dont you think? I am just asking since I am not always aware of how that stuff works. I mean I know if I were in that particular situation where I couldnt provide my child any of the supplies that I would appreciate the other families providing extra. so maybe some of us need to look at it that way. What if you couldnt afford to provide the supplies for your kids. But how can we tell who just isnt doing their part because they either they truly cant afford it and between the ones who can afford it but are to lazy or dont care to supply the stuff. How are we supposed to know this? I mean I really think its unfair for the teachers to have to foot the bill. I can see both sides of the coin here.

I don't have a problem with buying the supplies on the list provided even though it does keep growing. I think I spent $100 max on both of my kids for this school year. But I buy everything when it is on sale where Elmer's glue will be .20 each & the cheaper one is .10 each, crayons for .20 a box, notebook paper .20, etc. I always buy more than what is required because for $1 I can get 10 bottles of glue when each kid is asked to bring only 2. I'll send a couple extra with each kid & keep the rest at home.

I don't bitch & moan about how much I have to buy because it is isn't the responsibility of the teacher to provide for MY child or someone else's.

Not only that, there are a lot of students whose parents can not afford to buy any of the supplies at all. I always tell the teacher that any extras I send are for her or any other students to use. I grew up very poor & there were times when my parents could not afford to send me with anything other than paper & pencils...and that was on a good year. Because of the generousity of other parents that sent extras, I always had enough. And that is why I like the "community" school supplies in the lower grades! No one every really knew I was super poor because of the community sharing. That saved me a lot of humiliation that I appreciated! Me buying extras without bitching ius my way of returning the favor for my younger years.

I don't necessarily like that the list keeps growing & growing! But it is not the fault of the teachers! Our school districts just do not receive enough money! And it should not be the responsibility of the teachers to provide the rest of what some whining parents don't want to send in! They already provide way more than they should have to! When my son first started kinder, I was irritated by what all we had to buy like the dry erase markers & erasers. I assumed those were for the teacher when infact they weren't. At DS's school, each student has their own mini dry erase board to use in the class to do various products. And they do go through a lot of the markers. I prefer that because it saves on the amount of paper that is wasted!

I'm really baffled by everyone who is complaining about pitching in toward a "community supply"... what do you think public school IS? You pay taxes (and if you make more money than someone else, you pay more taxes than they do) and it goes into a "community supply" for the public schools. If you want to sharpie your child's name all over their supplies, because you don't want to share a glue stick with another kid whose parents can't afford to put food on the table... why support public education at all?

Vote for vouchers, school choice, whatever... put your child in a private school and pay the cost of tuition, and then you'll really understand the cost of education.

Once again, I'm not sure a lot of you are understanding the situation a lot of our kids are in. I had students who came to school hungry almost every day because their parents didn't (couldn't) feed them breakfast. I kept fruit cups, crackers, etc. (that I bought with my own money) in my classroom for these instances, because it's my job to help kids learn and they can't learn if they are hungry.

I think the issue is bigger than you're willing to accept.

Again, I am not disagreeing with "community supply". I understand some really can't afford food let alone supply's. My issue is with those who can afford it but choose not to get the things on the supply list. I know people who have told me that they are not sending their kids with anything more than a pencil and notebook because the teacher gives them what they need. I tried to explain how the teacher gets the stuff and I get "I know and I am still not sending anything". My response was "Because of people like you my list and the teachers is so long". Things like that are what pisses me off.

I'm really baffled by everyone who is complaining about pitching in toward a "community supply"... what do you think public school IS? You pay taxes (and if you make more money than someone else, you pay more taxes than they do) and it goes into a "community supply" for the public schools. If you want to sharpie your child's name all over their supplies, because you don't want to share a glue stick with another kid whose parents can't afford to put food on the table... why support public education at all?

Vote for vouchers, school choice, whatever... put your child in a private school and pay the cost of tuition, and then you'll really understand the cost of education.

Once again, I'm not sure a lot of you are understanding the situation a lot of our kids are in. I had students who came to school hungry almost every day because their parents didn't (couldn't) feed them breakfast. I kept fruit cups, crackers, etc. (that I bought with my own money) in my classroom for these instances, because it's my job to help kids learn and they can't learn if they are hungry.

I think the issue is bigger than you're willing to accept.


I understand the issues...but it's not always like that and as a teacher you know that. There are parents that are just LAZY and won't purchase anything for their kids period and our money goes towards that too.

What pisses me off about the "community" box is that I purchase those items for MY childs education, when it comes time for her to use the red crayon and she can't because Jimmy ate it and we would not have that issue if her crayons were in her desk. When she goes to use the supplies and they are not there or all worn out because 6 other kids use them that is NOT fair to my child when I purchased the supplies to begin with. KWIM?

As far as the kids that come to school hungry, again that is the PARENTS fault not mine. There are free meal programs that parent could be using to insure thier child eats at school.

I'm really baffled by everyone who is complaining about pitching in toward a "community supply"... what do you think public school IS? You pay taxes (and if you make more money than someone else, you pay more taxes than they do) and it goes into a "community supply" for the public schools. If you want to sharpie your child's name all over their supplies, because you don't want to share a glue stick with another kid whose parents can't afford to put food on the table... why support public education at all?

Vote for vouchers, school choice, whatever... put your child in a private school and pay the cost of tuition, and then you'll really understand the cost of education.

Once again, I'm not sure a lot of you are understanding the situation a lot of our kids are in. I had students who came to school hungry almost every day because their parents didn't (couldn't) feed them breakfast. I kept fruit cups, crackers, etc. (that I bought with my own money) in my classroom for these instances, because it's my job to help kids learn and they can't learn if they are hungry.

I think the issue is bigger than you're willing to accept.


Very well said! And thank you for all that you do! :hugs

I truly understand because a lot of the time growing up, I was one of those kids that you describe!

well thats why I said that some of us need to put ourselves in the other parents shoes to know what it would be like if we couldnt afford to supply our kids with what they need and how we would appreciate them having a community supply thing. I realize that now. alot of us dont think sometimes to put ourselves in the other persons shoes. But I also dont think its fair to expect the teacher to buy everything either. I am not a teacher but I can definitely appreciate what a teacher does and what they must go thru. Like I said teachers in my opinion are sorely underpaid and i think they all need a raise. So maybe us parents really shouldnt complain because we should be thankful that we can afford to provide for our kids. How many parents who cant afford it would love to be able to.


Thanks To the teachers on here for educating us as to how bad it really is.

As far as the kids that come to school hungry, again that is the PARENTS fault not mine. There are free meal programs that parent could be using to insure thier child eats at school.

That is a little harsh imo! I have already said in a previous reply that we were very poor when I was growing up. My parents could not afford the gas to take me to school so I road the bus. And it just so happened that the bus I had to ride, dropped us off at school 10 minutes before school. Yea, not enough time for me to eat breakfast. I'd scarf down what I could but I was still hungry! And we did use the free meals. I had free meals all the way up until I graduated high school.

You don't understand the situation some parents are in until you've been there!

I actually just had this discussion with my MIL! my SIL got all of her school supplies, and basically what the teachers do there(TX) is put everyone's stuff together and then redistribute it between the kids, so the stuff you bought for YOUR child, they might not get. And I know when DH was in school, she told me that they had to bring everything from the list, and then my MIL got a letter about once a week requesting something else. After investigating a bit(and spending a bunch of money through out the year on stuff she had already bought) she found out that other kids were running stuff, and she was one of 2 people that would ACTUALLY supply stuff. I always try to donate stuff(even though I don't have kids) because I know that teachers can't afford to supply a whole class with everything they need. MY cousin's daughter went to meet her teacher and they found out that 3/4 of the supplies on the list don't even fit in her desk!!!! She needed to have 4 folders and they won't fit! Sadly, some kids don't get the supplies that they need for the year, but I don't think it's fair to pawn that responsibility off on the other parents. My elementary school saved all the leftover supplies from the year before, so if any child needed anything and their parents wouldn't get it, then they would still have supplies. I think schools should do that-it gets the full use out of everything you bought and it helps others that need it.

Once again, I'm not sure a lot of you are understanding the situation a lot of our kids are in. I had students who came to school hungry almost every day because their parents didn't (couldn't) feed them breakfast. I kept fruit cups, crackers, etc. (that I bought with my own money) in my classroom for these instances, because it's my job to help kids learn and they can't learn if they are hungry.

I think the issue is bigger than you're willing to accept.

This is VERY true in the area we are in and it is heartbreaking to me (for the kids and their families because I know, as a parent, the guilt I feel when I don't provide all I think I should for my kids - can't imagine the emotions of not being able to provide the most basic things).
I think there needs to be a serious re-evaluation of the financing of our public school system (not to mention the rest of the budget). There is SO much wasteful spending being done on local, state and national levels when there are SO many OBVIOUS areas that need the financing.

Alexis is starting pre-K on Monday. At her orientation she only needed $30 for her school supplies, a t-shirt for field trips and some money would be left over for field trips. I would have gladly paid more for her school supplies but I am so thankful that it was only $30. I can definetly see the frustrations for parents. I remember when We went to school we would bring our supplies and the teacher put them in a closet. We just all used the same glue, tissues, paper, etc.

Our kids have gone to school in Wa, Pa, and no Va. Pa is the only state that we didn't have to supply anything but a backpack and lunch box. I don't mind buying all of the items but I do question some of them. What made me angry is on the bottom of the lists it states each teacher will send home an individual class list at the start of the year.

That is a little harsh imo! I have already said in a previous reply that we were very poor when I was growing up. My parents could not afford the gas to take me to school so I road the bus. And it just so happened that the bus I had to ride, dropped us off at school 10 minutes before school. Yea, not enough time for me to eat breakfast. I'd scarf down what I could but I was still hungry! And we did use the free meals. I had free meals all the way up until I graduated high school.

You don't understand the situation some parents are in until you've been there!


I did not see your post as I was typing my own response while you where posting yours.

I understand the issues...but it's not always like that and as a teacher you know that. There are parents that are just LAZY and won't purchase anything for their kids period and our money goes towards that too.

What pisses me off about the "community" box is that I purchase those items for MY childs education, when it comes time for her to use the red crayon and she can't because Jimmy ate it and we would not have that issue if her crayons were in her desk. When she goes to use the supplies and they are not there or all worn out because 6 other kids use them that is NOT fair to my child when I purchased the supplies to begin with. KWIM?

As far as the kids that come to school hungry, again that is the PARENTS fault not mine. There are free meal programs that parent could be using to insure thier child eats at school.

Well said. I am so bad at trying to write what I am thinking.

I did not see your post as I was typing my own response while you where posting yours.

Me too

I think the biggest difference is based on how the teacher chooses to figure things out.
I'm thinking that at the beginning of the year when the teacher is working out their plan and trying ot guesstimate how many supplies they'll need it goes something like: do they A) figure it out, divide by 20 and then work up the list...buy what's lacking after everything is received.
Or B) figure it out, divide the supplies, guesstimate how many will and won't supply, and then figure to shift the balance so that hopefully the ones that do supply might make up for those who don't.
(what a headache!)

Teachers aren't psychics and everyone's different level of 'providing' just makes that part more difficult.

In the past we've had it rough - there was one year, when we both were working in fact, that we could only afford to pay $50.00 per utility bill - oi! And that year i had to talk to the teacher and just ask "what do you need for the first 9 weeks?" ... she helped break it down for me and I brought things in throughout the year...that worked out fine.

I think that perhaps some parents are too afraid to talk to the teacher about it - I know i was for a few years, I went for a long time - avoiding teacher conferences and such because my oldest had a learning disorder and I just didn't want to face up to it. (shunning responsibilty, yes)
LOL - it's an odd transition: student to parent. I think some problems are avoidable if parents would just jump in and do what they need to do.
If you can't afford it all in the beginning then bringing in some here and there would probably suffice.

i had issues when last year my sons teacher required an assignment notebook purchased at the store she worked at part time. i have no issues buying pens, paper, pencils, crayons, glue, scissors, markers and such. my sister is a teacher in a very depressed area and they get very little money i will even buy play duh and shaving cream and paper towels all sorts of things, my youngest went to preschool for free and all that was asked that we help with supplies and snacks. no PROBLEM, my oldest son we had to pay to register him for school and it was uniforms only. Yes Great Lakes LOL. plus picky teachers, i got baggies once they were store brand and she was like we asked for ziplock- i was like well i am sorry i don't buy those for my own house because i can't afford that. what on earth makes you think i am spending $30 in baggies! i hated his teacher last year! so glad we are out of there purely for that reason.

I guess I am just baffled...My parents sent us on very field trip, the six grade over night trips, did all the fundraisers, got us school supplies when ever we needed them and never complained.

What has changed?

My nephew goes to school in PA, as krisha stated they dont require much, but if they do my sister starts shopping in the summer as things are on sale. You can get crayons and markers (crayola) at target for a dollar.

Though I dont agree that the supplies i buy should be used for 10 kids, but i do want my child to have everything he/she needs for school and to go on all the field trips it can.

My husband and I are thinking of sending our child to a private school and eventhough I havent even had the baby we have been checking them out. And all of their supply lists are what each individual child will need for the school year.

yeah - the name-brand preferences is beyond reason, imho.

Last year every teacher stated "Crayola only" "trapper keeper only" and so on and so forth...I bough certain items that weren't name brand, becaues it really shouldn't matter, and they were sent home. :wowsers
It's one thing to want certain items because they fit into your cirriculum - but just wanting a certain brand because you want everything to look the same is just a tad bit stingy.

I think that was a major issue last year with a lot of parents - they definately did not do that this year.

Oh i think the name brand thing doesnt make sense...

But i dont understand, why are somethings issues today for people when they werent when we were growing up?

I guess I am just baffled...My parents sent us on very field trip, the six grade over night trips, did all the fundraisers, got us school supplies when ever we needed them and never complained.

What has changed?



Economics have changed everything considerably, especially for us - we've been able to send the kids on field trips, that's fine, but we simply can't afford to participate in every fund raiser for every child - wish I could - but we can't...I have to chose a few.
When I was a kid (this, of course, is different for everyone) we only had two fund raisers and a few fieldtrips - nothing in excess.
Like i mentioned earlier - our kids have at least 9 fund raisers a year, each. When all 5 are in school there's no way on earth I'll be able to participate in every single fund raiser.
Sure, we'll do what we can - but everything is just not possible.

This is where our tax-money is being squandered - there's no sensible reason why a bounty of taxes can't be applied properly to education.
My state loves to relay some asphalt - but can't stand the idea of properly ensuring that our schools are covered.

Economics have changed everything considerably, especially for us - we've been able to send the kids on field trips, that's fine, but we simply can't afford to participate in every fund raiser for every child - wish I could - but we can't...I have to chose a few.
When I was a kid (this, of course, is different for everyone) we only had two fund raisers and a few fieldtrips - nothing in excess.
Like i mentioned earlier - our kids have at least 9 fund raisers a year, each. When all 5 are in school there's no way on earth I'll be able to participate in every single fund raiser.
Sure, we'll do what we can - but everything is just not possible.

This is where our tax-money is being squandered - there's no sensible reason why a bounty of taxes can't be applied properly to education.
My state loves to relay some asphalt - but can't stand the idea of properly ensuring that our schools are covered.

I think it all depends on your school district. Last year I moved from a really bad school district. It was not the best area in that state so in 4 years my kids had 1 field trip and that was because the PTO had a fundraiser and provided it(i was the vice-pres). I love where we are at now. But I know what you are saying about fundraisers. Everytime you turn around the kids are having one. It's a great idea but when you have more than one kid in the same school not to mention all the kids that come around it's a big PITA.

i had issues when last year my sons teacher required an assignment notebook purchased at the store she worked at part time. i have no issues buying pens, paper, pencils, crayons, glue, scissors, markers and such. my sister is a teacher in a very depressed area and they get very little money i will even buy play duh and shaving cream and paper towels all sorts of things, my youngest went to preschool for free and all that was asked that we help with supplies and snacks. no PROBLEM, my oldest son we had to pay to register him for school and it was uniforms only. Yes Great Lakes LOL. plus picky teachers, i got baggies once they were store brand and she was like we asked for ziplock- i was like well i am sorry i don't buy those for my own house because i can't afford that. what on earth makes you think i am spending $30 in baggies! i hated his teacher last year! so glad we are out of there purely for that reason.

Great Lakes was the area I was talking about.:giggle I didn't say because I didn't want to scare anyone who may have kids in that area. I moved early because of the school.

My dad was the only one who worked when we were in school, but we never got denied anything.

Eventhough we are thousands of miles away, my husband and I still buy things from my nephew for his fundraisers LOL thats how we got our African American Nativity Set. LOL

I guess I am just baffled...My parents sent us on very field trip, the six grade over night trips, did all the fundraisers, got us school supplies when ever we needed them and never complained.

What has changed?

My nephew goes to school in PA, as krisha stated they dont require much, but if they do my sister starts shopping in the summer as things are on sale. You can get crayons and markers (crayola) at target for a dollar.

Though I dont agree that the supplies i buy should be used for 10 kids, but i do want my child to have everything he/she needs for school and to go on all the field trips it can.

My husband and I are thinking of sending our child to a private school and eventhough I havent even had the baby we have been checking them out. And all of their supply lists are what each individual child will need for the school year.

Well maybe you didn't hear them complain about it. as kids we are pretty selfish. I don't mind buying school supplies even if the list is a mile long, but when you have three kids in school it gets very taxing on the budget. I spent about 150 for all of them this time around. and yes some stuff is pretty cheap like the glue and crayons, but some stuff isn't like specific style folders or graph paper. for first grade they want these specific tablets 6 of them at 2.50 a piece. like i have said I don't mind, but when I have two other kids to buy for 15 bucks on one supply is a little too taxing.

The lazy parent thing doesn't work for me. I really think the instances of a parent deliberately not buying supplies so that their kids can get things for "free" happens in VERY few instances. You're not dealing with laziness most of the time, you're dealing with people who had to decide if they could keep the electricity running in their home for the month if they went out and got supplies. A lot of the teachers I know, especially first year ones, who are working in the city's poorest schools 'cause no one else will, have said that many of the kids come to school because it's the only place they get to eat.

And forget what you've heard - Crayons aren't worth using unless they're Crayola brand :yes ;)

DB and I have both always wanted a big family. None of our friends have school-age kids yet and I have to say, this is really eduational for me to read. I read each and every post and I enjoyed reading everyones opinions.

Sorry I have nothing constructive to add, I just wanted to say thanks how interesting I think this topic has been. :)

And forget what you've heard - Crayons aren't worth using unless they're Crayola brand :yes ;)
ITA :agree :D

The lazy parent thing doesn't work for me. I really think the instances of a parent deliberately not buying supplies so that their kids can get things for "free" happens in VERY few instances. You're not dealing with laziness most of the time, you're dealing with people who had to decide if they could keep the electricity running in their home for the month if they went out and got supplies. A lot of the teachers I know, especially first year ones, who are working in the city's poorest schools 'cause no one else will, have said that many of the kids come to school because it's the only place they get to eat.

And forget what you've heard - Crayons aren't worth using unless they're Crayola brand :yes ;)

I am not trying to sound harsh, really I am not but I have to find away to pay my bills and buy my kids the things they need. IMO that is part of being a parent. I am not talking about the ones who can't feed their kids. I am talking about the parents who can and choose not to. Every year my kids have been in school(2 states) the issue of parents not doing for their kids comes up. I think it happens more than you think.

I am not trying to sound harsh, really I am not but I have to find away to pay my bills and buy my kids the things they need. IMO that is part of being a parent. I am not talking about the ones who can't feed their kids. I am talking about the parents who can and choose not to. Every year my kids have been in school(2 states) the issue of parents not doing for their kids comes up. I think it happens more than you think.
agree.. I don't like being the sole provider for every student, which has happened in the past. Especially when it comes time for mid school supplies. I know this because I always send dd with more supplies than necessary, the list says a pack of 24 pencils I send two. so when she comes to me a month later saying she needs more pencils then I am obviously the only one who sent anything. because she can't go through 48 pencils in a month, and i have seen how she treats pencils.. she isn't nice on them, but she still wouldn't go through all of those on her own.

agree.. I don't like being the sole provider for every student, which has happened in the past. Especially when it comes time for mid school supplies. I know this because I always send dd with more supplies than necessary, the list says a pack of 24 pencils I send two. so when she comes to me a month later saying she needs more pencils then I am obviously the only one who sent anything. because she can't go through 48 pencils in a month, and i have seen how she treats pencils.. she isn't nice on them, but she still wouldn't go through all of those on her own.

Thats how I am. I send more in addition to trying to keep some things at home.

school supplies are a necessary evil for your child going to public school. other options are homeschooling, or private schools. i know my private school had a larger budget and though we were required to bring in extra things like tissues or whatever for the class (each person brought one box in and that way we were supplied throughout the year) it wasn't a 2 page list like some school districts have nowadays. homeschooling is great because you provide for your child and that it.

The lazy parent thing doesn't work for me. I really think the instances of a parent deliberately not buying supplies so that their kids can get things for "free" happens in VERY few instances. You're not dealing with laziness most of the time, you're dealing with people who had to decide if they could keep the electricity running in their home for the month if they went out and got supplies. A lot of the teachers I know, especially first year ones, who are working in the city's poorest schools 'cause no one else will, have said that many of the kids come to school because it's the only place they get to eat.

And forget what you've heard - Crayons aren't worth using unless they're Crayola brand :yes ;)

Sorry but it flies with me, I have seen it/heard it first hand. Just this morning as a matter of fact at open house, a lot of the kids at school brought their supplies, sitting next to this parent and her kid and her *sister* (I am assuming) when the *sister* asked where her kids supplies for, she flat out said she was not buying them, it's not up to her to make sure HER kid has pencils and paper, it's up to the school, they owe them that for their taxes. Thank god her kid is not in my kids class. :censored

The parent who does not feel they "need" to supply thier kid when everything is community anyway. I am not coming down on people that HONESTLY can not afford to supply for their children or feed their children...it's the parents that CAN that choose not too that piss me off.

Oh and for Crayons...sorry if it's going community it's going Rose Art. I am NOT buying Crayola for anyone but my own child! :wink

Too true - I remember reading about a school that was detaining parents whenever the parent brought their child to school late.

There are only so many reasons that are real - but, I can speak from how I use to be, some parents really don't give a damn if it's their 'responsibility' ... they just don't want to be bothered.

Sorry but it flies with me, I have seen it/heard it first hand. Just this morning as a matter of fact at open house, a lot of the kids at school brought their supplies, sitting next to this parent and her kid and her *sister* (I am assuming) when the *sister* asked where her kids supplies for, she flat out said she was not buying them, it's not up to her to make sure HER kid has pencils and paper, it's up to the school, they owe them that for their taxes. Thank god her kid is not in my kids class. :censored

The parent who does not feel they "need" to supply thier kid when everything is community anyway. I am not coming down on people that HONESTLY can not afford to supply for their children or feed their children...it's the parents that CAN that choose not too that piss me off.

Oh and for Crayons...sorry if it's going community it's going Rose Art. I am NOT buying Crayola for anyone but my own child! :wink

:thumbsup

Oh and for Crayons...sorry if it's going community it's going Rose Art. I am NOT buying Crayola for anyone but my own child! :wink

Would you mind sharing why you won't? Is it because of the money aspect or because you don't want the other kids to have the same good crayons? I don't understand why the difference. Just trying to understand your point of view! :)

I am the opposite, though. I will buy Crayola crayons even if they are community property. I spend what maybe .20 for a box of Crayola crayons instead of the .10 RoseArt ones when I buy them on sale at target or Walmart. I'd rather spend 10 more cents on a box of crayons for good ones. That 10 extra cents per box isn't breaking the bank for me right now. And as long as I can afford it, I will buy them because I know how mean kids hard nowadays. They are a heck of a lot worse than when I was a kid & I remember being picked on because when my parents did buy me what I needed, it was always the cheap stuff. I remember what it was like to be picked on & degraded by the mean kids. And it hurt! I don't want my kids to ever feel that pain! It sucks that kids can be so mean & I hate that I do think about think about things like that. It may seem ridiculous & superficial to some but it really does suck when you are picked on in school!

Would you mind sharing why you won't? Is it because of the money aspect or because you don't want the other kids to have the same good crayons? I don't understand why the difference. Just trying to understand your point of view! :)

I am the opposite, though. I will buy Crayola crayons even if they are community property. I spend what maybe .20 for a box of Crayola crayons instead of the .10 RoseArt ones when I buy them on sale at target or Walmart. I'd rather spend 10 more cents on a box of crayons for good ones. That 10 extra cents per box isn't breaking the bank for me right now. And as long as I can afford it, I will buy them because I know how mean kids hard nowadays. They are a heck of a lot worse than when I was a kid & I remember being picked on because when my parents did buy me what I needed, it was always the cheap stuff. I remember what it was like to be picked on & degraded by the mean kids. And it hurt! I don't want my kids to ever feel that pain! It sucks that kids can be so mean & I hate that I do think about think about things like that. It may seem ridiculous & superficial to some but it really does suck when you are picked on in school!

I don't think that it's just a money thing. Alot of parents are sick of being the only ones who send anything in.

Would you mind sharing why you won't? Is it because of the money aspect or because you don't want the other kids to have the same good crayons? I don't understand why the difference. Just trying to understand your point of view! :)

I am the opposite, though. I will buy Crayola crayons even if they are community property. I spend what maybe .20 for a box of Crayola crayons instead of the .10 RoseArt ones when I buy them on sale at target or Walmart. I'd rather spend 10 more cents on a box of crayons for good ones. That 10 extra cents per box isn't breaking the bank for me right now. And as long as I can afford it, I will buy them because I know how mean kids hard nowadays. They are a heck of a lot worse than when I was a kid & I remember being picked on because when my parents did buy me what I needed, it was always the cheap stuff. I remember what it was like to be picked on & degraded by the mean kids. And it hurt! I don't want my kids to ever feel that pain! It sucks that kids can be so mean & I hate that I do think about think about things like that. It may seem ridiculous & superficial to some but it really does suck when you are picked on in school!



Oh I sure know what it feels like to be picked on too and you are right Debra it does hurt and can sometimes hurt alot.

For crayons I prefer Crayola and I would have no problem contributing to the community supply crayola. I just put myself in those other kids shoes because I know what its like to be picked on too.

Would you mind sharing why you won't? Is it because of the money aspect or because you don't want the other kids to have the same good crayons? I don't understand why the difference. Just trying to understand your point of view! :)


Because if I have to supply the "community" with Crayons I am not going to buy the best Crayons out there, I am going to buy the cheapest I can find. If you want your kid to have good Crayons, send them to school with supplies, don't rely on me to supply your kid with name brand Crayons.

I don't think that it's just a money thing. Alot of parents are sick of being the only ones who send anything in.


EXACTLY!!! Certainly NOT a money thing...

I don't care if the supplies I bring to the class get shared. I think that if it makes the classroom run more smoothly and means each child will be able to participate then it doesn't matter to me. I am concerned about not just my own child but his whole class. All of them deserve to learn and not all of the parents can afford all of the things they will need.

For example the children in each class at my son's school have water pitchers in their class you know the 5 gal jug that you set in a stand. Well all of the parents take turns filling these jugs up. It doesn't cost much it is $1.20 to fill it. The kindergarten class goes through 5 galls a day. It is hot and they need the water. I don't even bat an eye lash at filling that jug up. I don't even care if not all of the parents contribute.

Another thing I do is school laundry, for example painting smocks have to be washed among other things. I take the laundry home and do it me and two other parents are in charge of that. We rotate.

A school should be a community, Parents, Teachers, & Administration working together to better the children. My time & my money can not be spent in a better way then by helping to prepare what will essentially be our future. I guess that is why I am going to school for my B.A.E. though :)

a school should be a community BUT when you have parents that don't contribute to the community and live off the general kindness of other parents that's a problem

a school should be a community BUT when you have parents that don't contribute to the community and live off the general kindness of other parents that's a problem

Some parents can't afford to others don't care I am certainly not going to get angry about that. Better to reach out to the parents then keep a tally of how much I have donated compared to others.

I believe in choosing your attitude if I choose to get angry/offended (whatever feeling) about parents that can not or will not do their share then I am just angry & resentful. Then I have to lug around those emotions. Who wants to be angry every time they think about their kids school? That takes to much energy. I would much rather give of my time & money and know that I am helping to make a difference. Much better feeling then being angry. I am doing my part & I honestly could not care less about if other parents are doing the same amount.

Some parents can't afford to others don't care I am certainly not going to get angry about that. Better to reach out to the parents then keep a tally of how much I have donated compared to others.

I believe in choosing your attitude if I choose to get angry/offended (whatever feeling) about parents that can not or will not do their share then I am just angry & resentful. Then I have to lug around those emotions. Who wants to be angry every time they think about their kids school? That takes to much energy. I would much rather give of my time & money and know that I am helping to make a difference. Much better feeling then being angry. I am doing my part & I honestly could not care less about if other parents are doing the same amount.

We dont' have much money to start off with and I had to spend ALOT for school supplies Yes I can dhoose not to get angry about it but I did get angry.

Some parents can't afford to others don't care I am certainly not going to get angry about that. Better to reach out to the parents then keep a tally of how much I have donated compared to others.

So how "exactly" do you reach out to the parents that just don't care?

I can choose not to get angry about it, but I am tired of spending our money on supplies for kids whose parents just don't give two shits. So ya...I get a little bent out of shape.

We dont' have much money to start off with and I had to spend ALOT for school supplies Yes I can dhoose not to get angry about it but I did get angry.

Sorry Berk, I am not pointing fingers I am just saying that I am not going to get angry. Money is tight here too, buying school things sucks because it is pricey. Along with supplies I had the school fee of $240.

I am not saying it doesn't suck, I just am saying that for me it is not worth the energy it will take to get angry. Anger is a draining emotion it makes me tired, it makes me short tempered. I myself don't want to start the school year pissed off at my son's school.

So please no one think I am looking down on you for getting angry I am just saying that I am not going to get mad about it because I don't see anger as being productive. I strongly feel that if it helps the class then it truly is for the betterment of the community.

I don't care if the supplies I bring to the class get shared. I think that if it makes the classroom run more smoothly and means each child will be able to participate then it doesn't matter to me. I am concerned about not just my own child but his whole class. All of them deserve to learn and not all of the parents can afford all of the things they will need.

For example the children in each class at my son's school have water pitchers in their class you know the 5 gal jug that you set in a stand. Well all of the parents take turns filling these jugs up. It doesn't cost much it is $1.20 to fill it. The kindergarten class goes through 5 galls a day. It is hot and they need the water. I don't even bat an eye lash at filling that jug up. I don't even care if not all of the parents contribute.

Another thing I do is school laundry, for example painting smocks have to be washed among other things. I take the laundry home and do it me and two other parents are in charge of that. We rotate.

A school should be a community, Parents, Teachers, & Administration working together to better the children. My time & my money can not be spent in a better way then by helping to prepare what will essentially be our future. I guess that is why I am going to school for my B.A.E. though :)

:tu:tu:tu:tu

I am not trying to sound harsh, really I am not but I have to find away to pay my bills and buy my kids the things they need. IMO that is part of being a parent. I am not talking about the ones who can't feed their kids. I am talking about the parents who can and choose not to. Every year my kids have been in school(2 states) the issue of parents not doing for their kids comes up. I think it happens more than you think.

How would anyone know if a parent is just being lazy or actually is truly poverty stricken? You really wouldn't know. No one is going to share their socioeconomic status with you. I just don't think insubordination is "the norm" that it's being made to sound like it is here.

It sounds to me like a bunch of you feel JUST like the parents who don't send anything in at all, but you're just choosing to act on it in different ways, and neither is effective in changing anything. Yeah, it's a good release to complain about it, but we're not changing anything. The lack of importance placed on the schools and its teachers in this country is positively nauseating, but we're all content to do nothing but complain about school supplies - a symptom of a larger problem. The best schools in south FL are rewarded for being good with more funding... and the worst ones (always in the poor neighborhoods) are punished by not receiving what the better schools do because of their low test scores. That doesn't even make sense to me. So, no I don't feel as passionately about school supply lists as I do the bigger picture. See the forest.

a school should be a community BUT when you have parents that don't contribute to the community and live off the general kindness of other parents that's a problem

Exactly. It is becoming a one way street and those that do participate are getting fed up.

Breanna's list these past 2 years, imo, has not been out of hand. I've been fine with spending the money. What I will have a problem with is when all 3 of my kids are in school if the list keeps getting longer and longer each year cause I'm buying for everyone, not just my kids. We paid 116 just to enroll her in school this year and then we had to buy her supplies. I'm not sure what the total on that was since I bought my monthly Walmart stuff at the same time. With numerous kids the amount spent can get really steep. Then figure in having to spend extra money to support those that don't bring in anything. We're not poor but we can't support 3 classrooms full of kids each year. The teachers shouldn't have to either. And I grew up poor, too. So I know what it is like to not have name brand stuff and be picked on because of it. John grew up even poorer than I. However, our parents bought our school supplies. Like someone else said; we have to pay all our bills while buying all the supplies, too.

school supplies are a necessary evil for your child going to public school. other options are homeschooling, or private schools. i know my private school had a larger budget and though we were required to bring in extra things like tissues or whatever for the class (each person brought one box in and that way we were supplied throughout the year) it wasn't a 2 page list like some school districts have nowadays. homeschooling is great because you provide for your child and that it.

The private schools here have extensive supply lists, like the one we are super considering, and I was impressed with the items on it.

Homeschooling is a good option, but I want my kids to be around kids as much as they can...But it is true you make your own supply list in a way.

So how "exactly" do you reach out to the parents that just don't care?

I can choose not to get angry about it, but I am tired of spending our money on supplies for kids whose parents just don't give two shits. So ya...I get a little bent out of shape.

Well you send letters home, try to get the parents involved. Have them over for play dates, have a class party outside of school hours so the parents have to be there. We don't have this problem at our school it is a Waldorf so the parents are really hands on and involved with their children's schooling.

My son's school volunteering your time is a requirement for them to attend school. You have to commit yourself to two jobs at the school (such as laundry, and I am also helping fund raise for the tax credit donation) along with being on the committee of at least one field trip or festival. Along with that you are also expected to have a active role at the field trip or festival.

Our school is a community the parents can't just ship them off to school and not get involved. It is vital for the children that both the teachers and the parents work together.

How would anyone know if a parent is just being lazy or actually is truly poverty stricken? You really wouldn't know. No one is going to share their socioeconomic status with you. I just don't think insubordination is "the norm" that it's being made to sound like it is here.

It sounds to me like a bunch of you feel JUST like the parents who don't send anything in at all, but you're just choosing to act on it in different ways, and neither is effective in changing anything. Yeah, it's a good release to complain about it, but we're not changing anything. The lack of importance placed on the schools and its teachers in this country is positively nauseating, but we're all content to do nothing but complain about school supplies - a symptom of a larger problem. The best schools in south FL are rewarded for being good with more funding... and the worst ones (always in the poor neighborhoods) are punished by not receiving what the better schools do because of their low test scores. That doesn't even make sense to me. So, no I don't feel as passionately about school supply lists as I do the bigger picture. See the forest.

Sure..I will see the forest when you cut down the rotten trees. So how do you propose we "change" things? Continue to spend OUR money on supplies for the "insubordinates" as you said? How is that going to change anything, the people who refuse to buy supplies because they feel it's "owed" to them will continue to do so, and we will continue to supply our children with what they need regardless of the cost. Does not seem to me it's going to change, it's a never ending cycle.

Well you send letters home, try to get the parents involved. Have them over for play dates, have a class party outside of school hours so the parents have to be there. We don't have this problem at our school it is a Waldorf so the parents are really hands on and involved with their children's schooling.


Do you honestly think the parents that careless about making sure their kids have supplies are going to care about a letter? And if you have a class party outside school hours who's going to pay the teacher to be there?

Waldorf sounds great....however, my child's school is just a plain ole' public elementary school.

Sure..I will see the forest when you cut down the rotten trees. So how do you propose we "change" things? Continue to spend OUR money on supplies for the "insubordinates" as you said? How is that going to change anything, the people who refuse to buy supplies because they feel it's "owed" to them will continue to do so, and we will continue to supply our children with what they need regardless of the cost. Does not seem to me it's going to change, it's a never ending cycle.

You can force the system to change more & more parents are founding charter schools. Eventually the public schools will HAVE to change if they want to keep students going.

Get involved with your schools parents council, (I think other schools call it PTA or PTO) volunteer your time when you can, attend school board meetings, talk with the administrator/principal of your school, get to know the teachers, get to know the other parents, take an active role in the fund raising your school has, care about your childs school & find out what is going on there & what they need help with, etc.

I know one of the jobs I am doing does not even INVOLVE my childs class I am helping the 3rd grade teacher with the 3rd grades garden & garden related field trips. I get along with her & I know that setting this stuff up will help the future 3rd year students as well.

Do you honestly think the parents that careless about making sure their kids have supplies are going to care about a letter? And if you have a class party outside school hours who's going to pay the teacher to be there?

Waldorf sounds great....however, my child's school is just a plain ole' public elementary school.

Never know if you don't try. You can search for charter schools in your area, and you can also fight to help make the school your child goes too better. My son's school is public not private.

Sure..I will see the forest when you cut down the rotten trees. So how do you propose we "change" things? Continue to spend OUR money on supplies for the "insubordinates" as you said? How is that going to change anything, the people who refuse to buy supplies because they feel it's "owed" to them will continue to do so, and we will continue to supply our children with what they need regardless of the cost. Does not seem to me it's going to change, it's a never ending cycle.


I agree 100%

I agree 100%

Nothing ever changes unless people act towards that change. If we want things done differently then we must do something to cause that change.

Sure..I will see the forest when you cut down the rotten trees. So how do you propose we "change" things? Continue to spend OUR money on supplies for the "insubordinates" as you said? How is that going to change anything, the people who refuse to buy supplies because they feel it's "owed" to them will continue to do so, and we will continue to supply our children with what they need regardless of the cost. Does not seem to me it's going to change, it's a never ending cycle.

See below.

You can force the system to change more & more parents are founding charter schools. Eventually the public schools will HAVE to change if they want to keep students going.

Get involved with your schools parents council, (I think other schools call it PTA or PTO) volunteer your time when you can, attend school board meetings, talk with the administrator/principal of your school, get to know the teachers, get to know the other parents, take an active role in the fund raising your school has, care about your child's school & find out what is going on there & what they need help with, etc.

I know one of the jobs I am doing does not even INVOLVE my child's class I am helping the 3rd grade teacher with the 3rd grades garden & garden related field trips. I get along with her & I know that setting this stuff up will help the future 3rd year students as well.

Exactly. My first session to meet the other volunteer parents this year is coming up next Friday. I, too, have signed up to volunteer at the school even if it isn't just for my sons' classes. I am only one person, but I'm going to do what I am actually able to do. I don't have a lot of money. Yes, enough to buy our 4 children their school supplies, but not enough to purchase from fund raisers or make donations. I do have time to donate though.

It's also our jobs to make sure our elected officials place education on the front burner by voting for people who want to make changes or HAVE made changes from the levels they were on before they got to where they are. They have more power than we do, so it's a big deal to vote and make sure the people who want what we want for our children are elected.

I really don't have much to comment on this, just that at the end of the school year last year, all my son's school supplies that weren't used were sent back home. I would have much preferred that the supplies had been kept and reused at the school for the next year.

I thought this year's school list was a bit extensive (i.e. 15 glue sticks). I thought it was a typo when I read that. Somehow I doubt my child is going to use 15 glue sticks during the year. But whatever, I bought what was on the list because I want to ensure that my child has everything he's going to need.

I do volunteer my time, I also particpate in the fundraisers, festivals and PTA. I won't pay for my children to go to a charter school when I already pay $4500 a year in taxes to this school district.

It only takes that one bad apple. Unfortuantely there are more of those than parents that acutally give a damn.

I'm glad I read this post. I was just complaining about all the school supply's I had to buy. I just don't understand having to buy supply's for the whole class. E

Now my opinion has changed. Thank you girls that showed me the other side of why we have to buy for the whole class. Im not so bitter about spending a lot of money for the supplys now!!!

Exactly. My first session to meet the other volunteer parents this year is coming up next Friday. I, too, have signed up to volunteer at the school even if it isn't just for my sons' classes. I am only one person, but I'm going to do what I am actually able to do. I don't have a lot of money. Yes, enough to buy our 4 children their school supplies, but not enough to purchase from fund raisers or make donations. I do have time to donate though.

It's also our jobs to make sure our elected officials place education on the front burner by voting for people who want to make changes or HAVE made changes from the levels they were on before they got to where they are. They have more power than we do, so it's a big deal to vote and make sure the people who want what we want for our children are elected.
Yes this makes sense, however when you are in the military you don't always get to vote where you are living.. I have a home town of El Paso, Texas.. I don't register to vote in every city I live in because I prefer to Vote where we will go home to eventually. When you live your whole life in one city then yes you can make a difference, but when you are moving around every 2,3,4 years it makes it harder to make a difference, or make sure what you want to change will stick. Also not everyone has time to donate. Back in WA I worked full time and dh was deployed most of our time there. The money I was making wasn't for anything other than bills and trying to keep everything running when he would go out to sea and we would loose money. So I had neither time nor money to donate. And yeah I made sure when dd or ds said they needed something I got it for them. I get frustrated at parents who have new cars ( and I know it because they talk about it) walk around with designer purses on their shoulders and bitch about the school list and how they aren't going to buy anything off it because they don't have to.. I bust my butt to make sure that my kids have everything they need. I resent parents who DON"T WANT to make the same effort or even a partial effort.

Well you send letters home, try to get the parents involved. Have them over for play dates, have a class party outside of school hours so the parents have to be there. We don't have this problem at our school it is a Waldorf so the parents are really hands on and involved with their children's schooling.

My son's school volunteering your time is a requirement for them to attend school. You have to commit yourself to two jobs at the school (such as laundry, and I am also helping fund raise for the tax credit donation) along with being on the committee of at least one field trip or festival. Along with that you are also expected to have a active role at the field trip or festival.

Our school is a community the parents can't just ship them off to school and not get involved. It is vital for the children that both the teachers and the parents work together.

I was vice-president of my kids PTO for 3 years. I was at school as much as my kids. We did everything we could think of to get people involved but when your a PTO of 4 people because no one wants to be involved it's hard to do it all yourself. Thank God all schools are not like this one was. This year I helped out at the kids new school but I was not involved as I was last few years. But I am still helping in both my kids classes at least 3x a week.

I do volunteer my time, I also particpate in the fundraisers, festivals and PTA. I won't pay for my children to go to a charter school when I already pay $4500 a year in taxes to this school district.

It only takes that one bad apple. Unfortuantely there are more of those than parents that acutally give a damn.
Exactly some parents can't afford a charter school nor can we change where we pay taxes too. So in reality why should public schools change when they get our money whether our kid goes there or not??

The private schools here have extensive supply lists, like the one we are super considering, and I was impressed with the items on it.

Homeschooling is a good option, but I want my kids to be around kids as much as they can...But it is true you make your own supply list in a way.

okay i'm addressing both points. first point: yes they have extensive supply lists but in general (and in my experience) you aren't providing for the classroom you are providing for your child. second point: homeschooling done right your child is completely socialized. that's a naive thought that children that are homeschooled aren't socialized

okay i'm addressing both points. first point: yes they have extensive supply lists but in general (and in my experience) you aren't providing for the classroom you are providing for your child. second point: homeschooling done right your child is completely socialized. that's a naive thought that children that are homeschooled aren't socialized

Im going by my experiences...We had three of them drop out of college because it, and my husband and i are friends with a family that does it and all three of the boys arent very socialable eventhough they do tons of activities.

So my opinions are based on my experiences.:thinking So if im naive then Im naive.

okay i'm addressing both points. first point: yes they have extensive supply lists but in general (and in my experience) you aren't providing for the classroom you are providing for your child. second point: homeschooling done right your child is completely socialized. that's a naive thought that children that are homeschooled aren't socialized

I will be the first to say homeschool is not for me. I like the idea of it but I fight homework with my kids I don't think I could do it all day every day.:)

Green~Mammy & Lux: Very well said on everything! You guys said it much better than I did!

To those that are complaining about having to "buy for the class," have you ever thought about talking to the principal or teacher? Voice your concerns & maybe things will change! And don't stop until it is changed! Go to the school board & superintent if you have to! That is why they are there!

What about when you hear these parents, actually say something directly to them! Let them know how you feel. Voicing it only on an internet message isn't going to help much at all!

Why not start talking with the parents at the "Meet & Greets" or one on one at school & let them know your thoughts. If this is such as problem like you say, then getting the word around will bring out any others that feel as you do. Then you all can go to the teacher & principal on a united front & I am sure they will listen.

We used to have community property at DS's school when he was in 1st grade. Several parents didn't like it but not for the reasons you guys have. I'd say maybe 6 sets of parents out of about 60 voiced their concerns to all 3 of the 1st grade teachers as well as the principal. Guess what?! There is now only shared supplies in kindergarten. Even just a few people can make changes if you are willing to stand up for your beliefs!

I'm glad I read this post. I was just complaining about all the school supply's I had to buy. I just don't understand having to buy supply's for the whole class. E

Now my opinion has changed. Thank you girls that showed me the other side of why we have to buy for the whole class. Im not so bitter about spending a lot of money for the supplys now!!!

I don't think I am bitter about it just parents who can afford to but won't do it tick me off. Other than that I have no issue sending stuff in. FYI You can get pencils by the lot on ebay pretty cheap. They are just ones that have sayings on them that were mispelled. The PTO got them and passed them out every day for the state testing and when teachers needed them.

I'm glad I read this post. I was just complaining about all the school supply's I had to buy. I just don't understand having to buy supply's for the whole class. E

Now my opinion has changed. Thank you girls that showed me the other side of why we have to buy for the whole class. Im not so bitter about spending a lot of money for the supplys now!!!

:hugs

yeah - the name-brand preferences is beyond reason, imho.

Last year every teacher stated "Crayola only" "trapper keeper only" and so on and so forth...I bough certain items that weren't name brand, becaues it really shouldn't matter, and they were sent home. :wowsers
It's one thing to want certain items because they fit into your cirriculum - but just wanting a certain brand because you want everything to look the same is just a tad bit stingy.

I think that was a major issue last year with a lot of parents - they definately did not do that this year.

Ahhhh the crayola products work much better. The name brand glues work better.

Buying school supplies is a small price to pay for making your childs education experience better. Teachers are SO underpayed that this is the least I can do.

It really isnt that much money. Goodness knows more money is spent on Starbucks by some parents then school supplies.

ALSO... I am a parent to six children and it has NEVER bothered me to spend money on their school supplies. Even when they were shared. I guess my outlook on it is different.. Im glad to help them out. Teachers dont ask for much.

I will be the first to say homeschool is not for me. I like the idea of it but I fight homework with my kids I don't think I could do it all day every day.:)

that's why my mom gave it up too.

Im going by my experiences...We had three of them drop out of college because it, and my husband and i are friends with a family that does it and all three of the boys arent very socialable eventhough they do tons of activities.

So my opinions are based on my experiences.:thinking So if im naive then Im naive.

i think generalizing to say that homeschooled kids aren't socialized is naive.

And as i said, im speaking from my experience and in my experiences they arent as well as other children....and thats my naive opinion.

LOL - starbucks.
:tears

MMM - coffee mate non dairy powdered creamer with a chase of sweetnlo.
LOL!!

I really wish that schools would make more of the financial related info public...As it stands, at least in my state, you only know such things if you attend the meetings - which are always scheduled late Sunday night for some reason.

-

Also... the taxes that "we" all pay go towards the education system. I know that in our state most of the taxes come from property taxes... that being said... We had never owned a home until four years ago. We essentially put our kids through school for free until then. Being in the military with one or more children we really dont pay the taxes like many other families do that are in different jobs.

I consider myself pretty lucky!

LOL - starbucks.
:tears

MMM - coffee mate non dairy powdered creamer with a chase of sweetnlo.
LOL!!

I really wish that schools would make more of the financial related info public...As it stands, at least in my state, you only know such things if you attend the meetings - which are always scheduled late Sunday night for some reason.

-

Have you tried looking online for your specific school district re:financial information? I know that many school districts have the information out there if you just look. Have you tried calling the school district office?

And as i said, im speaking from my experience and in my experiences they arent as well as other children....and thats my naive opinion.

whatever take it as an insult to you, it wasn't meant to be that way but coming as someone who was homeschooled and has researched it extensively perhaps those kids had other issues and you didn't know about them when they dropped out for being under socialized

Homeschool - I think that the kids are fine, but (only from a few I'm related to) I think the parents have issues, which, in turn, they instill in their children - But maybe that's just my family :lmao We're a bit nutty to begin with.

*edit* Every way of life offers different benefits.
To each their own.
Some kids just don't do well in public school - like a family who live down the street from us, they're farmers - they need their children to help them during the harvest. Harvest, though, can often last for weeks - something that simply doesn't gel with public school.
So - they're homeschooled, they attend special events, fish (big local social affair) and are involved in sports - the children are just as normal as ever...In fact, imho - they might actually grow up with a better sense of responsibility and work ethic than most because of their family dynamic.

Homeschool - I think that the kids are fine, but (only from a few I'm related to) I think the parents have issues, which, in turn, they instill in their children - But maybe that's just my family :lmao We're a bit nutty to begin with.

I am the one with the issue with it, not my kids. It's just not my thing. I think I would screw my kids up more if I tried to do it myself.:lmao

I am the one with the issue with it, not my kids. It's just not my thing. I think I would screw my kids up more if I tried to do it myself.:lmao

ME TOO! I would rather poke my eyes out than homeschool my own kids!! :giggle It's not for me at all.

The teachers should not supply the supplies - the school district should. When I was a kid, we didn't have to bring ANY supplies to school....until High School - and then it was only pens and pencils and notebooks.

I have no problem purchasing the supply list given to us by the school, but I do know that there are some that can not afford to purchase everything on the list. Wouldn't it be nice if those that CAN afford to buy extra for those that Can NOT afford.... I have no problem with the 'community' glue, markers, crayons, tissue, zip locks......It benefits EVERYONE in the classroom.

Homeschool - I think that the kids are fine, but (only from a few I'm related to) I think the parents have issues, which, in turn, they instill in their children - But maybe that's just my family :lmao We're a bit nutty to begin with.

*edit* Every way of life offers different benefits.
To each their own.
Some kids just don't do well in public school - like a family who live down the street from us, they're farmers - they need their children to help them during the harvest. Harvest, though, can often last for weeks - something that simply doesn't gel with public school.
So - they're homeschooled, they attend special events, fish (big local social affair) and are involved in sports - the children are just as normal as ever...In fact, imho - they might actually grow up with a better sense of responsibility and work ethic than most because of their family dynamic.

you brought up alot of good points and instead of threadjacking i'm gonna open a new topic :)

:yes, Parkwood -
In the end it comes down to the government (state and federal) failing to do what they should be doing.

Sounds good, Harrison :)

Sorry Berk, I am not pointing fingers I am just saying that I am not going to get angry. Money is tight here too, buying school things sucks because it is pricey. Along with supplies I had the school fee of $240.

I am not saying it doesn't suck, I just am saying that for me it is not worth the energy it will take to get angry. Anger is a draining emotion it makes me tired, it makes me short tempered. I myself don't want to start the school year pissed off at my son's school.

So please no one think I am looking down on you for getting angry I am just saying that I am not going to get mad about it because I don't see anger as being productive. I strongly feel that if it helps the class then it truly is for the betterment of the community.

No I know. I'm just saying that for me it was really bad situation. And we had NO money after that we were literally eating ramen noodles which is our own fault of course but I got th elist 1 month before school started and EVERYTHING had to be a certain brand. I'm not pissed at the school or the teacher I'm just pissed that it cost so much ya know... A bigger part of me was pissed at me for not being more prepared finacially this year but dh put us in a BAD bind for right now which is a diff thread entirely..LOL

Wouldn't it be nice if those that CAN afford to buy extra for those that Can NOT afford....


And why should we...because we can? And then it would give those people who can buy and refuse to buy anothe excuse to say "why should I buy supplies...I know someone is going to purchase extra so why bother?"

And why should we...because we can? And then it would give those people who can buy and refuse to buy anothe excuse to say "why should I buy supplies...I know someone is going to purchase extra so why bother?"

How do you know 100% for sure that these people aren't buying them because they feel they should be given to them? Could there be a chance that they really are lower income & are ashamed? Therefore using that excuse to hide the embarrasment.

Have you ever talked to the teachers, principals, the parents, etc like I suggested above?

How do you know 100% for sure that these people are only buying them because they feel they should be given to them? Could there be a chance that they really are lower income & are ashamed. Therefore using that excuse to hide the embarrasment.

Have you ever talked to the teachers, principals, the parents, etc like I suggested above?

YES I ahve talked to teachers principals etc. like you suggested. Did you read my earlier post? Apparently not because you would know that just today I heard someone say they were not going to buy supplies becuase they feel with the taxes they pay they should not be required to do so.

I am not saying that all people that don't buy supplies are just lazy parents who feel they don't need to.

YES I ahve talked to teachers principals etc. like you suggested. Did you read my earlier post? Apparently not because you would know that just today I heard someone say they were not going to buy supplies becuase they feel with the taxes they pay they should not be required to do so.

I am not saying that all people that don't buy supplies are just lazy parents who feel they don't need to.

And you obviously did not read me entire post! I asked if there is a chance those parents could be saying that to cover up their embarrasment for not being able to afford them. Yes I am sure some parents don't buy them because they feel they are owed to them but I was wondering if maybe some might be just saying that!

And why should we...because we can? And then it would give those people who can buy and refuse to buy anothe excuse to say "why should I buy supplies...I know someone is going to purchase extra so why bother?"

:agree
That's my point. It's not what we have to buy it's those who take advantage of the fact that parents like me will get everything and then some. I just hate the "why bother" attitude. I have 2 kids. I do what I have to for my kids and provide extra when I can. If I wanted to buy for other kids whos parents won't I would have had a few more kids of my own.

ALSO... I am a parent to six children and it has NEVER bothered me to spend money on their school supplies. Even when they were shared. I guess my outlook on it is different.. Im glad to help them out. Teachers dont ask for much.

I'm glad to help out I am but we didn't have the money to yet I still scraped it together. It's just frustrating to me when I spent so much last year and everything came back at the end of the school year. If I have to buy for community that's fine but keep the stuff that isn't used and carry it over to the next year. That is my only point.

I'm glad to help out I am but we didn't have the money to yet I still scraped it together. It's just frustrating to me when I spent so much last year and everything came back at the end of the school year. If I have to buy for community that's fine but keep the stuff that isn't used and carry it over to the next year. That is my only point.

If everything came back last year, why don't you hang on to it & send it the next year? That's what I do.

Not all teachers have the room to store everything all summer long. I know at our school, the teachers are required to pack everything up. They rearrange classrooms a lot & aren't supposed to keep anything in there but the big things like desks, tv's, computers, etc. Everything else has to be stored elsewhere.

Plus a lot of parents do ask that any left over supplies be sent home at the end of the year like I do. I end up using a lot of the leftovers when the kids supplement at home during the summer. Anything else still available goes with them the next school year.

And you obviously did not read me entire post! I asked if there is a chance those parents could be saying that to cover up their embarrasment for being able to afford them. Yes I am sure some parents don't buy them because they feel they are owed to them but I was wondering if maybe some might be just saying that!

In our school there are more well to do than poor people so that is not the case where my children go. And if you were "poor" would you use the excuse that you feel they are owed to you or would you put your kid on the state funded supply list and get them that way? I know I certainly would not walk around saying that my kids are "owed" supplies if we were not able to afford them. There are programs that parents can sign up for to make sure their kids have the supplies necessary on the first day of school.

In our school there are more well to do than poor people so that is not the case where my children go. And if you were "poor" would you use the excuse that you feel they are owed to you or would you put your kid on the state funded supply list and get them that way? I know I certainly would not walk around saying that my kids are "owed" supplies if we were not able to afford them. There are programs that parents can sign up for to make sure their kids have the supplies necessary on the first day of school.

I agree with you.

In our school there are more well to do than poor people so that is not the case where my children go. And if you were "poor" would you use the excuse that you feel they are owed to you or would you put your kid on the state funded supply list and get them that way? I know I certainly would not walk around saying that my kids are "owed" supplies if we were not able to afford them. There are programs that parents can sign up for to make sure their kids have the supplies necessary on the first day of school.

You never know what people will say to cover up something else! I am not saying that the people you heard are doing that. It was just a thought that popped in my head. I know my parents were pretty humiliated because we were poor & I do wonder if maybe they ever used other excuses to help hide that embarrasment. Pride is a powerful thing sometime but that could be a whole different discussion! :giggle

The same goes for my kiddos school. There are only a handful of children who are considered lower income. The majority are military or have higher paying jobs. I can say that from experience that one particular family used to be well off but fell on hard times. I can bet the Dad would say just about anything to cover up for their hard times. I could seriously see him say that he didn't buy supplies because of the taxes. He's one of those with a very big ego & pride & refuses to show