Are school supplies getting ridiculous?

Crystal - posted on 07/31/2009

This is a sign of the times. When I was a kid, the school provided all school supplies. To ask for anything special such as batteries, tissues, wipes, handsoap etc was unheard of.
My daughters school list has all the supplies above only it just isn't one small thing. It's like three of each thing. I am sorry, but I will purchase one item of each only. It's not my job to provide for the whole entire class. Makes me wonder what the teachers do with all the left over supplies when school is over?

Kathy - posted on 07/31/2009

My son is going into the 2nd grade, I have reviewed his school list it isn't so bad. Just the normal stuff. Last year it was kind of ridiclous on what he needed; The last two years even with our Back to School Bash I still had a hard time getting what he needs. This year I am planning to finish it up on Monday.

Debbie - posted on 07/30/2009

I usually hold off till my kids get into school then ask the teacher what she really needs. She will be going into 2nd grade this yr & so far I have only had to buy crayons, paper, a few folders & pencils. My son which I home school now I have never had to get anything & he is going into high school this yr.

Jennifer - posted on 07/30/2009

Here, the school district isn't allowed to send school supply lists home. The teachers can ask for donations, but can't make the kids bring anything. You know who pays for it? The teachers have to them pay for their own classroom supplies. If you've ever known a teacher and known how little they get paid, they can't afford this. Our school district does NOT supply tissue so if you don't bring it, the kids don't get it. At my cousin's school they fill the soap one time a day, if they run out there is no more so she has kids bring in soap and hand sanitizer if they can. They have run out of toilet paper before too so she keeps some in her desk. If you truly can't afford this stuff, talk to the school, we're all hitting hard times right now, but I'm all for giving a little to make sure Evan gets the best he can out of his class. Our oldest is in a private school and school lists are mandatory!

Ilene - posted on 07/30/2009

The way I see it, if they don't get the supplies, then the kids aren't going to have the items that they need for school. Budget cuts have been deep here in California and there were serious talks of cutting teachers in the last year. As of right now, the teacher's jobs have been saved. I'd rather spend the money for supplies and save the teachers.

Heather - posted on 07/30/2009

If it bothers you, you need to talk to your local and state government officials because it is budget cuts that results in less money going to school districts for basic things like this that they need for their classrooms. For years, teachers like myself have already been buying a lot of supplies with our own money.

Tracie - posted on 07/30/2009

I hear you!! I have a 15, 9, and 7 year old. My 9 and 7 are not so bad. Pencils, crayrons, markers, etc. My 15 year old started highschool this past year. He needed this graphing calculator(mandatory) that cost 125.00. Also a flash drive for his multi media class. That on top of all the normal school supplies. Totally agree UGH

Tamra - posted on 07/30/2009

Maybe you can get together with other parents and buy in bulk at Sams Club or Costco and split the cost.

Tamra - posted on 07/30/2009

It is insane. They have asked for tissue, soap and hand sanitizer. When will it end. I remember when we were kids we needed paper and pencils. The school list is longer than my weekly grocery list.