School Supply List

Kelli - posted on 08/29/2010

in my sons school the school supplies for him r to be labeled with his name he has his own bin to put them in my daughter not sure but i think hers r her own also

Clarissa - posted on 08/29/2010

I agree with you Carolyn Swanson. This is some of what I have been trying say all along. Don't you know that they asked for a 40 oz hand sanitizer or two 12-15 oz, those hand sanitizer are expensive. So I just bought two 12-15 oz (regular size), which is one each for both of my sons and each one sent 1 box of Kleenex each, instead of 3 each.

Angie - posted on 08/27/2010

Honestly, Ms. Granville, I'm not quite sure why you became so defensive when I wasn't even posting to you. I read over and over from parents that since it was public school, everything should be free. I don't believe you said anything about that at all......

Jakethia - posted on 08/27/2010

Mrs or ms. Kissner I compliment you on buying your child own supply, I also buy my kids supply too, I don't depend on the school to anything for me or my kids either. Mrs. Kissner, I just was talking about how teacher sended a lots of school supply back home to their parents, but I don't get mad about it, I just put it up in the house until they need it the next time. I am a very supported parents of my kids also, while they in school or college. I just was giving my opinion, I wish you a great weekend Mrs. Kissner.

Angie - posted on 08/27/2010

I suppose if we want the schools to supply everything we better be ready for tax increases because that's the only way it's going to happen. As a parent, I expect to have to participate in my child's education so I volunteer at school and buy my own school supplies - I don't expect others to do it for me.

Jakethia - posted on 08/27/2010

You are so right,Clarissa, parents go out and get all those school supplies and once the kids go back to school the next day, the teacher send most of all the things back home to the kids. I think they should tell parents, what they really need to get the kids before they go back to school, that why I don't get a lots of school supplies like I use to get, because like Clarissa said, they will send most of the school supplies back home to mom and dad. So, to all the school parents, I advise y'all to wait to the kids start school before buying them all that school supplies stuff.

Debora - posted on 08/27/2010

we have to even supply tissues for the classroom in elementary school this is upstatenewyork public schools.

Debora - posted on 08/27/2010

used to be our taxes paid for most everything from crayons and cutting equipment not now we have to ,only thing school buys are textbooks they dont even use most of what they use is printing off online and then photocopied.

Susan - posted on 08/27/2010

Maybe things are different where I live (in Canada). But I didn't get a list for my school age daughter.

Pami - posted on 08/26/2010

well with where we live there are lots of budget cuts and I try to get as much as I can afford to on there list every one is suffering including those kids whose parents can't afford them school supplies so for those of us who are still blessed with a job and thank God for that we do as much as we humanly possibily can!

Deanna - posted on 08/26/2010

I think if you need to, just get the scribblers, duotangs, etc. They are fairly cheap. We needed 145 pencils this year between our four children. We just send 20 each child and the rest we will send in January. They don't need that type of thing all together but be sure they are not running short. Connect with your child or teacher regularly to see if anything else is needed.

Jessica - posted on 08/26/2010

this year the list was a longer so we bought what she needed and usually throughout the school year we help out with more supplies. Times are getting harder and I believe the schools need to realize that also.

Marilyn - posted on 08/26/2010

It's the school list we get first --- THEN after the first week of school there is ANOTHER list of supplies from the teacher - depending on class & teacher might be longer or shorter than original school list
I get what I get and they'll have to make do for the rest

Cheri - posted on 08/26/2010

From a teacher, I try not to post items not needed. If the list is posted by the teacher, it is probably needed at some point during the year and appreciated. If it is posted by the school, get the basics and check with the teacher about actualy needs.

Melissa - posted on 08/26/2010

My kids get their lists at the end of the year for the next year. I have all summer to get the stuff on it. It's usually the same stuff; pencils, paper, crayons etc. I watch the adds and buy the stuff when it's on sale and cheap and usually get some extra that I either give the teacher at the beginning of the year, or keep it and give it to her after the holiday break to re-stock.

Suzanne - posted on 08/26/2010

we had been buying everything but last year we just reused what we coul ie going through 3 years of markers and pencilcrayons that had only been used one or 2 times to make sure he had a full set of each, things cost too much to keep getting sets when you have perfectly good ones at home. then will buy any spacific things they need ie the math set and gragh paper he needed last year

Marilyn - posted on 08/26/2010

It's public school? Everything is supposed to be provided. I don't mind the real school supplies like pencils, books, folders, etc. What's with all the baby wipes, hand sanitizer, paper towels, soap, plastic baggies and NAME BRAND specified stuff?

Carolyn - posted on 08/26/2010

This year I bought everything on the list for my 5th grader. When we went to the open house the day before school started I saw the teacher already had an overflowing supply of paper towels. I almost took mine back but I didn't. I think that we are supplying the whole class with stuff they'll need for the year but it's getting a little absurd! We have to bring in zip-lock bags, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, paper towels, tissues & dry erase markers (for the teacher). That is in addition to the pencils, markers, crayons, packages of loose leaf 3-ring paper, notebooks, folders, glue sticks, scissors, etc. that we had to get for my son. In years past they've even had us bring in copy paper. I think that if the schools can't afford to buy basic classroom supplies like paper, markers, soap, etc. then something is wrong with our system. But, alas, I sent everything in because I didn't want my son to be "the kid who couldn't afford to buy the supplies."

Gwen - posted on 08/26/2010

I really don't mind supplying pencils, erasers, glue.. but when they atart asking for things like paper towels... that should be the school's responsibility. And then I wonder, if I can't afford to bring the supplies... is my kid not allowed to go to PUBLIC school??? It is a shame that so much money is paid out in pensions to retired teachers that my school taxes can't pay for things my kid actually needs.

Tammy - posted on 08/26/2010

i go threw the suply list and i had scissors in good shape and left over pencils not used and left over note books that i bought extra last year then i mark them off and go from there, the only thing that makes me upset is they want clorox wipes come on the school has cleaning stuff for those desks, got to remember we also pay taxes in our communities for school funding. but never the less i get everything but nothing special.. i cant afford. i am on unemployment but i managed, i start shopping in july shoes this week and shirts this week it will work if you make it work... i just dont like to buy their cleaning supplys................

Mandy - posted on 08/26/2010

I try to buy everything and some of the supplies are shared which is great because if there is some one who can't get everything at least there is stuff for them to use. The thing that gets me is I did not need two pairs of shoes til I was in 6th or 7th grade way can my kindergartener wear his everyday shoes???? Please don't say to save the gym floor cause those same gym shoes go outside for gym in a time when we are short on cash and at an age where they grow like weeds hey go by two shoes for every kid you have in school.What gives

Christina - posted on 08/26/2010

You know, I dont understand these people that are saying "I only send what I think they really need." Come on people this is your childs education, and the teachers know what they need to do the curriculum they have planned or they wouldnt be asking for it. Do you think its fair that if you only buy part of the requested supplies and your child runs out that other parents have to pick up your pieces? Or better yet, the teacher who makes about $35,000 a year give or take spend their own money to buy more supplies? I know MOST elementary schools pool the supplies and all of the kids use them all year, so unless you have a stickler for a teacher he/she wont remember which kids didnt bring all or their supplies to ask the specific parent for more later. If you cant at least buy what is on the list then find a program that can help you out, there are so many of them!! I'm not even working this year as my daughter is satrting school and I'll tell you what, you hit the back to school sales at the right time and everything is dirt cheap. I mean who cant afford 25 cents for a box of crayola crayons and $1 for crayola markers? I literally spent $20 or less and got EVERYTHING on my daughter list, plus extra for at home to do homework. Now if I can do that on my unemployment check, these parents out here whining about it can too, do the other parents and the teacher a favor and at leat send whats on the list people!!

Cinda - posted on 08/25/2010

I always send in everything on the list- because I think it is the right thing to do. I also bought all the things on the teacher's wish lists too, this year, since I can afford to, and I know probably not a lot of others are right now. Giving is a blessing, not a burden. I encourage you to do it when you can.

Sherri - posted on 08/25/2010

I do!! My kids shopping list totaled $400. It was insanity!! Then I spent another $200 in clothes for 3 kids. My 8th grader has to go on a mandated school camping/hiking trip for 4 days. $200 was at least the items required for this trip they have to go on. This is one Unhappy mom. We are so broke. Groceries are going to be interesting for the next month.



We don't have optional items every child is required to bring in tissues, wipes, dry erase markers, post it notes and that is just what I can remember for the class room. I know there is more.

Heather - posted on 08/25/2010

I did this for the first few years as they shared the material, however when year 2 came around I was more selective, especially with stationery. I had a huge tin at home with the supplies bought home from previous years so made the stationery up with these items. The teacher sent a note home to some of us parents saying that all materials had not been supplied, and I sent one back saying there is no way my son needed 14 red pencils and 12 HB pencils,half were sent home last year, so at mid semester, we would assess if they really needed a new pencil each month. At the end of the year, he still bought half the materials home.

Clarissa - posted on 08/25/2010

Thanks Rose, I have 3 children and supplies gets expensive when each child has to bring multiple items. This year I decided to go to a back to school festival at a church. This help me out a lot. Next year I will start shopping little by little earlier, that way I can have things before its all gone and budget. My youngest start Kinegarten next year and that is the largest list of all.

Dawn - posted on 08/25/2010

I bought everything, and didn't buy an item that was labeled optional, only to find out my daughter's teacher requires her to have it. I've never had anything sent home, that's why I get everything.

Ashley - posted on 08/25/2010

That sounds like a nice idea Ms. Haney. I think large schools should do that so kids aren't over loaded with take toos on their frist day.

Melanie - posted on 08/25/2010

we are given a list of "optional" supplies like kleenex and such, but all they ask for is $15 supply fee. The school buys everything in bulk discount.

Ashley - posted on 08/25/2010

Luckly where I live the list only has a few items that aren't used for my child but for the teacher. But My mother's work got some school list to help out kids in Northern Va. The list had for one kid 12 dozen pencils, 12 boxes of tissues, 2 packs of dry ease makers, 5 large bottles of hand santi...I and my mother were in shock! Most people right now can't get that right now. And each kid brings that...Where do you put it all? I can understand waiting if it is something like that on there but if your child is using it or needed it get it. I am going to the Dollar Tree! :) I love that store. :)

Gracie - posted on 08/25/2010

AT my childs school Some teachers have them share all the crayons..ect. and some dont so we have to get it all! What I dont get them that is ON the list is the extras..paper towels, ziplocks,tissue, ect. I think there is just some things my tax $ should pay for lol.Times are hard so when the middle school said thier pre-back school supplies are only 60$ I freeked I got it all for 38 at the store! 3 kids it all counts!!ANd book covers Make them like we did as a kid! :-)

Rose - posted on 08/25/2010

Yes it gets costly my soon is in first grade they asked for alot of school supplies. Then a pair of clothes and brand new sneakers for his locker they have to stay there. That meant two pairs of shoes for our son this year. Plus we all know a additional school supply list comes home when they actually start school. One is to collect for other children basically the other list is for your child is how
I think of it. If that helps you out Clarissa. Theres some people on this page that didn't read in between the lines I'm thinking you have alot of children to buy for or stretching your money right now you just can't get all the supplies. People putting post they shouldn't would make me not want to post a question again.

Monique - posted on 08/24/2010

Yes, every year we too get this large list of supplies my son needs to bring in the fall. It is quite a hardship for us because we are on a fixed income and my son needs new uniform pieces because he outgrows all of last years stuff, and then on top we have this huge list of supplies we need to get....Too much!

Andrea - posted on 08/24/2010

no - we just buy the essentials or from charity shop

Delores - posted on 08/24/2010

I do buy everything but I am not working and god send people to help me

Joy - posted on 08/21/2010

Bought basics when on clearance, colored folders, crayons color pencils glue sticks. Found lunchboxes end of spring on clearance, too. High school forget it. Calculators that are my whole weekly food budget are required, unless you know to go in and ask the first day and they SUPPLY it to the first few kids who ask... stick with the parents who have kids a few yrs older and theyll show you the ropes for your school.

Debbie - posted on 08/21/2010

we live in a very small community and are not asked to supply anything the school does that for us, although certin items are needed for homework which is ok because it stays at home.

Erin - posted on 08/21/2010

Oh, and I wanted to add that at our school, you have the option to purchase a back to school package from them for one low price. It has everything that your child would need for the grade they are entering. Maybe that's an option for some in other areas? I know it's hard to get everything all the time. Times are tough. Lord knows I don't have extra money to be throwing around either! Thankfully so far, our school lists haven't been too taxing. But that package might be an option I take up sometime if we get a list that's especially lengthy :)

Erin - posted on 08/21/2010

Last year for kindergarten, the supplies they wanted multiples of were shared with the rest of the class. I have no problem with that, as these other kids are my child's classmates and friends. I made friends with other moms of her classmates too, and I would never mind helping them out, that's for sure. Plus, there are moms who come in and help with the teacher. I am not able to do that, so if the least I can do is providing everything on the list, then that's fine with me.
This year, for 1st grade, the list said specifically to label everything with your child's name, so I assume that everything I bought is for my child's use only. I put the extras into a ziploc and I'll ask her teacher on open house day if I can just keep those things at home until she needs them. I think the basket is a great idea too. It's true, a lot of teachers really go out of their way to make class time an enriching experience for our kids : )

Jessica - posted on 08/21/2010

We buy all supplies listed, except for the gym shoes that they say *will be just for gym class and stay at school.* Last year we did buy shoes for that but then he never needed them, my son just made sure to wear his tennis shoes on gym class days. So that was a little waste of money and it's on the list again this year, I don't know why. Our kids are in 4th and kindergarten and we will be getting a few extras of glue sticks and crayons for the kindie class. Last year the teacher mentioned they were running out of those but I couldn't contribute at the time. (my daughter is repeating kindergarten, she was too young last year to graduate into first grade.)

Jana - posted on 08/21/2010

First, I go through everything from last year to see what I don't need to buy.Then I decide what I think I can afford from what's left, and buy that. Sometimes I get help with supplies from the church or ECKAN or Help House, and the last two years, my youngest's dad has helped out.

But, in general, no, I don't usually buy/get everything on the list. I send what I think the kids'll need, and Kleenex. Kleenex is IMPORTANT. Clorox wipes? Ziploc bags? Not so important. Still not sure why they even need zippy bags.

Clara - posted on 08/21/2010

Every year when I buy school supplies,the teachers sends everything back,So this year I am not buying till the the teachers tell me what my children need.

Deb - posted on 08/21/2010

i agree, last year I bought everything and I could not believe the amount of things that came home at the end of the year unused

Deanne - posted on 08/20/2010

Thanks Sherry I did that stocked up last year I was just saying if we have to buy this much what are our tax dollars going for not too much that I see.

Sherry - posted on 08/20/2010

our school does not share supplies, we are to mark all ours with names. I do buy everything, most is not that expensive and one thing that I have learned to do is after the kids are in school, school supplies go on sale, so buy for next year. I have pencil and markers and notebooks that I got for pennies. I mean really .10$ a notebook, 20 pencils for .15$, crayons for .15$. If you cant afford it now talk to the teacher and see if you get one of things to start and then in a month or two when things are on sale buy the rest and maybe things for next year. I do not buy glue in advance it can seperate and not work as well.

Deanne - posted on 08/20/2010

I didn't buy everything because alot of the things that they want you to buy it is the schools responsibility to buy them and not ours like for instance want us to send extra crayons and such I am not buying for the whole school

Darby - posted on 08/19/2010

For the first 4 or 5 of her first years of school for my daughter I bought the kit they offered and I still have some items left over. Last year and this year I did buy all the was on the list along with a few extras. Walmart had excellent prices and I went during the no tax week. Whatever I have that is still in good condition to be used again I offer to other family members for their children in younger grades that may need the supplies but I think my excess, I will probably drop it off at the elementary school for them to use. As far as excess supplies getting sent home, that never happened at her school...I always wondered what happened to most of it. I'm figuring it went to some of the other kids that didn't have what they needed.

Michelle - posted on 08/19/2010

We try to because the best sales on items are at the start of school and this year in IL the governor gave a state sales tax holiday to help out. Sure, it was only 4% but, hey, it was 4%!

LaShundra - posted on 08/19/2010

I have two children in elementary school one in, 1st and the other in 5th, and yes I did get everything on their lists. I had help from family, because if I had to do it on my own there is no way I could've gotten school supply and uniforms.

Angela - posted on 08/19/2010

I agree, but I have never gotten any supplies back. I believe they arre used for those that cant afford to get supplies. And that we are supplying the schools with copier paper for assignments sent home. I may be wrong, but that is my opinion.