"Socialist" School Supply Closet

Originally posted by showintail
We went from 2 last year to 4 this year! I will not be buying stuff I don't even use at home.

Hand Sanitizer? I prefer my kids don't use it.

Wipes? I have a baby at home that needs them more than the school!

5 notebooks for pre school?!? Hell naw, ill get 2.

It continues. But I will stop there.

Experience tells me, buy the basics, and if they need more, the teacher will tell you. I was told that by a teacher actually. Mine are all 3rd and under.

I don't like the sanitizer either. My daughter's preschool used it for bathroom trips instead of soap and water. That made me scratch my head more than a few times.

The teachers here always ask for supplies. My daughter made a poor grade on a math test and asked to do extra credit. The teacher told her to bring in some packs of paper and some pens and he would give her the credit. This irritated me and I wound up not sending it, because to me it was like buying a grade. I would think that even offering it would be against school policy but I guess not.

You caught onto it a lot earlier than I did. Good for you! Less money wasted.

Originally posted by showintail
reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe

 

Last year I bought the cheap folders. I was OK with my kids using those. Replaced as needed.

They both came home on the first day, with names scratched out, folders. The names were not my kids.

That is ridiculous considering that they bought their own. It seems like the kids with no folders would be given the ones with the name scratched out. Geez... how furious would you have been if you had bought the expensive, decorated ones!

reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe


gasp!! Pay for extra credit?!?! I actually like my school district more than dislike. We shall see this year. My daughters peek teacher said the district askifor a general list and to just get basics.

My kids dad is one of those "get everything"!! People, LOL I'm hiding the list this yr.

reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe


Yep. I was on a budget, but knew buying a cheap folder meant buying new ones later. 7 folders I believe it was. For pre k3 and 1st. They only used 3 in all. My son got a new one halfway in.

Mate I couldn't agree more!

My daughters school list has grown so large over the last few years. Like you, after year two of buying almost 75 bucks worth of supplies then getting a request in march for more, I had it. I know send what she needs to start and if she runs short, she tells me and I give her the extra's.

I have no problem helping kids that need the help. last year, she started a new school. I know live in a very rural area and when she came home after day one, I asked about kids and supplies. She said about 1/3 brought the whole thing. Others, like her, brought what they needed to start and the rest had some but not all. I gave her about 30 dollars worth the supplies to take the next day so that some of the kids could get what they needed. The teacher this year was very understanding and I talked to him several times early in the year for varying reasons. He told me about a 1/4 of the class had trouble getting the stuff they needed. Families for whatever reason are on hard times. These aren't welfare folks, they are farmers and the like. I also know that some just don't buy the supplies. They get the very basics and that's it. I am not here to supply those people. There's no reason for me to be sending two cases of six boxes each of tissue or 2000 loose leaf paper. I replenish her stuff as she needs it.

Originally posted by GAOTU789
Mate I couldn't agree more!

My daughters school list has grown so large over the last few years. Like you, after year two of buying almost 75 bucks worth of supplies then getting a request in march for more, I had it. I know send what she needs to start and if she runs short, she tells me and I give her the extra's.

I have no problem helping kids that need the help. last year, she started a new school. I know live in a very rural area and when she came home after day one, I asked about kids and supplies. She said about 1/3 brought the whole thing. Others, like her, brought what they needed to start and the rest had some but not all. I gave her about 30 dollars worth the supplies to take the next day so that some of the kids could get what they needed. The teacher this year was very understanding and I talked to him several times early in the year for varying reasons. He told me about a 1/4 of the class had trouble getting the stuff they needed. Families for whatever reason are on hard times. These aren't welfare folks, they are farmers and the like. I also know that some just don't buy the supplies. They get the very basics and that's it. I am not here to supply those people. There's no reason for me to be sending two cases of six boxes each of tissue or 2000 loose leaf paper. I replenish her stuff as she needs it.

You know, I never had a clue that more people experienced this. I actually didn't expect to get as many responses relating to my rant as I did! I guess this is happening in a lot of the school districts now regardless of the state. Unreal really.

The tissues got me too. I started sending one box and buying my daughter those travel packs to keep in her book bag so she wouldn't actually have to use the one;s on the teacher's desk at all.

I think it's awesome that you and others don't mind sending extra for those truly in need. I hate to see kids not have enough of most anything. And I actually hate that the kids whose parents can afford it... just don't bother because in the end it isn't the child's fault that they are doing without. But, at some point enough is enough and if folks stop contributing 10x more than enough, maybe some of those parents will step up an actually do their job and quit expecting others to do it for them.

It has warmed my heart to see people with tight budgets willing to help those with tighter budgets. Seriously. It sounds corny, but it's true.

And thank you BTW.

reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe


I graduated from high school over 39 years ago.
When I was in school, our school had a bookstore where
you could buy your paper,pencils... I assume from what I
have been observing,these last several years,they don't have
them anymore.

I would have a fit if a teacher took my kid's school supplies from
them and locked them in a closet for others to use.I would have
words with the teacher and the principal,that's theft,plain and simple!

You didn't buy that stuff.
Somebody else bought that stuff.

Good god when i went to school 25 years ago all that was needed was pens/pencils/rulers as the work books was provided by the school and generally all we needed was a pen/pencil and a ruler for 99% of our studies so lord knows why people need so much stuff today when they don't teach as much as they did when i studied

Originally posted by mamabeth
reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe

 

I graduated from high school over 39 years ago.
When I was in school, our school had a bookstore where
you could buy your paper,pencils... I assume from what I
have been observing,these last several years,they don't have
them anymore.

I would have a fit if a teacher took my kid's school supplies from
them and locked them in a closet for others to use.I would have
words with the teacher and the principal,that's theft,plain and simple!

We used to have the bookstores too. Pencils for a few pennies, notebooks, folders, etc. Those days are long gone. My daughter will be going to the 9th grade and she has never had the pleasure of a bookstore. I wish talking to the teachers or principals did any good. Now one has to worry if they raise too much of a fuss if their child will suffer for it, causing yet another visit. I sent just enough last year as well, and the teachers were not amused. They got over it eventually though. Theft is exactly what it feels like and some of the kids have a hard time understanding why they can't keep their "extras" for themselves. I don't expect it will change anytime soon though. I am thankful I only have 4 more years to deal with it though.

Originally posted by Nite_wing
You didn't buy that stuff.
Somebody else bought that stuff.

Originally posted by Maxatoria
Good god when i went to school 25 years ago all that was needed was pens/pencils/rulers as the work books was provided by the school and generally all we needed was a pen/pencil and a ruler for 99% of our studies so lord knows why people need so much stuff today when they don't teach as much as they did when i studied

I agree. We all went with some pencils and some notebooks, a ruler and a compass mostly. You bought what you needed as you needed it and used it then. It's like they are stocking up supplies for the apocalypse or something. She usually has so much stuff the first day, that it will not all fit in her new empty book bag...and that is a bit much!

reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe


My son's school doesn't even pretend. Lol it sends a note home with the supply list telling us they will be used by everyone and to not put your child's name on anything except for a notebook or what not.

reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe

Stuff like pink erasers and white erasers boggle my mind. Why does the color matter? I am always stuck not being able to find "The Color" of whatever it is on the list

As a former draftsman before CAD there are different erasers for different applications (soft eraser, hard erasers, some better on ink etc) no idea on the white and pink erasers since they are about the same

$100-150 dollars will buy you a good HP scientific calculator that will last a long time (it does take a little getting used to the reverse logic of the HP's). Some of my HP calculators have lasted over 10 years and i use them hard.

Originally posted by AshleyD
reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe

 

My son's school doesn't even pretend. Lol it sends a note home with the supply list telling us they will be used by everyone and to not put your child's name on anything except for a notebook or what not.

I could appreciate that a little more I think.Just put it out there instead of acting like it's something different. At least you know what you are looking at square on!

I thought you were just ranting about the long and weirdly specific items that you had to buy. I remember going through that scavenger hunt myself in middle school, and it's infuriating. But then you got to the part where the teacher basically tricked you out of your daughter's rightful supplies. That angers me. If I were you, I would have gone to whoever was in charge, and complained!

I graduated in 1989, back then all you needed was 1 binder, one or two spiral notebooks, a couple of pens or pencils, total cost about ten bucks.
A few years ago, when my son started kindergarten, we got that same big list. His mom told me why he needed all that crap (she worked for the school district), was to go into a supply closet for other kids, I said hell no, we're not supplying the school, I got him a enough stuff for him, nothing more.
Needless we got into an argument over it, but I put my foot down, I'm not buying for someone else, let the taxes I paid then buy stuff for someone else.

reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe

I remember having to buy some "surplus" supplies for the kids that "couldn't" afford it, they were usually the ones getting picked up in a Escalade, arggghhh, not going there....but yeah its nuts trying to keep up with it all, at least it was with my two daughters. After supplies they want the designer backpacks, new clothes, shoes, hippest smartphone, etc,etc! Oh and how about 4K for the latest Mac with all the goodies and accessories one would need for art and design school, rent, food, etc, etc, etc........... yep, mine are starting college this year. Your getting off easy with the extra box of kleenex, sanatizer and a red folder. Although I do understand where you're coming from.

My 3rd grader's "basic" school supply list:

5 pks wide-ruled notebook paper
3 pks #2 pencils (solid color only)
4 wide-ruled spiral notebooks (70 pg)
3 bxs crayons (24 count)
2 prs Fiskars scissors
3 bottles hand sanitizer
2 bxs Kleenex
3 pkgs Expo dry-erase markers (large)

I notice there are particular brands requested this year.

This doesn't include the "special" supplies that will be requested by the teacher

J

reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe

I starred and flagged your rant, Kangaruex4Ewe. My wife and I can directly relate to all of the requests for money. We have one boy who will be in 9th grade, and we still do not have a school supply list. Funny, but the Middle School and Elementary School both have the list on their website. Asking us for money near the end of a given month is a moot point, we just don't have any.

Originally posted by EllaMarina
I thought you were just ranting about the long and weirdly specific items that you had to buy. I remember going through that scavenger hunt myself in middle school, and it's infuriating. But then you got to the part where the teacher basically tricked you out of your daughter's rightful supplies. That angers me. If I were you, I would have gone to whoever was in charge, and complained!

Scavenger Hunt!! That is the word I was looking for instead of treasure hunt! Thank you for that... I was losing my mind trying to think of it! I did complain last year, but they pull out that handy "It's school policy" excuse every time something like this comes up. Go figure. I just quit buying extra so I wouldn't have to worry about it!

Thanks again for the word... At least that won't be haunting me anymore.

Originally posted by HomerinNC
I graduated in 1989, back then all you needed was 1 binder, one or two spiral notebooks, a couple of pens or pencils, total cost about ten bucks.
A few years ago, when my son started kindergarten, we got that same big list. His mom told me why he needed all that crap (she worked for the school district), was to go into a supply closet for other kids, I said hell no, we're not supplying the school, I got him a enough stuff for him, nothing more.
Needless we got into an argument over it, but I put my foot down, I'm not buying for someone else, let the taxes I paid then buy stuff for someone else.

No surprise that I agree. That's just about what we needed when I went to school as well. I don't really recall anyone in class going without back then. Someone was always willing to help out when the parents were trying to help themselves. Unfortunately now...I think some folks no longer bother helping themselves or their children. :shk:

Originally posted by mtnshredder
reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe

 

I remember having to buy some "surplus" supplies for the kids that "couldn't" afford it, they were usually the ones getting picked up in a Escalade, arggghhh, not going there....but yeah its nuts trying to keep up with it all, at least it was with my two daughters. After supplies they want the designer backpacks, new clothes, shoes, hippest smartphone, etc,etc! Oh and how about 4K for the latest Mac with all the goodies and accessories one would need for art and design school, rent, food, etc, etc, etc........... yep, mine are starting college this year. Your getting off easy with the extra box of kleenex, sanatizer and a red folder. Although I do understand where you're coming from.

Going back to school can cost as much as a used car sometimes I think. You are right though...compared to your list I am getting off cheap. I think even at 14 my daughter realizes that she will be working part time to help pay for her extended education though, as we will not be able to afford it even then unless something huge happens! It's out of control for colleges too IMO.

Originally posted by LadyJae
My 3rd grader's "basic" school supply list:

5 pks wide-ruled notebook paper
3 pks #2 pencils (solid color only)
4 wide-ruled spiral notebooks (70 pg)
3 bxs crayons (24 count)
2 prs Fiskars scissors
3 bottles hand sanitizer
2 bxs Kleenex
3 pkgs Expo dry-erase markers (large)

I notice there are particular brands requested this year.

This doesn't include the "special" supplies that will be requested by the teacher

J

edit on 7/31/2012 by LadyJae because: eternal typo

See? The brand thing chaps my hide as well. While it is difficult for a lot of folks to buy this stuff...it can become impossible for some to do it at all if they can not even buy off brand items. Those fiskars scissors and expo markers will not be dirt cheap by any means. A knock off would cost way less than half the price of either of these items. Ugh.

And I despise the special requests afterwards as well. Always the first day of school she comes home with a list of other stuff specific teachers wanted after I have spent tons of money... I usually counter with... "It wasn't on the list" and depending on what it is, I may not purchase it at all. It's pretty much always more, more, more.

Originally posted by autowrench
reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe

 

I starred and flagged your rant, Kangaruex4Ewe. My wife and I can directly relate to all of the requests for money. We have one boy who will be in 9th grade, and we still do not have a school supply list. Funny, but the Middle School and Elementary School both have the list on their website. Asking us for money near the end of a given month is a moot point, we just don't have any.

Thanks!

You sound like us. The closer to the end of the month...the tighter the strain on the paychecks. I had just gotten her list. Last year I got it about 2 days before school started, leaving me scrambling. They don't take the time to think about anyone else or about somebody else's budget, they do what is easiest for them.You may have to call the school and find out what your son needs as ludicrous as that sounds.

I bet you are like me and are just waiting for these four years to be over so you can quit dealing with the public school system all together. I don't want her to grow up faster, but I would like to be done dealing with this mess and all the other messes they leave you with.