Who is responsible for school supplies?
Today begins the annual sales tax holiday. Families will hit the stores to purchase back-to-school clothing, computers and supplies.
Many schools and teachers mail letters or put on their Web sites the items they expect students to have. The lists include everything from specific types of notebooks and binders to requests for tissues, hand sanitizer, copy paper and other items.
Some families buy all the items. Some don’t. Often teachers use their own money to plug in the holes.
But I wonder what the school supply turnout will be like this year.
With the recession and many families facing tight budgets, I wonder how many parents will refuse to buy items they think the school should supply – like tissues or copy paper.
(Although the hand sanitizer would be pretty useful with all the worries about swine flu.)
At the same time I wonder how many teachers will stop using their own money to pay for these items. Between the furloughs, no raises and increased health care costs, money is tight for educators.
What supplies are you planning to buy? Is the economy forcing you to reconsider what you’re willing to contribute?
STORY HELP: A co-worker is writing a back-to-school story looking at who is volunteering in schools. If your PTA or school has an interesting group — whether it be all fathers or all grandparents or employees from a local company — we want to hear from you. Send a note to gstaples@ajc.com if you’d like to participate.
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178 comments Add your comment
Where is DeKalb GAE?
July 30th, 2009
2:58 pm
Has DeKalb GAE mentioned the extra hundred million dollars in administrative salaries compared to Fulton, as a possible source of cuts, so that teachers can have supplies essential to teaching? No it’s not DeKalb GAE’s responsibility to make the cuts, but it is their responsibility, if they are going to be a true voice for what’s best for students and teachers to demand, forcefully and publicly demand, it be put on the table.
If the answer to both questions is no, and I suspect it is, then DeKalb GAE teachers need to do exactly what Crawford Lewis, Sonny Perdue, Kathy Cox, and DeKalb GAE expect them to do when it comes to supplies, when it comes to teaching conditions, and when it comes to future cuts to pay and benefits.
Whine, then comply.
Where is DeKalb GAE?
July 30th, 2009
3:05 pm
Part of the last post is missing. The second question, in addition to has DeKalb GAE addressed the administrative bloat, is have DeKalb GAE teachers addressed DeKalb GAE about not addressing the issue publicly and loudly, and making Crawford Lewis do the same?
If not, you know the drill. Get on those buses, another issue I don’t think DeKalb GAE has addressed, lose that valuable planning time your teacher retirement is paying for, and listen to Lewis bloviate
Then whine, then comply.
That’s the bed you’ve made, with the voice you’ve chosen to speak for you.
I absolutely support my teachers
July 30th, 2009
3:16 pm
Grown A$$ Teacher: I sure hope you never teach my child with your nasty attitude.
I am happy to support my teacher and my child with supplies (and I do), but how about if it was spread out throughout the year? I buy the staples up front but usually wait to get some items until I know there is a need for them. For example, my child’s teacher had so many disinfectant wipes and tissues left over at the end of the year last year that she could have wallpapered her class room with them! At the same time, at a relatively low cost we were able to supply the entire classroom 4 times over with gluesticks when we learned the they needed them mid-way through the school year.
Supporter of Teachers in our Public Schools
July 30th, 2009
3:21 pm
Bitter Much,
As a personal contributor to the GDP of this country(i.e. I have a real job for which I get a salary and pay taxes separate and apart from my husband’s contribution to the GDP). I am so glad you are so affluent that you can afford to stay home and be able to send your daughter to private school. Maybe if you have to make “sacrifices” then YOU need to look in the mirror, and give yourself a reality check. YOU cannot afford to send your daughter to private school. This is the kind of display of stupid arrogance and unsubstantiated oppulence, that the rest of society encounter daily from women such as you, (I am a better human being because I can afford to send my daughter to private school so she does not have to mix with teachers who are humans and vent) why the country is so broke. Needless to say you are probably like one of those wives married to men like the men at AIG and all those other corporations, who take taxpayers money and get big bonuses to facilitate wives such as you sending your daughter to prviate school.
I have a child who is now a junior in high school. He goes to the new Gwinnett charter school(yest it is public school). Parents also have to purchase supplies for the classrooms, pay for online courses (mandatory for graduation) at $300 each, pay for labs, orchestra and music, organize car pools to take students to concerts, exhibitions and competitions representing the school even on weekends, take them to mandatory Saturday classes and DRIVE THEM TO SCHOOL EVERYDAY AND DO PICK UP EVERY DAY, I still contribute to the PTA as well as buy supplies for the teachers. Yet, I still do not think that if a teacher is frustrated and vents that “they should get another job.”
Frankly, I would prefer to have teachers vent about their expience in the classrooms because it shows that they geninunely care, than have them non-chalant about the issues concerning the school system, the teachers who are too non-chalant are the ones I think should get another job.
say what?
July 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
There are some mean teachers in schools. Glad they are not with my kids. As I realize teacher’s don”t make lots of money, and some parents are clueless about the needs of the student and the classroom, I take care of my kids’ teachers (all 12 teachers). Teachers aren’t demanding a whole lot, so while supplies are drastically low this weekend, I stock up and provide resources for the classrooms if necessary. It is a partnership between the home and school for children to have a successful learning experience. For the people who just cannot fathom purchasing for students and teachers, you reap what you so- in some cases you are getting nothing.
As far as kleenex for the room, I gladly provide for teachers just as I provide tissue on my desk. I don’t want other folks germs, and I don’t mind spending $20 every 2 months on bulk purchase of tissue, if it will save me a $35 copay to the doctor for me or my kids.
Teachers tend to want everything to be perfect in a classroom to meet unattainable expectations of what a beautiful, engaging classroom should be. Take this hard lesson in budget constraints and don’t try to make a room look “right” because every teacher, every student, every parent has a different interpretation of what is right.
oldtimer
July 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
As an experienced teacher, 32 years, with grown children, I get much of what I need. We do get a tax deduction. I buy pencils, paper, pens, hand sanitizer, colored pencils, and glue sticks. Several years ago I found I could teach with less and students actually do well. All the crafty projects can be done away with or simplified. I do teach high school. I expect them to have notebooks, etc for themselves. And, I get TP in the work area to blow noses with. As has been stated here, people have money for what they want and as long as we have provided it they will contiue to expect it. When I fist began everyone did what they were supposed to. By the way, last year I only bought paper and pencils at Wall-mart.
ScienceTeacher671
July 30th, 2009
3:55 pm
How much is it costing the state to develop the new math curriculum and the associated standardized tests to go along with it, and how much is it costing districts to purchase the new math textbooks needed for the new curriculum?
Also Veteran
July 30th, 2009
3:57 pm
Teacher, Too – Find an old coffee can – clean it out – make a slit in the lid. Decorate it for your classroom. Now take a roll of toilet paper; remove the middle cardboard section and pull a few “sheets.” Tuck them up through the slit in the lid. Voila. Tissue for your classroom. Everyone in my school uses it – the kids call it “Puffs on a Roll” and apparently they have used it like this since kindergarten. I do not have room to store 30 boxes of tissue for the entire year, so I’m satisfied, especially since my personal tissue box is safely stored in a drawer.
I do spend my own $$ for hand sanitizer for them, but that may have to go by the wayside this year. Last year the kids would almost bathe in the stuff after lunch, but no one ever replenished the supply but me. With the cuts we have had to accept, something has to go.
And Bitter Much? You are barking up the wrong tree on this blog. These folks are very dedicated. Frustrated, maybe, but that’s different. Check out your facts before spewing negativity. And may I suggest keeping your kids in private school . . .
Grown A$$ Teacher
July 30th, 2009
3:57 pm
high school teacher
Non metro and I am sooo sorry if I got your panties in an uproar. I call them as I see them. Btw I’m glad I’m not teaching your little monsters. I have enough of my own.
new parent
July 30th, 2009
4:02 pm
I’m a new parent and I did not go to school here in GA. While I was growing up my parents were responsible for the basics – paper, pencils, and etc. The school were responsible for tissue paper…whatever my parents purchased for me – well was for me. I didn’t have to share it with the entire class. Yes, at times teachers asked for certain items from each student for special projects… In GA, I’m being told by the teacher to purchase these items and then she will put them up in a cabinet for the class to use for the rest of the school year. I am more than happy to purchase items that my child needs for school, but I don’t understand why I need to purchase supplies for the entire class. I don’t have lots of extra money, but I will provide for my one child. This may sound silly – the school system doesn’t get enough money from the government to purchase items for schools? Unfortunately, I can’t help the entire class, but I sure can afford my one child.
Supporter of Teachers in our Public Schools
July 30th, 2009
4:19 pm
I guess Bitter Much went to enroll her privileged daughter in private school.
high school teacher
July 30th, 2009
4:29 pm
Oh no, Grown Teacher, I live in the non-metro area. Maybe if we both keep our fingers crossed, you and my boys won’t cross paths.
how it works
July 30th, 2009
4:32 pm
When teachers send “the list” they expect only a small percentage will actually get the stuff on the list. It is shared with everyone because most will not have their own stuff. Most people would be appalled at the number of students who show up daily with NO materials (not even paper!). Students always ask me for pencils, paper, hand sanitizer, etc…I refuse to provide those materials. I remind them that it is their parents who get the tax deduction for them, not me. I have had a few parents get nasty and insist that it is my job to provide the “basics” if their kid “forgets” or “lost” their stuff. I mention that we can let DFACS settle the argument about who is really responsible for the materials.
Shaking head
July 30th, 2009
5:07 pm
Sitting here shaking my head at the very unprofessional comments of a number of the posters claiming to be educators. No wonder our profession gets little to no respect. I realize these posters do not represent the whole of the education profession, but they certainly are a visible portion thereof. Sad.
As for buying supplies….throughout the year I watch for deals on supplies (seasonal stuff, etc) and clip coupons. I often get useful supplies for pennies on the dollar. If you watch for the penny/nickel/dime/quarter sales at the office supply stores, you can get lots of basic supplies for very little $. And if you take in your school/district ID, they will usually waive the item limit within reason (as in you could by 25 to 30 for a classroom set). You just have to be willing to get up and out there on Sunday when the store opens. Be smart with what little money you may choose to spend.
Kathy Cox embarrasses us again
July 30th, 2009
5:31 pm
This is what Kathy Cox said in regard to the need for the stimulus money
“They’re down to the bone,” Cox said. “The fat was gone a long time ago. They’re down to the bone.”
You have a system, DeKalb, that according to reports, has an extra one hundred million dollars in administrative salaries compared to Fulton, and Kathy Cox says the fat is all gone?
What is it we lead the nation in again, student success or educator embarrassment?
Rosie
July 30th, 2009
5:36 pm
Absolutely- Parents responsibility!
Warning Parents- Don’t send all of your child’s supplies for the teacher to keep. Your supplies will end up being class supplies and distributed to other kids as needed (speak from experience). Make sure you only send what your kid needs in his/her bookbag and replace as needed.
Teacher and mother of 4
July 30th, 2009
5:54 pm
As a teacher I would appreciate it if you would send your child prepared the entire year (not just in August). This ensures that in the 3rd quarter your child that you were VERY HAPPY TO SEND TO ME will have supplies. **I have given out more paper, pencils and other supplies that I have purchased with my own money only to find many of these items wasted. Eraser caps broken up and thrown around the room, paper turned into airplanes, and pencils broken. On my supppy list, I ask for annual supplies. These supplies can be obtained for pennies on the dollar during August (”Back to School Shopping”) but may be very inflated in January. I do not want your child’s supplies for myself but rather allow them to keep them either at home or in a personal cubby. I plan for the entire year. This helps the parents in the ong run. For students with issues with lost and “stolen” pencils, I put a zip lock bag in my desk with his name on it. He can come to me and ask for another. This decreases theft of the items that you worked hard to pay for.
I have taught students who have no supplies, free lunch (yet get ice cream daily–WTF!!)and have shoes more expensive than any of my own 4 children. In the parent’s defense, I am clearly aware of financial difficulty (I AM A SINGLE PARENT MYSELF). Parents who write me with a legitimate issue get my attention. I have personally purchased a LOT of school supplies for children who were not mine. As an aside, just this past year, one of those same students who had no money for supplies (and I purchased them myself) came to EVERY Scholastic book fair and spent at least $25. I give my own chidren $5.
Need for help is very different from a lack of support. Teachers want to make your child’s education special and memorable. That often includes pictures, painting, art projects etc. We could do it without those items, but when crayons are .15 per box, why choose? Many parents drink, smoke or drive an extra mile that could purchase an extra supply for their own child. I advise all parents to buy at this time of year when the stores are practically giving away supplies. I do. My classroom (and 4 children) have enough supplies stocked for the entire year. I save a fortune.
Work smarter!
Wondering
July 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
Wow…I can buy curriculum and supplies for 2 children for $500.00 per year, and my children test way above the nat. average on standardized tests. Why is it so expensive to educate PS children? When I went to school in the 80’s-90’s my parents only had to pay for school clothes!
TW
July 30th, 2009
5:59 pm
I don’t see what any of this has to do with Sonny’s $27 million fishing pond, or ‘w’s golf swing. Through their ignorance, the voters of GA have eagerly screwed their kids.
Here's your answer wondering
July 30th, 2009
6:05 pm
Why is it so expensive to educate public school children wondering? It’s not. What’s expensive is supporting the administrative bureaucracy that goes along with the public schools.
But since teachers themselves support that bureaucracy, by supporting organizations that support that bureaucracy, because that bureaucracy fills their coffers in terms of members of that bureaucracy paying dues, it’s going to continue.
And teachers, apparently unaware that they are actively contributing to their own misery, are going to do exactly what is expected of them. Whine, then comply.
Hey How It Works
July 30th, 2009
6:17 pm
As a teacher, I have inventoried the “list” for students. At the end of the first week I write in the student’s agenda and advise the parent of what is missing. *I also require a parent signature. This allows the parent to get the items over the weekend. By Wednesday, or so, of the following week I send another notice. This serves as three. The first was the school “list”, the second my note and the third was the Wednesday letter. If I do not get a response I leave it alone. If a parent cannot/does not get supplies when they are at rock-bottom priced I leave it alone. I will NOT however allow students to “mix” paper and pencils. Only glue sticks and maybe crayons become communal. Additionally, kleenex and sanitizer are placed at the door and work centers for all to use. **I ration those out based on supply on hand. As you child does not have any/enough supplies, they are required to write you (the parent) a note in their agenda with a deadline to get what is needed. As it relates to kleenex, I had a paper towel holder that I placed 3 rolls of toilet tissue (school issued). Once our class ran out (and it was ALWAYS THE SAME ONES WHO NEVER CONTRIBUTED USING IT ALL UP) we implemented the bath tissue. The kids initially talk about it a lot, but after a few days it becomes second nature. Tissue is tissue, especially when I will not allow you to go to the restroom to blow your nose (and waste time… get into trouble…).
As a teacher, I am protecting the supplies that you purchase for YOUR CHILD. I do not encourage them giving them away and having them walk away.
catlady
July 30th, 2009
6:19 pm
I won’t buy a single thing. The kids will be on their own, I am afraid. In the past I have spent 300-700 per year on things for the classroom. I quit buying anything but the Sonnymoney items 2 years ago. This year, there will be nothing. I lose 410 outright per furlough day, plus implications to my retirement. My budget can be as tight as anyone else’s. No appologies.
say what?
July 30th, 2009
6:35 pm
Looking at these horrible attitudes in the Bible belt I wonder which came first: the parents distrust of the teachers, the students indifference to learning, or the teachers disdain of students who have no control over the parents they have? Either one continues the cycle of problems in the schools.
how it works
July 30th, 2009
6:36 pm
I don’t have any children, I am a teacher. Funny that you opted to respond to me the way you did. BTW; I teach high school, not elementary but I do know how it works.
On another note: I wonder how long it will take for this post to show up. My posts on the other AJC blogs show up immediately, what’s up with this blog?
Jeff
July 30th, 2009
6:59 pm
Teacher and mother of 4
Have you ever heard of birth control? The reason you might be struggling is because you whelped too many kids. Single parent huh? I can guess your families demographics with 99.99% accuracy.
catlady
July 30th, 2009
7:05 pm
Children’s parents are (supposed to be) adults. While some don’t act like it, does that mean we take over their jobs even more? Is it someone else’s responsibility to provide housing, a car, etc, because a child has crummy parents? I know too many people all to willing to let someone else do the hard stuff.
gwinnett high school teacher
July 30th, 2009
7:40 pm
Every year I go to Big Lots or Walmart and buy 100 pencils and pens and 1000 sheets of paper. I make a presentation during the first day of class telling students that these pencils and pens and paper are for the whole year..when they run out that is it and they won’t be replenished.With that being said it isn’t necessary to belittle students for forgetting materials or have them leave their shoes for collateral by my desk-(teachers actually do this!)I am always amazed that most students borrow a pen/pencil and return it at the end of the period. Believe it or not I had 20 pencils and pens at the end of the year and I taught 135 kids.Grand total of money spent-$5-7. As far as tissues are concerned I also snag a roll from the teacher bathroom and kids use toilet paper for their noses. This year during open house I will tell parents about our need for hand sanitizer and tissues-even though my school is not in an affluent area the parents do care.We can’t let this get us down-we will survive .
nicole
July 30th, 2009
7:57 pm
My family is not well off by any means. I’m a stay at home mom, and my husband runs his own business. We have just enough. That being said..I can get a starbucks coffee every morning, I can grab the occasional magazine. To me education comes first, if those things have to go so I can supply school supplies for a teacher who needs it, I will do so. This is our future generation, they need all they can get. If it means I have to go without the extras, to help those in need, then I will. Sometimes its important to ask..why do I have extra? what am I suppose to do with it?
Veteran teacher, 2
July 30th, 2009
10:21 pm
I can’t believe the question is even being asked. Next, people will expect the teacher to learn the material for each student, too. Of course, students and their parents are responsible for their basic supplies!!
The Cool Teacher
July 30th, 2009
10:35 pm
I forgo the tissue – why waste it? I just tell the kids to wipe the nose/face on their hands/sleeve. Works for me.
BABY SAY
July 30th, 2009
11:09 pm
WERE MY COO=MMETN GOESS A OUR A GO???
jeff, you silly boy;D
July 30th, 2009
11:19 pm
Jeffy boy, you were not paying attention. I was not complaining about my own 4 children (nor the 21 who I supplement during the year). My point still is that there are ways that teachers and parents can get what is necesssary at the most optimal time. As a matter of fact, not only do I provide for my own children but when their teachers need extras that make learning fun I ALWAYS volunteer to send it. One of my children’s teachers asked me to hold off on sending materials because some other parents NEVER send anything, yet will be the first to enjoy what others have provided for their child. After staying home with my children for a number of years, I began to teach full time. Times are tight for everyone, however I am not struggling. I do though choose not to spend all of my discretionary money on everyone elses children. My first year teaching, which was not too long ago, I spent close to $2K on my students and class. I teach in a Title I school and often students have needs that are not an issue in other areas.
I do take issue with students who cannot bring a pencil yet wear $100 shoes.
Dr. Craig Spinks /Evans
July 31st, 2009
1:25 am
Parents are responsible, of course. But what about school supplies for the kids of irresponsible parents and for the kids of parents who lack the necessary funds? In Richmond County, our area Wal-Mart stores will give away school supplies to parents who attend the 2nd annual PTA Community-Wide “Back-to-School” Festival which will kick off the new school year.
gwinnettteacher
July 31st, 2009
6:44 am
Honestly, I am shocked by the tone some teachers are using on here. I guess when nobody knows your name its easy to be unprofessional.
Yes, I will buy supplies. No, it will not be as much as in the past. Some families honestly CAN NOT afford the required $50-60 in supplies that the schools are asking. Supplies or food on the table? I think they are going to feed their families- wouldn’t you? No to say there are those that don’t abuse the fact that their child WILL get supplies at school.
But it comes down to putting the kids first. Its not their fault if their parents can’t afford it or choose not to contribute. I am not going to crush a 6 year old heart if she can’t have a new pack of crayons at the beginning of the year (which cost 14 cents when ordered through the county!)
I plan in the spring each year and order supplies through the county which saves about 40% of the cost. I do what I can…But I would never refuse a child supplies because I have beef with their parents and their choices. No child will be denied full access to an education due to lack of school supplies.
And a big thank you too all parents who donate extras…we really do appreciate it!
Bitter much?
July 31st, 2009
7:22 am
Supporter of Teachers in our Public Schools,
Did I strike a nerve? Both, my wife and I, go to work everyday & contribute to the GDP. You sure missed the mark! I don’t mind teachers venting, but I would never want my kid taught by a person who would call her a monster. If you don’t mind having your son denigrated, in such a way, that is your right. I would never insult you for it.
teacher
July 31st, 2009
7:27 am
As a teacher, I normally spend 400.00 a year beginning in August on school supplies. I continue to spend my own money on games, food and snacks, craft items and ending on certificates to give the children at the end of school. This yar, I am NOT going to spend any money. With a pay cut and my husbands hours cut at his own job, it doesn’t make sense for me to give to children when the child’s own parents do not give. Last year, I purchased a bookbag, shoes and socks to give to a child who came into my class with no bookbag and tattered shoes. He later told me about the XBox his mom bought for him. My own children do not even have an X Box. It’s going to be harder this year because as a teacher, I can’t stand to see a child in need of anything from a box of crayons to a snack….but I have to pay my own bills.
trell
July 31st, 2009
7:57 am
You think parents should purchase copy paper? I really think this is something the schools should supply.
mom
July 31st, 2009
8:00 am
As a parent I’m tired of sending in composition books, notebooks etc and they are NEVER used. Teachers need to only ask for what they truly need. This year things are tight. I have stacks of stuff my older child came home with each year, almost never used. I will buy what I think they need. the supply list is out of control. On top of that you want everything to be community! Get over it, ask for what the kids need.
FYI the list for private school was much smaller!
trell
July 31st, 2009
8:00 am
This economic crunch will bring out the “real” teachers, it will separate the ones who are in it for the money and those who are in it for the children. It will weed out the teachers who really made the wrong career choice. My children have had wonderful teachers, and I come from a generation of teachers.
I just don't get it.
July 31st, 2009
8:09 am
Why are the Georgia school systems like this? When I attended school our supplies were handed out by the school. Everything we needed was given to us. If we wanted extra things – we bought it ourselves. I agree with some of the other people. Someone needs to organize a school wide buying program, so the materials and supplies can be bought in bulk and then rationed out by someone responsible. Tons of money and time could saved by going this route.
I volunteered at my sons school last year and the waste of paper at just this one school is absolutely amazing. The copies that they make is absolutely amazing. Everyday he came home there were ridiculous, useless notes from the school announcing this or that. There needs to be a program inplemented that sends out emails to the most of us that have computers. Tons of paper and time can be saved with this method. For those that don’t have a computer, the teacher can give them the paper handouts.
I just don't get it.
July 31st, 2009
8:12 am
Our list this year has a BOLD statement at the top of the page. DO NOT PUT CHILDS NAME ON ITEMS – ALL ITEMS ARE COMMUNAL. That just ticks me off right there. I am telling my son’s teacher straight up front that the items that I buy are for him and him only.
I just don't get it.
July 31st, 2009
8:15 am
If the school systems want supplies and materials communal then they need to purchase the items themselves with our tax money. Organize your damn school system and make sure there is enough money for friggen school supplies.
Berny
July 31st, 2009
8:31 am
It is absolutely the parents’ responsbility to provide school supplies for their child. Having said that, I personally don’t consider paper towels, etc., school supplies. I empathize with the teachers who have to teach the children of these sorry parents who send their children to school without even a pencil.
I have a question for the teachers. What would happen if you just refused? By that I mean, if a child came to school unprepared (without paper, pencils, etc.) you teach anyway and not worry about whether he/she took notes, etc., given the fact that he/she came to school unprepared.
When I was PTA president at the local elementary school, I had a parent tell me that it was not her responsibility to buy school supplies for her son. She said that this was a public school and the public should provide for him.
I personally am tired of all of this foolishness and I am NOT a teacher. Why can’t teachers just say no to anything besides teaching and those activities associated with teaching?
AP Teacher
July 31st, 2009
8:59 am
The only school supplies I will be purchasing this year will be for my own child. Year after year, I am faced with students who come to school unprepared – even with the items provided to them – like their textbook! It is not my responsibility to make sure anyone’s child has pencils, paper, etc. – especially when he/she has an iPhone, new sneakers every month, and feeds the vending machines with about $5 a day.
trell – I am a really good teacher. The fact that I’m refusing to buy school supplies for my 125 students has absolutely no bearing on that fact. Will I have an extra pencil or the occasional sheet of paper – yes. But, there will only be one box of tissues in my room, and that box will be in my desk drawer for my use only. The same goes for my bottle of hand sanitizer. I give my child the individual tissue packets, as well as the small hand sanitizer to keep in his backpack. Why can’t you do the same?
Courtney
July 31st, 2009
9:45 am
Everybody should be responsible for themselves. If you come to class unprepared then you should be ready for punishment.
how it works
July 31st, 2009
10:29 am
Oh sure, the schools should buy the basic school supplies for ALL public school students. Public schools are loaded with cash. Maybe they can furlough us for another 3 days to pay for your kids paper? If I sound unprofessional, you may want to check yourself. I do my job and do it better than most, I expect to be paid. I already work 12 hour days (beyond my contracted time!) and more days (WELL beyond my contracted time!).
jim d
July 31st, 2009
11:26 am
Berny,
Why? you ask.
Well it’s just the nature of the beast–teachers canot say no to anything including pay cuts. It goes against their nature. I assure you that many of teachers saying NO here wil end up spending their own money regardless of how tuff they come across on these blogs.
high school teacher
July 31st, 2009
11:47 am
I have been teaching high school in Gwinnett for over 20 years. I have never sent a supply list, nor have any of my other high school colleagues.
I do expect my students to come to school with the basic supplies, notebook paper, pens, pencils and a notebook of some type. One pack of notebook paper will not last an entire school year. (Parents plan on at least one pack per month of school.) One of the unwritten things that we are trying to teach our students is responsiblity. By providing their own supplies, the students are held accountable and responsible for their own learning. This is a goal everyone should help our students learn: responsiblity for themselves.
Rosie
July 31st, 2009
12:45 pm
Communal supplies is an idea that comes from communism. Most parents can afford to buy supplies for their children. It isn’t the really poor kids without supplies. It is the thugs wearing brand new jeans at their knees w/expensive jerseys and shirts along with brand new hundred dollar shoes. Not to mention the cell phones in their pockets. These same students get free lunch, but buy soft drinks and snacks during lunch or have bookbags full of food. No pencil, paper, calculator, etc. As a teacher I would help a real poor kid, but I’m not helping a kid with an extreme disrespect for public education.
4 the kids
July 31st, 2009
4:22 pm
We all need to remember these are hard times for everyone. Most of all we need to think about the kids and how they feel. Some children don’t have responsible enough parents to make sure they are even dressed and feed in the morning before they are sent to school. Please remember that every child situation is different and we should take any of this out on them, they are only children. I am in my 30’s and I can only remember the teachers who were kind to me and who loved their jobs and children. If you don’t have a love for children you don’t need to be in this profession, because we all know teachers are not in it for the pay. When it comes to school supplies, if you can afford to buy more, buy more it will be given back to you 10 fold, somewere down the line.