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
Teacher's Wife
August 2nd, 2009
10:05 am
Ah, bitter much…..how we are enjoying your responses! They are the very essence of “can dish it out but can’t take it.”
Again, we extend our thanks to you for keeping whatever to which you’ve contributed your smug DNA *OUT* of the public school system. Thank you, and thank you again.
teacher
August 2nd, 2009
11:05 am
I will not be buying anything for my class this year- thanks to no raise from the govenor and now 3 days furlough! Parent, all you have to do in my class is send in tissues and hand sanitizer….and there is always a few who refuse to do that!
Terrapin87
August 2nd, 2009
12:26 pm
Do firemen pay out of pocket for their equipment, hoses, and trucks? Do policemen pay out of pocket for their guns, badges, forms, and pens? Do doctors pay out of pocket for the syringes, gauze, and medications used at the hospitals where they work?
I contribute my heart, soul, and money to my job as a teacher. I love my public school job at a rural, poor, south Georgia high school. However, I do think non-teachers should think about the above questions just to understand why teachers may be frustrated.
I recycle every bit of paper I can – print on the reverse side, cut it up for pop quizzes, save old junk mail even to use in the classroom. Many of us DO our part to save and conserve as much as possible. That being said, a little help from parents and community organizations is always appreciated…
HealthNotWealth
August 2nd, 2009
12:55 pm
As educators, I am appalled at some of these blogs. Educators and Parents think outside the box. We all are falling on hard times–BUT–we all are still blessed with health maybe not wealth. Stop complaining and being bitter–I always plan for hard times–so I tend to buy supplies when they are below cost–like go in October or November they will be selling for pennies on the dollar. Ask neighbors to donate to the classroom–there are many who have school supplies that they don’t use and glad to get rid of….Remember think outside the box–you are employed it could be worse.
AP Teacher
August 2nd, 2009
1:51 pm
Bitter Much –
Wow, you come across as painfully immature and mean-spirited. And, FYI – private school teachers are not better (or worse) than public school teachers. In fact, some of them are only in a private school because they couldn’t pass the certification test(s) necessary to teach in public schools, but, not in private schools!
Back on topic – you may not think that you have to pay for school supplies, but, don’t you think the tuition incorporates this into it anyway? You may not have to buy items directly, but, trust me – you are paying for them!
Why is it mean-spirited for teachers to not want to spend their own money on school supplies for their students? I don’t understand that. I have paper and pencils in my cabinet – but, I’m not responsible for anyone else’s child but my own! That doesn’t make me less of a teacher or mean or non-caring. I don’t ask for anything on my “supply list” that is not used by me! I have suggested materials, and I have voluntary items (hand sanitizer and tissues). If I don’t get the voluntary items – we just don’t have any in the classroom! End of story! I have my own personal supply, but, the students will have to either carry their own with them or get toilet paper from the bathroom.
AP Teacher
August 2nd, 2009
1:54 pm
Oops – I meant to say that I don’t ask for anything that IS used by me. Anything on my suggested materials are items that will make the students’ learning experience easier.
School System Employee
August 2nd, 2009
4:26 pm
When I worked in the private sector, I would spend a few dollars every year for office decor or personal items to make my space more hospitable for the many hours I spent in my workspace. The same principle applies to my classroom. Only this year, I’m trying to use up what’s on hand before buying anything else. I will be heading back to work tomorrow with a new agenda refill in my personal planner and pen refills for my personal writing instruments. That’s it. No trip to School Box. No office supplies purchased. Not being mean-spirited – only trying to save a little money where I can. If we’re furloughed any more days later in the year, I’m going to need those savings. Come to think of it, I didn’t buy an new clothes either.
A Kindergarten Teacher
August 2nd, 2009
6:35 pm
When are parents going to take responsibility for their children and all that goes along with having children?
If you chose to have children then you should be responsible for anything and everything they need.
Quit living above your means parents. Quit expecting handouts. Everyone makes choices and I am tired of paying for the bad choices others have made. I am sick of the public expecting the classroom teacher to raise their child.
Buy your child’s school supplies. They are cheaper right now than any other time of the year. Plus…just as another person commented…you knew all year that your child would need supplies just as you knew all year Christmas and birthdays were right around the corner.
Dave
August 2nd, 2009
9:34 pm
Parents should provide supplies. On the other side of the coin, teachers should not go overboard in respect to what they ask for. This year’s supply list is longer and more exhaustive than ever. Countless times, we have bought items for our children from the supply list that they never use, or we buy all the items on the list, only to learn that various subject-area teachers have their own lists of additional things they want the students to purchase. My middle school-age daughter has been asked to bring a graphing calculator that is priced at over $100. The cost to the family aside, considering how much theft goes on in school, I don’t think it’s a good idea to bring something like that to school (and no, we don’t let her bring her cell phone or mp3 player either). In any case, I don’t expect teachers to provide for my child, but I’d like to see some acknowledgment that things are tight for everyone, and lighten up on the supply list.
AP Teacher
August 2nd, 2009
9:42 pm
Dave – if you want your child to be competitive with other students mathematically, I would suggest that you invest in that $100 calculator! She will use it all the way through college, and it is used on the PSAT and SAT as well. If you don’t buy it for her, she will have to borrow one in class, and will probably not be able to bring it home with her to use for her homework. The calculator is a one-time purchase and will teach her how to keep up with her things as well. **Engrave her name on the back of the calculator as well as inside the battery case. And, keep in mind – the calculator is for your daughter, not the teacher.
Supporter of Public School Teachers
August 2nd, 2009
11:42 pm
Dave,
Regarding the issue of buying a graphing calculator for $100, I agree with you about the cost and potential losses especially in these tough economic times. We had to replace 2 graphing calculators for our child in the same semester. The last one that we bought, I used nail polish in a bright red color to put the initials on both the outside and inside where the batteries are placed. Somehow, that one does not seem to be “lost”. Needless to say our child was not pleased with the red nail polish. The plus side, the funny thing is that the kids have figured out how to download games and music on the graphing calculators.
Regarding being asked to purchase items that seemed to be never used, I keep the extra items at home in a closet and provide them as needed, every year before I run out and buy items based on the new list, I go shopping in the closet. Surprise this year, we only needed composition books and pencils for personal use, I still have copy paper etc to provide for the class.
Bitter Much?
Poor fellow you must be suffering for an awful case of superiority complex, intellectual and communication deficiencies that you are constantly attacking people and engaging in stupid name calling. I pity the private school that you and your daughter land. I sincerely hope that you and your wife will be the most affluent parents at that school, but given the fact that you have to “sacrifice and stick to a strick budget” to pay the tutiion that seems unlikely. Your “overly privileged?” child will be one unhappy little girl when the really affluent students do not want to play with her because she has learnt her unsubstantiated superior attitude from you. What are you going to do then, attack the students verbally and call the more affluent parents names? With YOUR attitude of name calling and verbal abuse it seems awfully hypocritical of you to be offended because someone said the word “monster”. I guess the First Amendment Rights only apply to you and your family not the struggling teachers in our public school systems!
Based on my experience of witnessing competitons against private schools, I am proud to say that our public schools are able to outgun the private schools nearly all of the time and not just in atheletic events either. So go figure!
Jerry Cannon
August 3rd, 2009
2:16 am
I have to agree with most teachers… School supplies should be the responsibility of the parents. If a child is really destitute, it should be obvious (holes in jeans, bad shoes, etc). I remember growing
up in DeKalb during the 60’s and 70’s in that shape. Even then, my parents supplied me with the essentials. Sometimes the wonderful teachers would buy my lunch because they sensed my need. Teachers are not compensated no where near where they need to be in our society and they are not baby sitters. Becuase they can’t afford to hand out supplies to everyone, does not mean they’re not compassionate. They’re just underpaid, over worked, and unappreciated. Give them a break and raise your own children. They shouldnt have to be the parents too.
On the other hand… stating I’m a single parent has no value with me. If you have a child and you’re unmarried, then you certainly had a hand in that decision. I’m a single dad who pays child support and then some, but who gives a rats a**. So nuff said on that!
Jerry Cannon, Kabul Afghanistan
Grandmom
August 3rd, 2009
5:50 am
I am a firm believer in the educational system, but I have only one question.Why am I having to
furnish the whole school? Its the schools responsibility to furnish dry erasers, chalk,copy paper hand soap. Why am I paying taxes??? And who is really getting paid?????,If parents really cared enough about your child’s education,supply them .If this is done, we do not have to spend almost $200.00 on school supplies, and maybe if the educators (higher mups) were made accountable for their spending of school funds, our wallets could reat a lttle easier.
Just A Parent
August 3rd, 2009
7:54 am
I have read through most of these comments and in some cases I do feel for the teachers. On the other hand I feel for the parents out there that really can not afford what is being asked. I have five children ranging from High School to Elementary and have always been able to purchase what is requested on those lists. Of course, I must be honest, I DO NOT AND WILL NOT purchase items that I feel are the Teachers responsibility i.e.(copy paper, dry erasers, red ink pens, dry erase markers….) You all use those items so you should be in charge of making those purchases. I purchase notebook paper (for the year), pencils, crayons, markers, colored pencils….As for items that are listed under name brands I do not purchase I will typically purchase the generic unless I can catch it on sale. I have a problem at times purchasing those items all to know that I am making huge purchases just because another parent did not do their shopping. Not to mention, the items are sent to school and then stored away so that little Susie or Johnnie can use them because Mommy or Daddy did not do their shopping. Parents and Teachers are responsible for their own supplies..
A Kindergarten Teacher
August 3rd, 2009
8:01 am
As of today the school where I am employed did not give any supply money to the classroom teachers for the 09-10 year. Also, when we are given money it is approx. 100.00 or less…divided by 20 students that is $5.00 per child. Five dollars doesn’t even begin to cover the materials used by your child whether they are in kindergarten or fifth grade, I know because I have taught different grade levels. Teachers are expected to be creative…great…but that only goes so far. I would prefer to print my activities on card stock because it is sturdier and easier for my students to handle…price card stock and wonder if I can use it…not unless parents assist….”Special projects are not possible without your support.” If you want to know where your tax money goes…check out the salaries of the Superintendent, his assistant, etc.–THAT IS WHERE THE $$ IS…IT ISN’T IN THE TEACHER’S POCKETS.
Rosie
August 3rd, 2009
8:37 am
Did anyone check out the mall this tax free weekend? If you did, you noticed packed parking lots and wall to wall people shopping for school clothes. If parents put this much money into clothes and shoes why not put the same into supplies? We don’t hear anyone complaining about how much they had to spend on clothing for kids. It will be interesting to see how many kids have new clothes and shoes, but no supplies, lunch money, etc.
Bitter much?
August 3rd, 2009
10:17 am
I never once said that I think school supplies were the responsibility of the schools. I think that the parents should supply them for their child & only their child. I don’t believe they should be taken away for communal use.
As for being able to dish it, but not take it. I can take it just fine. However, some of the commenters on this blog have not only attacked me, they have attacked my child. I have not once attacked anybody’s children, nor would I do so as it lacks class.
Please let show me where I said that only my family has a 1st Amendment right. Didn’t say it, nor do I believe it. However, having a 1st Amendment right doesn’t shield you from criticism from those that disagree, as evidenced, by the many negative responses I have received.
I think our public school system is failing miserably. They are failing because they are run by the same entity that can’t run a simple rebate program, “Cash for Clunkers,” and there is no competition. The government stinks at almost everything it does, except collect taxes, which they seem to do pretty well. As such, I prefer to send my child to private school, where there is competition in the marketplace. When there is competition, I believe the quality improves.
I don’t criticize anyone that sends their kids to public school, as that is your choice.
One final note and I sincerely mean this: I hope everyone’s children have a great school year.
david
August 3rd, 2009
10:25 am
First of all, why all of the teacher bitterness towards Sonny and all the crying about furlough days? Do you think you are the only ones in this position? Not hardly! Be thankful you have a job, PERIOD, in these hard economic times. Some of us are not as lucky to be employed[ i.e. me] due to a layoff and have to scramble everyday just to make ends meet for my family. So you’re going to cry about 3 to 7 furlough Days? Cry to someone who is ignorant. Second of all, what happen to the days, like when I went to school? You were responsible for basic supplies and that was it. I don’t agree that teachers should foot the bill, but some of the things on the supply list are ridiculous The next thing you know, we’ll be sending toilet paper and paper towels.
RH
August 3rd, 2009
12:43 pm
I have to agree with Dave. I know for a fact that a good portion of the supplies that the teachers often ask for do not get used. I volunteer in my daughter’s classrooms and I can’t tell you the number of times that I have seen stockpiles in the teachers rooms of various supplies at the end of the year – supplies that I know were purchased by parents at the beginning of the school year!!!!! If you don’t need baggies, don’t ask for them. I want to pull my hair out every year because ziploc bags are always on the darned long list. I could name more items but that is by far the biggest waste of money.
I have no problem buying whatever supplies I need for my child, but I want my child to USE them. It is a waste of money to buy things the teacher rarely uses. Would much rather the teacher ask for things as they need them. Parents are also tired of getting “nickeled and dimed” to death at every turn. Pay one flat fee up front, something other than having me consistently run all over the place searching for items you may not ever use.
My daughter has had her calulator stolen. The name was printed all over it. Probably taken by one of those kids that doesn’t come properly prepared with supplies!
Yeah C'mon
August 3rd, 2009
12:54 pm
Well, I was pleasantly surprised. The list looked long, but once I was at Target yesterday, my fears were put to rest. The items were not expensive at all! I am going to get out of this for around $30 and that includes buying extra sanitizer and Kleenex for the class. Almost all of the items on my son’s list was under a $1. Target was pretty much cleaned out but I searched and found the things needed. Sure there will be more things needed during the year, but it wasn’t that bad. Now, on to the clothes. He really only needs shoes and when it get’s cooler, some long pants. Not so bad peeps.
Harper's Mama
August 3rd, 2009
1:25 pm
I don’t really understand the problem with sharing. My daughter had a birthday party last week. Before we sent out invitations, I asked her “teachers” (she is in day care) what they needed. We noted in the invitations that the presents will be donated to the school, and we attached the list. Now all the kids get paint smocks, sidewalk chalk, stickers and such. I paid nothing for this, and my daughter learned philanthropy. She will continue to do this, and everyone at her school benefits, including her.
Gwinnett Mom
August 3rd, 2009
4:32 pm
I thought the question on the table was “who is responsible for school supplies?”. Without a doubt, the parent is. I don’t understand people who think otherwise. I think it is a shame that teachers have to put in their own money to meet the needs of the classroom.
I went school supply shopping 3 weeks ago when the supplies first hit the shelves. I think I spent maybe $17 for everything on the list for the 1st grade. I don’t think that is unreasonable at all.
Midori
August 4th, 2009
5:09 am
I don’t like shared school supplies in the classroom. I have no problem providing supplies to the classroom but why can’t my child keep her own supplies? She doesn’t need to share her pencil to learn how to share. Plus, think about the germs on those pencils and crayons. Our school had an outbreak of hand,foot and mouth disease. You don’t think sharing those pencils and scissors didn’t help spread that like wildfire throughout the school? Plus, I know students will maintain their own supplies better than they would with shared supplies.
This band-aid approach to parents and teachers buying supplies for schools is wrong. What’s up with the school budgets? I have friends at other schools that have bought copy paper, toilet paper, and even dry erase markers. That is not right.
I like the folks who posted the ideas of paying a school fee upfront for supplies or having the PTA sell the supplies at school.That at least would put money into this project and maybe even cover those kids who won’t have supplies.
I know this is a hot topic and won’t go away. What can we do, how do we address this issue?
There are parents who have it rough and I get that and there are parents who would rather spend their money on DVDs, beer, and video games (I’ve seen it). The children should not be punished for that. But what do we do? And what happened in the last 20 years that shared school supplies became the norm? I remember parents had to come thru and they did.
Why not have some end of summer school event to raise school supplies for students who might go without?
If it were a perfect world, children would come to school fed, with the necessary school supplies and ready to learn. There needs to be more respect paid to school and maybe parents will make that effort to save (if need be) for school supplies. Even though times are rough, we sure find ways to fill up our gas tanks and put food on the table.Perhaps if we put education up there as well this problem might be rectified?
Teaching is more than just teaching. I know teachers do so much that is overlooked and it can be frustrating to say the least when the issue of school supplies comes up.
Thank you so much to the teachers on this board.
A Kindergarten Teacher
August 4th, 2009
5:53 am
Educator YOUR COMMENTS ARE WORTH READING AGAIN.
August 1st, 2009
11:07 pm
I am amazed that the question of who should supply students with classroom supplies, was even posed.
I am a parent as well as an educator, it is my responsibility to purchase supplies for my daughter. As a teacher, I do what works for “me” in “my” classroom, so consequently when supplies are cheap at the beginning of the school year, I purchase extras so when students are without and parents
A Kindergarten Teacher
August 4th, 2009
5:57 am
To Mom of 4
I disagree…not all products are the same and they are not just as good. “You get what you pay for” as the old saying goes…I see this in the classroom when you compare Crayola brand crayons to others or Fiskars scissors to other brands…try your own comparison and you will understand why specific brands are requested.
Did you buy EVERYTHING on the school supply list? | A Blog for Busy Moms - MOMania
August 5th, 2009
7:04 am
[...] were NOT paying for the supplies this year – especially in light of the furloughs. Here’s the link to check out that alternative view of this [...]
Lisa Substitute Teacher
August 12th, 2009
5:56 pm
There is truly alot of feelings coming out on here. I know times are hard.The Social Service has a list of places that patents can go to for help buying the supplies. However I do feel like the School System should supply most of these needs, and no Im not talking about the teachers. My children will always have what they need, and sometimes a teacher will mail out a sponser ship paper for a child who cannot afford it. Thats where the help should come in from the DSS. But if I have extra I dont mind helping others out. Im having it hard to. I am the only one working supporting 3 boys.
Lisa
July 20th, 2012
5:18 pm
As much as i understand the whole kleenex thing (Which by the way I have no problem with.) I also have 5 children that I support. What i do have a problem with for example. My first grader got her supply list for the up coming year and on it were 8 glue sticks, 2 bottles of elmers glue, 12 boxes of crayons, 12 Large Pink erasers….. When i gave birth to my child i took on the role of supporting my child not only emotionally but financially and I did not sign anything that said i would take care of other people’s children. In our community 2 months before school starts every weekend they hold a thing where you can get free school supplies and backpack. If people are to lazy to attend them why should i be held accountable? and every year they are making the list’s longer and longer. I mean post it’s and they have to be pastel??? I cannot afford to supply the whole classroom. I will be sending my children to school with LABELED supplies. If they would say could you please donate these items i would not be so angry. And as for is one box of crayons going to last her a year probobly not but, my daughter knows she can come to me if she needs another box and i would be glad to go buy her another. But with the price of uniforms (public school) shoes (2 pair) and personal school supplies I spend quite a bit not to mention the money i pay for sports each year. I feel sorry for teachers that do spend out of pocket but please understand why should we have to pick up the tab for other children as well when most of the time there parents have flat screens and cell phones. Go to a pawn shop get the money and support your child.