What’s next on back-to-school supply lists? Mops and floor polish?
Now, back-to-school supply shopping can be a costly event. (AP Images)
Given the number of cleaning products showing up on back-to-school school supply lists, a friend jokes that she expects to see mops, brooms and floor polish next.
Over the years, I’ve seen school supply lists go well beyond pencils, paper and glue to paper towels, Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer.
As the number of items on back-to-school lists have increased, so have complaints about them.
As a reader said in a note to me:
My friends are complaining the lists are very costly and they are being asked to buy multiples of items such a scissors. Are schools asking more of parents, are fewer parents sending supplies or are parents just more strapped for cash? I’ve just never seen so much chatter and my complaining friends live in the most affluent county in the state. I wonder if the lists are affecting families in other areas even more. Do parents become detached when they can’t even fill the first requests of the school?
On my neighborhood listserv, I learned that my local elementary school has adopted what News/Talk WSB personality and AJC columnist Neal Boortz derides as a conspiracy to inculcate children with a tolerance of government control of property rights: The teacher puts all school supplies into a common pool used by all students. (As one parent commented: “In other words, don’t buy your child the Spiderman folder; he’s not going to be able to use it.”)
This wasn’t the case when my four children went through elementary school. (And they attended at a time when the percentage of low-income students in the school was higher than it is today.) Yes, we bought tissues, paper towels, Ziplock bags and hand sanitizer to share, but kids kept their own folders, markers and pencils.
With all the financial challenges facing schools today, I am not going to quibble about back-to-school supply lists. I dutifully go out and buy everything that’s listed, even though I’ve found that some stuff never gets used. (I still have some two pocket/pronged folders and six pocket dividers with tabs sitting around.)
But the ever expanding lists have become a point of contention among some parents.
–From Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
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178 comments Add your comment
interesting
July 28th, 2011
1:45 pm
Milo, so you are saying that if you can’t pay for school, your children shouldn’t be educated, right? I guess you are advocating a true free market economy? Hmmm, since our economy is a mixed economy, do you think we should we do away with roads, bridges, postal service, police service, fire service, Social Security, Medicare, etc. that are part of the public sector? That way only the people with money will be provided those services. Who cares about those people who cannot afford things….afterall, they really should be able to pull themselves up by their bootstraps right? They would learn a thing or two and they would then understand the value of an education and magically become a contributing member of society, wouldn’t they? Those children who are unfortunate enough to be born to parents who cannot afford an education or who don’t care about an education should just get over it and learn how to deal with it. Afterall, everyone is born with an innate ability to survive, right? How do you think that will work? WOW….I’m not a liberal by any means as I voted Republican in the last election….but you are really scaring me. I highly recommend that you read Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” you would find it interesting. It might even offer some solutions to the problem of hunger since you probably don’t agree with Food Stamps.
Dr NO
July 28th, 2011
1:50 pm
“pull themselves up by their bootstraps right”
That saying is goin on about 45 years now. If they still have no boots or straps then they may want to do some introspective review.
OMG
July 28th, 2011
1:59 pm
I have to quit reading these commments because they are frightening. This is really upsetting to know that there are people out there who have such anger toward people in our country who are perceived as getting a free ride. And what is with the Obama comments? I didn’t know that Obama had a position statement on school supplies in the classroom. How did someone make that leap? I am not a teacher, but it makes me feel sorry for teachers that they not only have to deal with parents who don’t care a thing about their children’s education but also some of the radical kooks who are worried about government seizure of property, think that if you cannot afford an education you shouldn’t get one, and whether or not their children have to share Kleenex. I really don’t know which parent is the worst.
Dr NO
July 28th, 2011
2:18 pm
OMG…let me help ya.
Obama = Community organizer. He is all about wealth transfer and “sharing.” Voluntary sharing in and of itself is fine. When is required or govt mandated that when you better be on guard. Ever notice how the govt takes more and more and more. They rarely give back.
Today its community School Supplies
Today its wealth redistribution
All for the good of the community, for “The Children,” “It takes a village”. All a disguise of a socialistic philosphy and only one thing follows socialism.
Currey123
July 28th, 2011
2:19 pm
Miltonman, Momofboys, Milo, and some of you other people should join up with that guy in Norway who is helping his country get rid of political correctness. I think ya’ll would get along well.
Currey123
July 28th, 2011
2:22 pm
In light of the latest post…add DrNo to that list.
ChristieS.
July 28th, 2011
2:24 pm
@Milo – apartment dwellers do not get an itemized bill for property tax from the city and county every year, the property owner does. The property owner then calculates the new rental charge that is needed to accommodate the change in taxes. As soon as a lease is up, he or she raises the rent on the unit to cover the tax. It’s fairly simple. If you know of a property owner who DOESN’T calculate the property tax into the rent, will you let me know? I’ve got relatives looking for a decent place to live that doesn’t cost a fortune.
sloboffthestreet
July 28th, 2011
2:33 pm
Dr. NO, This is the line from the link on hand sanitizers that should make people rethink it’s use not to mention the alcohol content.
Hand Sanitizers vs. Soap and Water
Interestingly enough, the Food and Drug Administration, in regards to regulations concerning proper procedures for food services, recommends that hand sanitizers not be used in place of soap and water but only as an adjunct.
Likewise, Almanza recommends that to properly sanitize the hands, soap and water should be used. A hand sanitizer can not and should not take the place of proper cleansing procedures with soap and water.
Tychus Findlay
July 28th, 2011
2:34 pm
The scariest part is that children are being indoctrinated into the concept of communal ownership > private property rights, without their knowledge. Then they grow up expecting the things they need to come from “somewhere,” without truly understanding how things get funded or who is expected to pay for them, so long as its not them self.
catlady
July 28th, 2011
2:37 pm
THANK YOU, OMG!
When I was a homeroom teacher, the kids who brought their stuff used their stuff. The ones who didn’t bring stuff used my stuff, whatever shape it was in. I always had stuff that I had accumulated, stuff that was forgotten at the end of the year, stuff I had bought in better times.
Kids are much more likely to remember a time when they forgot their stuff and generously share with others. Sometimes I take one aside and thank them for sharing, but remind them that they should also expect their friend to be generous back to them. It’s funny, but many times the ones so quick to share are the poor kids, when they have stuff. At least, that is what I have noticed.
Matt
July 28th, 2011
2:55 pm
“write a $30.00 check to the PTA and they’ll get the teachers all the supplies they need”
With 27 kids in a classroom that is $810 per year! That is a fortune to a teacher. Most teachers get about $100 a year for school supplies if they are lucky in addition to materials donated (much less than you would expect). My wife teaches Pre-K. Talk about spending money! Everything they do uses consumable materials because they can’t read or write. She spends more now than ever. I guarantee she spent upwards of $1,500 last year.
I love teaching. I hate what it is becoming...
July 28th, 2011
3:03 pm
Oh good grief… so now sharing pencils is akin to “socialistic indoctrination”? Please!
My classroom shares supplies, and it is not because I am trying to turn my students into good little communists. It is because, thanks to increased class sizes, we have NO ROOM in the classroom for cubbies anymore, so personal supplies are kept in the cubbies that had to be moved into the hallway. We have no room for the coat hooks anymore, or the lunch box tub. The book bags cannot be kept on the back of the chairs as they were in the past, because we literally cannot move around without turning sideways sometimes. (Not to mention, many of them are no rolling style, and will not hook on the backs of chairs – ever see how much room is taken up by a pile of 25 rolling backpacks?) We also do not have desks. We have tables, which allow for my classroom to have a more flexible structure I use in order to differentiate more easily and provide centers. It also allows for more movement during the day, as children can get antsy if they have to sit in one place for hours. I used to have them move from desks to open spaces on the floor to work. I had center tables and carpeted group work areas, but with this many children crammed into my room, there are no more open spaces.
My supply lists asks parents to provide basic, generic supplies and nothing fancy as supplies will be shared. I provide for class sets of supplies at the beginning of the year, but after that, I slowly add student supplies. If a child brings a “special” folder etc. I generally send it home and tell them to use it for keeping home projects in or something. Sharing supplies in my room is a necessity. Can you imagine having to have 25 eight year olds file out to the hallway to get their scissors, pencils, glue etc. each time they need them, then have to file back in, then back out to return them? Talk about wasted instructional time! They do each have a small pencil case for a few personal supplies, but most of them manage to misplace those within the first two weeks.
And every year, I have one or two parents who insist their child only use THEIR supplies and not have to share them with anyone, and proceed to label everything, down to the crayons. So those children have to try and cram all their supplies and coat and book bag and lunchbox in a small, 11″ x11″ inch area. They also have to leave the room frequently to get their supplies and return them. Sometimes they get distracted and do not return quickly, so I have to go track them down. Most of them also they manage to misplace their supplies easily. I used to spend time returning all those labeled crayons to the rightful child, but now I don’t bother. It takes too much time, and does not teach the child any personal responsibility. Instead, I toss them in with the “socialistic” group supplies, and the kids know they can get them back if they want. Oddly enough, those children seem to have no problem using the communal Kleenex, construction paper, cap erasers etc. or any of the other supplies I provide with my money once they have either managed to lose or use up most of their supplies, or if they happen to like MY supplies better than their own.
It has nothing to do with “socialism” and everything to do with the realities of trying to run an overcrowded classroom with efficiency and a modicum of organization.
Paddy O
July 28th, 2011
3:10 pm
more liberal brainwashing – it takes a village to raise a child – so help with those kids without wise parents.
Tonya C.
July 28th, 2011
3:11 pm
I love teaching. I hate what it is becoming…
What district do you teach in? Because I want to make sure NOT to move there. Those are ATROCIOUS teaching conditions, and would try the best of teachers. It’s like a fire hazard waiting to happen.
But I still don’t like communal supplies. Not for any ‘communistic’ reasons but for the fact that my husband is a teacher and we already come out of pocket for other peoples kids. My budget can not stretch any further than it is to support more.
Tychus Findlay
July 28th, 2011
3:13 pm
Like the children you teach, you probably did not take the time to read the whole conversation, and simply jumped in to espouse your two cents. To recap- seizure of personal property for communal use is socialism, sharing pencils is neighborly. Please stand in the corner and catch up on the conversation before re-entering.
Ole Guy
July 28th, 2011
3:32 pm
During my abreviated soujourn into the ed camp, I observed teachers having to supply paper for the copy machine (I wouldn’t be surprised if they had to supply “stationery” for the “reading room thrones”). Perhaps the growing lists of back to school “necessities” is simply to relieve the teachers of having to fund the floor mats upon which they seem to have no problems occupying.
I love teaching. I hate what it is becoming...
July 28th, 2011
4:19 pm
Tychus “Please stand in the corner and catch up on the conversation before re-entering.”
I did read the whole conversation. Did you miss the comment from the parent who labels everything, including the child’s pencils and crayons and does not want them shared at all?
Dr. Who
July 28th, 2011
4:21 pm
I love teaching. I hate what it is becoming…
July 28th, 2011
3:03 pm
Get a different job, I mean you do have a college education. You should be rich, taking Eurpeaon vacations, seeing the polo game of the week, and drinking maitais. Or you could get a job with AJC.
susan
July 28th, 2011
4:28 pm
@ I love teaching… I have also labeled my daughters pencils and crayons in the past – why? So that when she SHARES them, the person(s) who borrowed them know who to return them to. Then there is no question as to who it belongs to – we all know that there is always a child or two that is not good at returning things, as well as some light fingered ones here and there. Additionally – I don’t buy the cheap pencils because the erasers don’t work. I spend some extra money for pencils that aren’t eaten by the sharpeners and have working erasers. I have no issue with my daughter sharing – which she gladly does.
Extra things that I donate to the class are not labeled.
Paddy O
July 28th, 2011
4:29 pm
Tychus – that is more liberal sugar coating. Sharing is neighborly – your neighbor coming over once a week the next 9 months and always borrowing a new hammer that he consequently loses is? Welfare.
susan
July 28th, 2011
4:34 pm
AMEN Paddy O.
thatsmystuff
July 28th, 2011
4:57 pm
My kid will go to school with his stuff labeled. I will buy basics and nothing more. The list have gotten ridiculous even in the poor schools. A few stupid parents (been one myself) buy everything on the list and supply the entire class. Everyone is cutting back and so the supply list need to follow suit. We all can do more with less. Fewer supplies mean less waste.
I have worked as a teacher in the past. Schools get plenty of funds to buy copy paper, toilet paper, cleaners, etc. If supplies are not available there is a misappropriation of funds by someone. During my time in the classroom, I also witnessed a lot of waste. Many teachers hoard supplies. People working in schools make entirely too many copies. Just check your child’s backpack on day one and see how many papers come home asking for duplicative information. How many times could a teacher write on the board instead of making copies? Finally, if a kid goes without for a few days maybe he will go home and aggravate his parents for crayons like he does for a cell phone.
tiptster
July 28th, 2011
5:18 pm
As for the topic being discussed, don’t believe in community supplies. The schools my kids attended didn’t do it, the schools my wife and I teach at don’t do it, and I don’t understand why any school should. I have seen teachers use sticky notes on the chalk board for items they would like when parents ask if there is anything they can provide. That being said, I am so glad I am not Dr NO. How sad it is to be such a miserable, hateful, uncaring person. No doubt one of Bush’s “compassionate conservatives.”
Cobb Teacher 2
July 28th, 2011
5:26 pm
I really dislike the community bucket way of using supplies, but once again, I am going to have to do it. Sigh. The problem is that in my school, first grade uses tables. We don’t release class lists until the Friday before school starts, so it’s not possible for each teacher to put out her own supply list for the class. I would rather use pencil boxes for each child to organize his/her supplies (this worked very well when I taught second grade with desks), but the box isn’t on the first grade list because I am the only teacher on the hall that wants them. IF I can find them at a decent price, I will go ahead and purchase 25 of them on my own and teach the kids to take care of their own supplies. That’s looking like a big IF this year, as I have not found the school supply sales to be good as they have been in the past. I don’t believe we are having that tax free weekend, either.
Whatever you happen to believe about school supply lists, please know that teachers do buy significant amounts of supplies with their own money. In the past I never thought twice about this and have been happy to do it. I really love my students and I don’t want a lack of supplies to get in the way of all that I have planned to do in my lessons. I also understand when money is tight and things are tough. The problem is that things are tight for me this year as well. All of the furloughs, pay cuts, and insurance increases have taken their toll, and now my own child is starting school. Things really are very inexpensive after school starts, so I’m hoping to pick up some extras at that time. The biggest needs seem to always be glue and tissues.
Please, parents, honor the teacher’s requests. It really does make a difference.
MiltonMan
July 28th, 2011
5:43 pm
truecolors – maybe you should rename yourself true_clueless.
Let’s see:
The NEA & AFT endorsed Obozo in huge numbers. Teachers are Liberal minions – plain & simple.
I know that teachers in GA are not represented & thank God for that but the GAE come out to support Roy Rat Barnes in 2010 – the same clown who as a governor started this blame game of teachers. The teachers are nothing more than Democratic lemmings.
TeacherMom4
July 28th, 2011
5:45 pm
I stopped collecting and distributing materials a number of years ago because I felt it was unfair that some parents bought supplies and others didn’t. The kicker was that, often times, money had nothing to do with it. Parents who didn’t want to be bothered wouldn’t, because someone would take care of their kid and they could spend their money on something else. Most teachers figure out pretty quickly the kids who really are in financial distress and don’t mind helping them. I do not require my students to share but find they tend to be very generous with their peers, even kids they don’t like.
One reason there are so many duplicate items on the list is that sometimes the beginning of the year is the only time you can get parents to purchase supplies. The extras are insurance for later when you send notes home for replenishment and they are ignored. I’ve had years when the tissues were gone by November. I do not buy more. If a child needs a pencil or paper, I allow them to ask a friend to borrow some. I think I would be more generous had I had not had my generosity taken advantage of so frequently over the years. Example: when teaching 3rd grade I noticed several students never had snack for snack time. I went out and bought some animal crackers to share with them (nothing great, but something for a truly hungry child) since we had a very late lunch time. Within days, half the class was no longer bringing their own snack because I was willing to provide one for them. Can you say entitlement? The idea some parents (and their children) have that they are “entitled” without contributing really annoys and offends me.
I tell my students which materials to keep at school and which to take home. The take home items are for replenishing supplies as the year goes on.
sloboffthestreet
July 28th, 2011
5:57 pm
Cobb teacher 2 wrote,
“We don’t release class lists until the Friday before school starts, so it’s not possible for each teacher to put out her own supply list for the class.”
This I am confused about. Why does it matter what day class lists are released. Why don’t all 1st grade classes use the same basic supplies. What is so different about any first grade class in the state. The list published in our county comes from the central office and goes by grade. It has been the same since we moved here 6 years ago. There are items that have been required on the list that have never been used and sent home after the first few weeks every single year. I would think a highly qualified educator would notice this and correct the mistake. A dollar is a dollar and when you waste our money we aren’t amused at the oversight. I think it is time for schools to provide every necessity for students and work it into our taxes. I have not read one post from an educator on here today suggesting a solution to the problem. Just more bla, bla bla. Just I’s and Me’s. It’s no wonder you teachers get no respect. Rodeny wouldn’t give you any either if he were still with us. Good luck to all the students in the upcoming school year. You are going to need it!
susan
July 28th, 2011
6:24 pm
how about we just go back to using blackboards, chalk, an assignment pad (not an agenda that I had to pay $5 for in my daughter’s school), paper, pens and pencils, and crayons? What is really NEEDED to teach and for children to learn?
Ms. Art Teacher
July 28th, 2011
6:24 pm
As a teacher, I keep required materials to an absolute minimum.
I have taught in public and private schools, I have taught elementary, middle and high school. Today I primarily teach Middle School Art. I have taught technology and required a USB drive at that time and you would’ve thought I’d asked for parents to provide computers! Oh the complaints over expense etc. etc. When, in reality, you can pick up a 256 MB USB for $5. I also personally labeled each drive with the student’s name and kept track of the drive for them so parents would not have to replace lost/stolen drives.
I know parents get upset about “communal” supplies and I understand. I do believe 100% teachers should let parents know in advance if the materials will be communal, so that parents don’t buy cutesy items for their children that will end up in community use.
Honestly, the reason for communal items isn’t so that the teacher can cover the student(s) whose parents don’t donate. It is because it is a huge, epic, pain in the butt, to keep track of 35 different sets of supplies for 35 different students. Especially when you are teaching younger students who become very distressed about sharing what they perceive as “theirs.” And, seriously, we are not there to make sure Suzie Q has “HER” scissors, we’re there to teach Suzie. I could care less which pair of scissors she has, so long as she has a pair when it comes time to cut.
I personally purchase all of the cleaning supplies for my classroom and I spend about $200 a year on that alone. I also provide shop soap (fast orange etc.) and lotion because of the type of work we do in Art can be messy and the cleaners can be drying. Teachers are asking for 20+ gluesticks per kid because they really do use that many (espcially in younger grades). Your kiddos don’t know how to use gluesticks and they screw them up and then knock off the glue in one fell swoop (ruining the gluestick). I started the year with 200 gluesticks last year, and had about 50 by October due to misuse, use, and lost caps. And, I should mention, I do a whole “how to use a gluestick” demo and reinforce it; but life does happen.
Please know that us teachers are compassionate people, and when we ask for supplies, they are TRULY needed.
A Teacher Like Me
July 28th, 2011
6:25 pm
When I first started teaching, my team requested that students bring in $8 to cover supplies. This way we were able to ensure that our students had the supplies we wanted. It worked out well for the years I was at the school. This year I am considering the same thing because I do shop well over the summer. I wait for the back to school sales and then pounce. However, this year as I am expecting my first baby I am seeing things from a new perspective. I’m not interested in community property aspect. What kills me is when students never have any supplies or parents won’t send anything. It also irks me that the only time (some) parents will send supplies is at the beginning of the year. Pencils, papers, etc, run out and need to be replaced. As a parent, if you have enough time to label items, then you have enough time to replenish those supplies in November and again in March or whenever they are depleted.
When we asked for (and received) the $8 those supplies belonged to the student.
I love teaching. I hate what it is becoming...
July 28th, 2011
6:30 pm
@Dr Who “Get a different job, I mean you do have a college education. You should be rich, taking Eurpeaon vacations, seeing the polo game of the week, and drinking maitais.”
It is sweet of you to be concerned about me, but really, at the end of my life, I would prefer to look back and know I made a real difference in someone’s life rather than spent my time taking European vacations, watching polo games and drinking.
@slob, “Why don’t all 1st grade classes use the same basic supplies. What is so different about any first grade class in the state. ”
Because, as much as the powers that be try, we are not ALL exactly alike, and we do not ALL teach in the same exact manner and run our classrooms the exact same way! I don’t even like the fact that we have a school grade level list, because there are items on the list I do not use. Furthermore, there are items NOT on the list that I do use. For example, I use individual white boards quite frequently in my class for math, spelling and language work. We go through a lot of dry erase markers and those are expensive. However, other teachers prefer to use paper pencil for similar activities, so dry erase markers are not on the list. I must provide them each year, though sometimes thoughtful parents are willing to help supply some as well.
I love teaching. I hate what it is becoming...
July 28th, 2011
6:37 pm
@thatsmystuff “Schools get plenty of funds to buy copy paper, toilet paper, cleaners, etc.”
Have you noticed that the economy is not doing very well? Our schools have lost lots of funding recently. We have several forclosures in our area, thus a loss of property tax. Plus the state has cut funding consistently for the last several years. Five years ago, my yearly classroom budget was $500. This year they asked us to keep it under $50. That includes EVERYTHING I might want – science equipment, play equipment for recess, art supplies, construction paper, pencils, etc. We ran out of copy paper last year, and the principal paid for the last month’s supply out of her own pocket.
Pam Woodard
July 28th, 2011
6:40 pm
In the APS middle schools were I’ve worked teachers really need their own brooms. Paper towels, Formula 409, wipes, etc are all a good idea. I even keep liquid soap,deodorant, lotion, and for the girls who have emergencies, sanitary napkins and personal wipes. This last list has been standard for most women middle school teachers I’ve known, whether they were in East Point, Alpharetta, or Atlanta. Adolescents have unpredictable hormones. I get some instructional supplies at the beginning of the year, but not many because (as I tell my students) I don’t live in Gimme, Georgia. I do take advantage of Kids In Need and try to schedule appointments twice each year for supplies for the students. The supplies I do get are for loaning only. I get pencils and pens back at the end of class. I spend my money on my son, and he is under strict orders to limit sharing and to never share his USB. I’ve lost two hardrives to viruses with indiscriminate USB sharing.
CiCi4
July 28th, 2011
7:08 pm
I teach 4th grade so students have desks and for the most part use the supplies they bring to school. Pencils, however, end up being combined because I don’t want my students to waste their instructional time at the pencil sharpener. I obtained a heavy-duty sharpener through a grant and pencils are sharpened after school. This is a judgement call on my part. Currently, teachers don’t seem to be trusted to make these calls.
I am also very careful to request supplies that can be purchased for a total cost of $10 or less. Scissors and rulers became an issue, so over several years, I used supply money to purchase class sets of these. If 30 pair of scissors are passed out, I expect to be able to collect that same numbe. I request that students who bring these items to school take them home for use there.
Since I teach Science to all grade levels, I have sets consumable supplies for each group to use. I purchase most of these supplies. Our consumable supply allowance has been cut considerably. The materials I can order from this money are generally more expensive but of inferior quality to the same items bought on sale before school starts.
When I taught kindergarten and first grade, most supplies became communal. It was just easier to have supplies available on each table as students move around the room to complete their work. I also had to spend quite a bit more money on my classroom when teaching these grades.
I would tell parents to expect that K and 1 students will pool their supplies. However, as children grow and mature, it is reasonable to expect them to organize and care for their own supplies. Comparing this issue to socialism/communism and government seizure of property is extreme. It’s a classroom management decision.
sloboffthestreet
July 28th, 2011
7:28 pm
Lovie, If you use white boards instead of paper then perhaps you could speak to administration and explain to them how you will not be needing paper this year for math and would like for them to compensate you for the items you use. The boards last for years and erasers can be in the form of old socks. So have the kids bring in their old white socks. That would make for a fun community pot to draw from!! I’m calling B.S. on teachers pet teaching formats. Besides the markers, the price to purchase boards is only once. The markers are available in bulk at a significant discount. The old socks are priceless. Oh you ran out of copy paper. Stop sending home copies of everything that does not pertain to school. Stop the yearly deluge of papers parents have to fill out over and over again. How about you ask parents on meet the teacher night if anything has changed from last years information and if the answer is no give the parents a, one, 1 paper to sign stating all contact, medical and address info is the same as last year. I brought a case of copy paper to school last year because they were out. It was a bargain at $22.00. You people can whine about the economy, tax roles and the like but teaching in the Great State of Georgia is one sweet deal. Our household took a $12,000 a year hit two years ago so suck it up and get busy. Go try it somewhere else or as another poster so correctly stated go find a job on the outside with all your college knowledge and then compare apples to apples. We all know that’s your favorite fruit. I dare ya!!! Be sure to come back on the blog and tell us how you make out. Inquiring minds want to know??
Cobb Teacher 2
July 28th, 2011
7:39 pm
@Slob: Some teachers have a different way of setting up a classroom and using supplies. I would rather have students use their own supplies and store them in a pencil box. My teammates would rather have a community bucket. I can make it work, it’s no big deal. What is a big deal is that you make something as simple as supplies and turn it into a respect issue. Just so you know, I’ve spent about $100 out of pocket this summer creating new centers and activities for my first graders. I know the value of a dollar, and my dollar means as much to me as it does to you. When I became a teacher ten years ago, I knew the job would require me to use my own funds at times. I honestly have no problem with this. I loved making the centers, and the kids will learn a lot from them. I always set several goals for the summer that will make my classroom a better place, and I allocate funds to make that happen. In the same way, when you had children, I’m sure you knew that there would be costs associated with raising them. I’m sorry you are upset if a supply is sent home. Find some way to use it there.
@Susan: We cannot go back to those basic supplies only as technology has expanded and we must learn to work with it. My first graders have gained SO MUCH from the use of our SMART board, classroom computers, our ELMO projector, and other new devices. They do enhance the learning and create more authentic learning experiences for our students.
I have to laugh at all of this back and forth about supplies. I cannot tell you how many times children have come to school without assignments completed because they don’t have basic supplies at home. By basic I mean crayons, glue, scissors, pencils, etc. I’ve even had parents write and tell me that projects cannot be finished because of a lack of supplies. Really? Good grief. Work with me people, work with me!!
2nd grade teacher
July 28th, 2011
7:58 pm
This has just gotten ridiculous. Milton Man you are a small minded person and I hope you do not have any children or work around children. Why do you assume all teachers are Obama supporters? I am a teacher but not a liberal in any sense of the word, but you offend me. I have respect for the office of the Presidency and am offended by anyone who uses disrespectful names for our President. A classic sign of someone who really doesn’t have a solid argument is when they resort to namecalling. It is very childish….what are you 13 years old?
And to the people who used to be teachers who think we get money for supplies, you have been out of teaching a while, haven’t you? Maybe you should pay more attention to what is going on in funding and budgeting in our schools. There are so many unfunded mandates and testing requirements from NCLB which cost our school systems precious dollars. I got ZERO for supplies last year and will get none this year.
That being said, I am appreciative of any support parents give me and understand everyone’s budget is stretched thin. I would never expect parents to provide $100 each year. For those of you who think teachers are asking for money for themselves, I can assure you, no one at my school is making anything off parents. Quite the contrary. Every teacher I know spends money out of pocket and is willing to do so if it means that the students have more opportunty for success.
And all you parents who are so worried about your children labelling their supplies and who get so bent out of shape by other people using their children’s pencils, or whether their child has a Spider Man folder, maybe you should re-read your comments and picture what your child would do when faced with whether to help out his/her fellow student. It is truly a special moment when precious children reach out to help someone who needs it and it is usually the students who understand what it is like to do with out who are the first to show compassion. You can donate to your church, the Junior League, foreign missions, and all the community organizations in the world, but until you are face to face with people who need help and encouragement, you cannot understand what it is like. I love teaching and will do everything in my power to show respect to every child even if I don’t approve of the job his/her parent is doing. It is not the child’s fault who he/she was born to. I teach my students personal responsibility and to keep up with their things and I teach students about how diseases are transmitted. But we also have communial things that everyone shares for practical purposes. After all, isn’t that the way other workplaces are and how community resources work? And if a child doesn’t have supplies, then I make sure he/she receives some supplies from my stash of donated or leftover supplies. It is so true that often the students with the least amount of money are the ones who are the most caring and generous. After reading the comments from some of these parents who are so worried about their children having their own supplies, I can understand why so many children are so selfish with their things. It is your business what your political philosophy is and how you want to raise your children. But some of the harsh, selfish attitudes shown on this blog are very sad. It is reflected in the harsh, hateful political attitudes we are seeing in our country.
And for those of you who believe that providing pencils for communial use is socialism….are you willing to give up your Social Security and Medicare when you qualify? Didn’t think so. Be careful when you criticize some things as socialist….or be willing to give up your own subsidies and benefits that others may see as socialist. Maybe you should study Economic theory and you will see that there are many “socialist” ideas that you would not be so willing to do without.
I know that I feel good every day about making a difference in children’s lives and hopefully, maing a difference in our community.
Cobb Teacher 2
July 28th, 2011
8:13 pm
@2nd Grade Teacher: Very nice comments. It is very, very sad. Have you tried getting involved in blogging? I found some wonderful teaching blogs to follow this summer, and they are so encouraging. It’s been so productive sharing materials/ideas with teachers around the country. It’s a lot better than hanging out the negative people who post on this blog. I used to think it was constructive, but I now believe this blog tears down education rather than lift it up.
Instructional funds?
July 28th, 2011
8:30 pm
Last year I wasn’t even provided ONE dry erase marker to use my white board. I did get one box of copy paper for the entire year. That was a week after school started. We were told to “do more with NOTHING.”
FBT
July 28th, 2011
9:03 pm
A side note – Field trip fees are often inflated to pay the way of students who can’t or won’t pay.
Incredulous
July 28th, 2011
9:03 pm
@Paddy o (et al). I can’t resist. Since you through the term out there, I’ll run with it. We have quite a few socialist tendencies in our society. Many are institutionalized. Aside from compulsory pencil sharing, do you think we should do away with the National Park System? I agree that people are frustrated with welfare abuse. I’ve pointed out the egregious abuse within this state. 11.7% if the state is considered disabled.(census.gov) However, I still like having a military and prisons. But in terms of socialist spending or redsitribution of wealth, I’d rather invest in a classroom than build another prison or aircraft carrier. Wouldn’t you?
ITK
July 28th, 2011
9:05 pm
@ Conservative voice: Paying my child’s PTA to let them get the supplies the teacher needs when she needs it is not “lazy”–they prefer it and I would rather spend my time at home with my family playing chess or reading rather than running around shopping for supplies (as Maureen pointed out). I also prefer not to waste a lot of my valuable time worrying about who contributed and who didn’t to the supply pile–poor OR rich. At the end of the day, all I can know for sure is how I chose to act. Call me a crazy communist, but I see it as a privilege to contribute to the school community by doing my fair share. And I actually feel fine if whatever I DO contribute happens to spill over to a child who might not otherwise have supplies. Sometimes I’ll even send in double field trip money to “sponsor” another child. Scandalous! In any case, the real value in the “communal” approach to supplies is in the convenience that it represents for the teachers.
susan
July 28th, 2011
9:29 pm
@ 2nd grade teacher – what you forget about social security when you ask people to give it up when they are eligible is that they have PAID INTO IT. Why should they have to give something up that they have paid for?
susan
July 28th, 2011
9:41 pm
@ cobb teacher 2: I was being somewhat facetious in my statement about going back to chalkboards. SOMEWHAT, because when we tighten our belts at home, we tend to cut back on things that aren’t necessary, or that make things more convenient. My guess is there are things higher up that can be adjusted, budget wise, to make more money available for the classrooms.
And if I wasn’t clear in earlier posts, I know that teachers have a tough job, spend many hours outside of classtime working, and come out of pocket for far too many things. As a parent I try to help my daughter’s teachers whenever I can.
Here’s wishing you a productive school year full of interested students and involved (not obnoxious!) parents
2nd grade teacher
July 28th, 2011
9:50 pm
Thank you so much Cobb County teacher! This is the last time I will get on this blog. Why is there so much hate in our country? Why are people so selfish and unhappy? Why are they so unwilling to see the hurt and need so many people are going through and so unwilling to open their hearts? Why are people so worried about such trivial things such as labeling their school supplies? I just cannot understand. When I decided to become a teacher I knew it would not be easy. It is a thankless job where the parents are either absent or so obsessed with their “precious child” and their desire for complete control that they cannot see the damange they are doing to a child’s spirit. I will take your advice and associate with more positive people who want to be part of the solution for a bigger purpose. Let the haters of the world have this blog so they can feel good about complaining with people who think just like they do. This negativity just makes me feel so icky and dirty and I don’t need to get worked up by people who are obviously not going to listen to anyone who has an opinion different than their own.
Laura
July 28th, 2011
11:40 pm
I guess I’m lucky to be a high school teacher in a county with a sizable tax base. My supply list consists of pencils, pens, and notebook paper, and I suggest they bring markers or colored pencils, but they don’t have to. I buy that at the start of every school year when Wal-Mart has their sales, but I do stress to the kids that once they’re gone, they’re gone. If they destroy them, then they’re out their supplies.
Any other supplies I need I can order at the beginning of the year or the end of the previous one and the school sends that order sheet off to OfficeMax. I don’t think it’s fair for either the student or the teacher to buy supplies outside of what is necessary for the class. Projects, etc. are different, but there’s no reason for there to ever be a school supply rush for high school outside of binders and writing implements. Cheer up, parents. You’ll get a break for four years before college, then duck and cover.
Another Cobb County teacher
July 29th, 2011
12:28 am
The supplies on my student list contain what will be used by ONE student. The number of pencils requested are what that ONE student will use in an entire school year. Same for paper, folders, pencils, etc. For example, 25 pencils are requested. For the entire year. That is roughly 1 pencil for two weeks. Hah! One box of crayons is requested. If they want more later to “freshen” up their supplies, it’s completely their choice.
I collect pencils and loose leaf paper for classroom supply for the same reasons as mentioned – space and time on task for learning. Those students who bring in the supplies will never go without. The other students whose PARENTS choose not send in supplies will also never go without. Those supplies ultimately are paid by ME. It may seem like those who bring them in are supplying those who don’t, but that is not true in my classroom.
It is annoying to see some school lists that are inflated. However, don’t assume that all lists are! And please don’t assume that all community supplies are ONLY supplies provided by some students and used by all.
At the Meet the Teacher night, I inform the parents about the supplies that will be collected and why and to please not worry about getting fancy pencils and folders. If a parent has an issue with it, they are, of course, accommodated.
Oh, and the supplies on my list can be purchased for $5 – $6 if parents buy the basics (not including a backpack).
Thank you to all the parents who send their children to school prepared for school! We teachers truly appreciate you.
EdDawg
July 29th, 2011
1:06 am
You’re awesome 2nd grade teacher. I hope my kids get you! I couldn’t agree more with your posts. Don’t let the crazies get you down.
sloboffthestreet
July 29th, 2011
2:35 am
Has one teacher given any thought to the fact that having community items is a sure fire way of spreading germs? Just a thought,
mecca
July 29th, 2011
7:36 am
the government should supply all required supplies and equipment not parents. Citizens pay enough taxes for the schools to buy everything needed.