Back to school lists

Back to school lists

by SouthernFriedInfidel | Published on August 20th, 2009, 12:12 pm | Life

Liv says that her kids have back to school lists that frankly make it sound like they're preparing for an expedition to the fraking Antarctic. And these kids are in elementary school!

And really, I expect that one big reason for this is because the schools don't supply much more than an underpaid teacher and a desk for the kids any more. Still, are all these suppliues needed for the first day of classes? I seriously doubt that.

A slightly better paradigm for teacher/parent interfacing on supplies might be a weekly shopping list.

"Next week, our kids will need a supply of Play-doh and colored pencils."

Just a thought. Seriously -- not everyone is bloody "middle class" you know.

Universities are the same. In my first year I bought all the books on the list only to sell almost all of them a year later in mint condition. I tell my kids to wait, discuss it with the prof and only buy the ones that are actually used. Half the time the prof has forgotten what's on the list.

Well we're in a Charter school... and thankfully atleast as of the first day, and the open house.... it's a world of difference... supposedly the public schools are just as bad. I'll gladly sell my soul to see this through, and I might just have to do that...

If anyone wants to hire my "fat" escort services.... I'm considering a career change to pay for school supplies.

You make it sound so tempting.

If you tried to sell sushi you'd call it raw dead fish on cold rice.

I'm telling you... If you ever want to know what it's like (because we did public schools last year) watch that Eccleston film: Perfect Parents

Some of the schools try to have their supply lists published so that parents can make purchases during the tax-free weekend; but that's not always the case. And some of the items on the lists don't qualify as a tax-free item.

I've also found that on the first day of school, my kids return with MORE lists from each of their teachers, especially electives teachers who would like to have tissues, germ-x, clorox wipes, etc in their classrooms too. Oh, and there's the stuff to keep at school as well as items you need to have at home for homework assignments. Usually, I'm not finished with school-related shopping until then end of the first month of classes.

It adds up fast. I don't know what funds the school receives for classroom supplies, but teachers rely heavily on the parents/families. Some teachers even pay out of pocket (but aren't some of the expenses tax-deductible, at least on NC income tax returns?) if they are able to.

['Dippy shameless plug for NASCAR]In an interview with Tony Stewart (NASCAR driver of the #14 Office Depot car),[/'Dippy shameless plug for NASCAR] ...he commented on Office Depot's backpack program. This year they will give away their 2 millionth backpack of school supplies. Then there's the local groups that collect supplies to help families who cannot afford the items on their own. But if you're like most of us who are somewhere in between poor and rich, you don't qualify for a program and have to come up cash for crayons.

First day of school. Yup, more lists of supplies. The surprise item? USB thumb drive. Granted there was a 4GB on sale for $12, but if a family can barely afford regular supplies...

PErhaps it's not a requirement for students who have no PC at home...

Serendipitous wrote:First day of school. Yup, more lists of supplies. The surprise item? USB thumb drive. Granted there was a 4GB on sale for $12, but if a family can barely afford regular supplies... PErhaps it's not a requirement for students who have no PC at home...

I got an 8gb thumb drive from newegg a few weeks ago for 1.99.

You SHOULD be able to find a 4 gb thumb drive for 8-9 max in the stores. If they are more than they are ripping people off. Office Depot had them for 5.99 a few weeks ago.

BecauseHeLives wrote:
Serendipitous wrote:First day of school. Yup, more lists of supplies. The surprise item? USB thumb drive. Granted there was a 4GB on sale for $12, but if a family can barely afford regular supplies... PErhaps it's not a requirement for students who have no PC at home...

I got an 8gb thumb drive from newegg a few weeks ago for 1.99.

You SHOULD be able to find a 4 gb thumb drive for 8-9 max in the stores. If they are more than they are ripping people off. Office Depot had them for 5.99 a few weeks ago.

I'd have hit NewEgg and other stores if I had more time.

But seeing that it would have cost me gas and time to hit a store with a lower price, I opted to pay the "convenience price" at Walmart.

The additional supplies once school starts is expected, but pricier surprises have got to be difficult on a lot of families.

Our kids started last week and after we forked over an arm and a leg over the initial lists we walked into the classrooms only to be handed completely new lists. We managed to procure those items and I swear every single day since one or both of them have come home with yet another fee for one thing or another. The teachers are growing impatient with the slow paying parents. At some point enough is enough already. The crazy thing is that I know how hard it is for us to come up with last minute money and I know many of our friends are struggling even more than we are. This year is going to be really rough on people. I don't think parents will be opting to contribute as many luxury expenses like pictures, yearbooks and fundraisers. :doh:

A Person wrote:Universities are the same. In my first year I bought all the books on the list only to sell almost all of them a year later in mint condition. I tell my kids to wait, discuss it with the prof and only buy the ones that are actually used. Half the time the prof has forgotten what's on the list.

Let's see, we just put >$600.00 on the charge card for this semesters books at UNC-G for our son.... I wish it was just wipes and klenex...we've been through that also...I don't remember all this when I grew up....but then I had to walk 5 miles up hill through the snow don't ya know.....I guess I just used my sleeve....( hehehehe ) ....

Fortunate soul. I had to walk 5 miles uphill, barefoot in the snow, both ways just to go rent my books for the day after doing all my farm chores. Oh wait, that's right, I'm from the sunny Southern California beach and my mom used to drive me to my 90210 inspired school, sipping on her latte`. :dance: