So, because it came up in a discussion tonight (on a homeschooling board), I took a look at our local public school's (the one the girls went to for a month last year) website and school supply list for "back to school."

there are school supply lists for things you MUST buy for each class. Here is a copy/paste of the Kindergarten one for the local school, for instance (emphasis mine, and ALL of the grades are like this--well, different items of course, but the bolded part):

Socialism at its finest!!!   (though I do believe they are allowed to label the backpack)

I just added up the above items, assuming you had a girl, and NOT including the cost of a backpack. Also, buying the el-cheapo brand stuff that is in WalMart's "back to school sale" aisles.

Total came to $40. And that is NOT including a backpack, or accounting for having more than 1 child in school. Goodness, if you had 3 (like I would if I were sending mine) you'd be looking at $120 PLUS a backpack each (min. $45 for 3, but of course be prepared to buy another at some point, IME), PLUS school clothes (which around here are uniforms, yes, at the local public school, but even if you got away with clearance sales at regular stores, kids go through clothes SO FAST in school).

(FWIW, the older grades' supply lists come out to about the same, in some cases more money, so for the sake of discussion, just sticking with the Kindy list.)

Perhaps this would not be so bad if the supplies you buy were for your OWN child, but they aren't.

 For homeschooling!  Oh--and the supplies I buy are for *my children*--not others.

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Posted by Anonymous

Hi Tasha,
I agree and disagree with the school supply lists and the use of it as "community property". With April as a former teacher in Florida it became clear why the lists contained the items they did. As I am sure you know, the supply budget for teachers is mostly non-existent and they must purchase a lot of what they need out of their own pocket. Teachers do not make much money as it is and the state expects them to buy their own supplies? Seriously? So to help get the needed supplies and make sure EVERY child is included a list is sent home. Some kids bring in more than requested and some kids come to school everyday with nothing. Sharing is the best way :)

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Posted by HomeofLove4Him

Oh, I know "sharing is the best way," and it is sad that, with budget cuts, schools cannot afford to supply them. Also, with salary cuts, teachers cannot afford them, either (for all of their students).

Jeffery and I talked about this, and our biggest beef is that it is "community property." I don't mind buying those things for MY child(ren); we do not like buying something and our children possibly not even getting to use it, though. (We also don't remember going to school with anything other than what was for US? Could be wrong though, but you'd remember.) And you know, I could understand, say glue sticks.... but Jeffery about fainted when we read the printer paper and dry erase markers (like the kids are using dry erase markers besides in a 'center'--in which they stain their clothing and it does not come out...sigh). I guess that goes back to salary cuts, though.

We also concluded that we don't mind "helping" others out (for example, donating extra to the class), but the fact that it is mandatory sort of takes away from the altruistic feeling. I guess that's like taxes and universal healthcare.... LOL :-)

I don't know how states that have cut salaries expect to keep teachers. It's a vicious cycle, I think. It's going to lead to loss of teachers and over-crowding--again.

So yeah, I get the "agree and disagree" part. :)

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