Am I the only one who is ticked about the "school supply" lists?

[darkwing932]

Originally Posted by brandee Since I've gotten negative feedback on offering extra credit for supplies; I'm open for other suggestions.

Your rewarding the child for something that, in the end, the parents make the choice to do or not to do. It is no different than giving a kid extra credit because mom is a class mom. IMO the kids should not be at all involved in the process. If mom & dad send in extra supplies than offer them a thank you note signed by the class.

If your are really intent on rewarding them, here is an idea provided by DD. One of her teachers used to keep a large mason jar and marbles on her desk. Whenever the kids did something good, volunteered to bring in party supplies, brought in extra pencils for the class, etc. the teacher would add a marble. Once the jar was full the whole class was given a special treat like homework passes, pick a movie, a pizza party, extra recess time, etc. Just remember though, the marbles go in for the good and the marbles can come out for the bad, lol.

I'm sorry about getting offended and I'm sorry if I was harsh. I have just learned that not everything is what it seems. That Coach purse might be a $20 flea market knock off and those expensive clothes might have been hand-me-downs or a great clearance find, (I know, I got DD $85 Audio sneakers free at Bob's store after coupons and member rewards). After 4 kids and 13 years of dealing with the school system I have seen alot of assumptions made about what parents can and can't afford based on the clothes on their kids backs. Bottom line, it stinks. Most of these kids have no real control over what mom & dad spend their money on and what they will or won't buy. Its not their fault.

[Leggett44]

Originally Posted by anticommagirl Not only do our districts pool supplies within each class, and require tons of wipes, bags, paper, etc, but they also ask for certain brands. The lists "require" crayola markers of a certain count and color, certain color folders and notebooks, certain brands of #2 pencils. On top of that, the quantities are absurd. 96 pencils, 24 glue sticks??? How in the world does one kid use 96 pencils? If they really need that many, they need to spend more time teaching personal responsibility for keeping track of things like pencils...

Just from asking my DH who is an elementary art teacher. Roseart crayons are made of a poorer quality that leave a waxy film on the artwork which allows part of the color to scrape off and the colors are not as bright. Crayola works much better. Also, as far as colors go, yes, some specific colors are used much more often than others....that is why they may ask for specific brand and color. I can attest that he has ruined several pairs of pants from getting accidently marked by markers, paint, and Charcoals from the so-called off branded products. He now tries to only order the art products that work the best. He is fortunate enough to have a budget for art supplies and students are only required to bring a pencil to his class.

[Mom2my3sons]

Originally Posted by brandee Here is what I will be supplying my class. 400 spiral notebooks 180 Elmers Glue sticks (we will probably run out. When that happens students will be offered extra credit if they bring some in) Scissors, markers, crayons, and colored pencils that I have been using for the last 4 years (unless I find markers for a quarter; then I will buy them) We will not have hand sanitizer or tissue unless students provide them (they will recieve extra credit).

Students get extra credit for supplying the school with things the school should be providing?

My head is going to shoot off my shoulders like in the cartoons. I can't believe this kind of stuff is happening in schools!

[Mom2my3sons]

What items a parent chooses to send to school should NEVER, EVER affect a students grade in ANY way. A grade is suppose to reflect the student's ability not a parent's political point of view, income, or generosity.

Schools need to budget for school supplies. It is not the responsibility of the parent's to supply the school with ANYTHING. Our government guarantees us free education. IMO, penalizing students for not paying for a part of their education is ILLEGAL! Parents have every right to spend their money on clothes for their children. They have already paid for supplies for the school through taxes. It shouldn't be the parents problem if the school can't figure out how to budget.

Originally Posted by brandee I will NOT bribe my students with candy, chips, or coke. I will however offer pencils, extra credit (called Raise a Grade Coupon) or homework passes. Students can receive these for things other than bringing in supplies (ie behavior). I have tried to just ask for the items but the students do not care unless they get something for it. The school does not supply tissue and hand sanitizer, the overwhelming majority of parents will not supply it, and I will not supply it for the entire year. Unless it is donated we do not have it. The children will be conpensated for their donations. The extra credit does not make a large differrence in their grade. The majority of my students are from low-income families. However, money is found for expensive name brand clothes and shoes. Students have cell phones and Ipods. Girls have $100-$200 hair dos and fake nails from the salon. Its about priorities. If you can afford all of that you can afford a box of tissues.

[nwonder]

Originally Posted by hotcouponmama In all seriousness in this answer, I would love to see teachers do something that makes a statement about the need to properly fund education. I am ot one of those who doesn't believe in compulsary education. I would just as soon drive over a bridge than homeschool my kids. But I think something like teachers on the side of the road with a cardboard sign "need change for school supplies" would get some interesting media attention and shed light on school boards and adminstration that waste school dollars and keep money out of the classrooms where it should be.

All of the teachers in my district did this in June and there was some coverage but it didn't seem to make a dent.

[beth119]

I have a question....

A lot of people here have said that their tax dollars are paying for education...I know mine are..we pay a LOT of taxes in various areas, and varoius states...BUT...

what about the families that DON'T pay taxes???

[Colinsgrandma]

A local school has a great idea, parents are asked not to buy the teachers a Christmas gift. If they really wish to do something they are asked to donate something that can be used in the classroom. Teachers don't end up with a dozen teacher mugs and the class has some supplies.

[darkwing932]

Originally Posted by beth119 I have a question.... A lot of people here have said that their tax dollars are paying for education...I know mine are..we pay a LOT of taxes in various areas, and varoius states...BUT... what about the families that DON'T pay taxes???

Well, since they don't pay taxes its their turn to buy the clorox wipes, lol.

Seriously though, I have no idea. I would have to assume that their share is made up by the people that pay taxes but have no children. I know in NJ you pay public school taxes whether you have kids in the system or in private school or no kids at all. The taxes are part of your property taxes (which is why NJ has such high taxes). It is also why the school budget never gets passed in our town. We have a large senior population and they always vote it down.

[derketchup]

Originally Posted by beth119 I have a question.... A lot of people here have said that their tax dollars are paying for education...I know mine are..we pay a LOT of taxes in various areas, and varoius states...BUT... what about the families that DON'T pay taxes???

I'm sure they're more than compensated for by those of us with no kids who pay taxes.

[nwonder]

Originally Posted by Colinsgrandma A local school has a great idea, parents are asked not to buy the teachers a Christmas gift. If they really wish to do something they are asked to donate something that can be used in the classroom. Teachers don't end up with a dozen teacher mugs and the class has some supplies.

:encourage7: I like that idea!!