I think it has a lot to do with how the teacher asks. If I get a school supply list that contains all the basic items my child needs and at the bottom is a nice note attached from the teacher that says, "There are a few items that would be greatly appreciated for the class. We will be doing a lot of projects this year and items such as ziplock bags, paper bags, wet wipes and Popsicle sticks would help us with a lot of fun craft projects and activities. Thank you for your help." OK this way the parents that can afford it know that they are helping out the teacher and the class. I have always helped my kids teacher. Not because I have to, but because I want to. I have 5 children. School supplies cost about $40 per child. We also have to buy school clothes and shoes. For a lot of families, the extra money might be a big deal. My sons kindergarten teacher sent home a note half way through the school year, needing extra craft supplies. She worded it very nicely, and although only 5 parents brought in supplies, it was more than she needed.

Crissleigh,

I hear you. I think we agree on almost everything. I think a lot of disappointment/confusion would be headed off early if teachers specified on their lists that supplies would be "shared." Then we wouldn't buy the special HM notebook, etc. I know I had to steer my daughter toward cheaper, plain items as we shopped, explaining to her that they were for the whole class to share. I put it to her six-year-old brain like this: "But what if a boy got that one?" She understood.

And about the wipes. All I was trying to say earlier is that I think it's fine for teachers to ask for them. I don't mind them requesting convenience items along with the necessities. I think parents should feel free to disregard a list item and not buy it if they can't or don't want to do so. I just don't understand why some people think less of a teacher for requesting them. If having the wipes saves him/her 15 minutes a day that he/she can use planning or grading, I think it's worth asking for. And I don't take offense at someone's not sending them in, either. We can't know what will help the teachers if they don't ask.

I also wanted to add that at our school the PTO tries to help the teachers with things they need . Even things other schools make the teachers buy. We are in the process of raising 6000.00 for things to help our teacher out .

I am VP of the PTO and I feel that the teachers have the kids for more waking hours than the parents do so they do need things to keep kids occupied and busy . But I also feel if a parent has a question about an item they have been ask to buy then they have the right to ask it . If the teacher has a legit reason for it then I am sure most parents would buy it .

mikesmomteachn

I hope that next year your parents are more willing to help you out . I also hope the parent who made the remark about she had rent to pay takes more of an interest in her kids education this year . Maybe she should realize that if she helps all she can with her kids education that it may help him when he is a grown up to get a job that will help his life not be such a struggle . I mean that with the utmost respect . I tell my son all the time to get a good education if I would have finished college I may not have had to struggle all the times I have .

ladyelaine

I am sorry that some of us parents not wanting to send in baby wipes for a board is offensive to you .
I have no trouble sending in supplies for my son or what ever child needs to use them . My son is in 4th grade but 3rd to 5th have been combined and 4th is split into 3rd or 5th grade . I would never think that due to the fact my son is a 4th grader the 3rd graders should never use a Kleenex or hand sanitizer I sent in . I send extra note books with my son and if a class mate or any child in the schools needs one of his extras I expect him to be the first child to offer it. I send 30 pencils at a time for the same reason .

I know for a fact the teachers are not asking for things they use to take home or any of that . But I have had many jobs and I have wanted things to make my work a little essayer so I bought them. I feel that asking them to use a spray bottle of water and paper towels to clean a board is not begrudging any teacher supplies.

I know that school desk are small and space is limited so yes keeping glue ,pencils and stacks of paper that the whole class uses and it dosen't matter if little Tommy got my sons as longs as they all had glue and I think most parents would feel the same about that . What most parents would be mad over is paying 3.00 for a Hanna Montana or Spiderman note book for your kid and those all being slapped in a pile for any kid to use . Some kids like to take a special notebook or pencil to help with missing home or someone special bought it . That is something that yes should go to the child who brought it .

As a parent I send in all I can every year for my son and every other kid in that class or school . If my sons teacher has 30 of something and knows she will not use all of them and another teacher needs it then I think it is fine to do so .Because every child in every class deserves the things they need to learn .

Okay I have to admit I am shocked at all the responses. And, I am so surprised at how many parents have an open attitude to the possibility that (okay, some)teachers are trying their best. I will also add that I would not request something for my classroom that I did not firmly believe would make my and my students lives easier. I can promise you that for each child to have seven different colored folders in their desk (one for each subject) is the best and easiest way that I have found for them to keep their work organized. Before the school year started I purchased seven folders for each student and some for extra when I get new students. I watched the sales just like the parents and bought a class set of everything I needed for my students. That includes markers, pencils, folders, binders, highlighters, index cards, hard plastic folders, paper, spiral notebooks, scissors, colored pencils, red checking pencils, ink pens, glue, papertowels, kleenex, sandwich bags, posterboard, rewards for the kids, baby wipes, candy and more. That does not even begin the list of teacher supplies that we need for our kids. Such as: star student posters, bulletin board decorations, bordette for the bulletin boards, educational posters, fun friday games, art and craft supplies, BOOKS for the classroom library, dry erase markers, ez graders, red pens, expo markers, chart tablets, tranparency sheets, teacher aid books, phonics activities, math games, literacy station supplies, etc... After the school year started I asked the parents to bring in the same supplies to help replenish what I had given to the students already. Trust me when I say that none of my students need anything- so when I ask a parent to bring in the supplies for just their child it honestly does bother me when I get comments like "I can't I have to pay the rent". Also, when I read that parents don't want to supply baby wipes because they don't want us as teachers to have anything that may make our day easier that also hurts me. Its not a frustration or a bad attitude it is hurt feelings. Most parents do not realize what goes into a stimulating, decorative, organized learning environment. I have also never met a good teacher that worked from 8-3 with no overtime and no homework.

Let me end by saying- I have had the "teacher bug" for 15 years. I started as the room mom/volunteer in a kindergarten classroom. I then became a teacher assistant, followed by a full time college student and school volunteer, then the substitute and full time college student, then the practicum student and full time college student and last the student teacher. I am now a full time teacher and the whole time I was also a mother and wife of a United States Marine. I have no doubt that the classroom is where I am supposed to be, I feel like God has given me a gift and a passion for teaching and it is the best life choice I could have made. I would still teach even if no students bought any supplies and I had to provide it all. I don't do it for the money ( any teacher that does is confused) and I don't do it for the supplies or the hours. I do it because I love it.

Every teacher in the elementary school where I worked were given supplies for each child. That included kleenex. If you want to spend money for your classroom that is wonderful. Quite a few parents don't have the extra money for additional items you want the students to use in your classroom. They recv'd pencils,erasers,crayons, glue sticks,scissors, rulers etc provided by the school.

Thank You!!!!

I dont think parents should be responsible for baby wipes

ladyelaine. $5.00 will buy my child lunch for three days at school. Why do you assume that all family's can afford a box of babywipes for each of their children? Personally as a teacher if it's your choice to clean the board with babywipes you should buy them. The school furnishes erasers for this purpose. If you are unhappy with the supplies your school furnishes to you as a teacher, you should take it to the school board. In one of the other posts you mentioned why its so hard for teachers and parents to communicate in a polite way. This illustrates why there is a communication gap. When parents asks questions, teacher's get offended. I believe the teacher should pay for any supplies that aren't mandatory by the grade level. By the way mikesmomteachn your response to the feedback was very respectful as a teacher and parent. kudos

If you don't want to buy the baby wipes, then don't buy them. Yes, your child may not "use" them to clean the board, but your child does look at the clean board for his/her lessons.

And yes, the teacher could use a bucket of water and soap to clean the board instead. Pardon him/her for requesting something that will save a little time for lesson planning instead of janitorial work.

I am so tired of my fellow parents being so petty. I am on a budget, too. I shopped and shopped to find the best deals on supplies this year. But honestly, why all the complaining? Over a $5 box of wipes? (or whatever other supply you may find 'questionable'?) Do you think teachers are getting rich off this stuff? Do you think they're somehow behaving frivolously with hand sanitizer? Why do you think they're asking if not to use it for your child? Do you think they're having Kleenex fights or throwing ziplock bag parties on the weekends?

And about sharing supplies: You try to have 20 6-year-olds in a room and keep track of which stack of paper is who's stack of paper. It just makes more sense to put all the paper in a stack and share. Same goes for pencils in a cup or crayons in a bucket.

They use this stuff to teach your kid. And even though it may not be in your kid's desk and he/she may not be directly "using" it every day, it contributes to his/her education. Just chill, people.

mikesmomteachn .

I am glad that you were able to see that some parents really do care and try to help. While yes I still feel that our Kids school supplies should be provided I do not feel it should be by the teachers. That should come out of our tax dollars.

As for your student who's mother refused to by school supplies I feel very sorry for him. I am sure that most landlords would have let her take $20.00 of her rent money to get the things he needed. I know a lot of places are very strict about rent but for a child most people are willing to help out. She could have also checked with her local DHHR to see if any churches would help out. We have one church in our are area that gives all the items a kids needs plus socks and underwear to low income school kids.

I was a single mother for 6 years and not make much money and thank God my Dad has always been willing to help. But if my son or daughter needed something I would never be to proud to ask for help.
I do not think people who just do not want to pay should use this type of help but if you truly need help you need it .
I have also taken on odd jobs to help when money is tight .She owes her son a education and the things he needs to get one. I hate to think this child may not learn to his fullest potential because of this. Yet you and you kids should not have to do with out because of it. We all have bills and that is no excuse.

I think I would send her a note and let her know that he really needs just the basics to be able to excel and be a good student .Let her know if she is having a hard time you will ask about programs that may help her . I would not offer to buy the things he needs .Give her a list of just the basic things . If she cares about her son she will let you know that she needs help or go buy him the things he needs.
I know when school starts here there are boxes set up at several stores for people to donate school items for kids in need .I am glad you have found support and I hope your student is able to get the needed items for a great and productive school year.

Wow! I wish all the parents out there were as rounded and open minded as the ones posting to this comment! I agree with most of you on almost everything. Supplies are super cheap before school and right after school starts. JUST AN FYI!!! Target has ALL their supplies at 75% off- including backpacks. I just bought 3 backpacks for my students for 2.50 and 10-packs of folders for .25 cents. Index cards were a dime and 10 packs of paper are .35 cents! I stocked up!
But, a sippy cup!? WHAT??? NO! You as parents are not required to send in anything. But, when it comes to things like that- thats just ridiculous! Now, the baby wipes I want to add that they are not use JUST to clean the board. They are used to clean your childrent's desks, hands, door knobs, overhead projector, spills, etc... Just remember that you are not always going to get all the information from your 6 or 8 year old. They are not always attentive to everything around them and don't know that they need to be. Just keep in mind that what your child comes home and tells you is probably only half the truth! There are things that go on behind the scenes that your kids know nothing about.
I did read something about a child whose favorite fancy notebook was given to another student- that is not okay. You need to contact that teacher because that is not acceptable. My students are asked to bring in basic stuff. If a child brings in a Hannah Montana or disney notebook then they get to keep that in their backpacks for "homework" (or whatever!) That one is special to that child and it is for them. If they choose to leave it with our collection in the classroom then I put their names in it so it won't be used by someone else. I then make the choice to subtly donate my common supplies to that child to use in the classroom. They can also use their special supplies for their daily journal. I do not agree with taking good supplies from one child and giving them to the child whose parents couldn't be bothered to buy a plain one from walmart for a nickel.
I want to add that I have one student who has still not brought in supplies and after reading all of these comments I asked him about it. He stated that his mom told him she had to pay rent. Now, if this child looked as though he was very low income I would have handled this differently but, the comments posted on this site encouraged me to inform this child and his mother that I as the teacher also had to pay rent. I also had a son of my own in high school who needed supplies and I now had 20 other students to purchase supplies for (the ones I prefer, but are not requested). So, while I understand that money is not being grown outside or handed away door to door his mother was responsible for him and his supplies. That I would not tolerate being expected to buy his supplies, my son's supplies, my teacher supplies, craft supplies and other students supplies- all the while knowing I had rent to pay.
I will also add that as a teacher who recently changed districts I had been working for several weeks 12-14 hours a day and had not recieved my first pay check ( this of course was not shared with the student!) So- thanks to ALL of the parents who have shared. I am taking the comments and advice to heart and putting them in action. Keep the advice and comments coming!

When my son brings home a list of school supplies and it has questionable items on it I ask about them. If I am expected to buy the the things I have the right to know why and how they will be used.
As for the sippy cup I would ask that if he is not going to be able to use it at school then for it to be brought back home because they are not cheap to buy . I can not see getting things they are not going to use even if it only cost $1.00 because if you have more than one kid in school it can add up fast.
I will give the teachers at my sons school credit because most of them do not ask for things they do not need us to get . Noe this year our kids items were provided all but lunch boxes . I had no clue the school was doing this and bought all my sons stuff a week or more before school but it was still nice of them to do and I know that the stuff that is left over that he did not use will be sent home at the end of the year .

I agree with the baby wipe thing, my child doesn't need them why should i have to buy them, especially when it's to clean the board.....At my son's school we also have the bring a snack once a month thing, which is great unless, like you said they don't get them. My son was also requested to bring a spill proof sippy cup to give him water and juice in. I went out and purchased this and now he tells me that his teacher won't let him use it. I don't just have money to waste, i know some of you are like its not so bad but my son is almost 6, he hasn't used a sippy cup in 4 years.

Dear kmmk1,

I would wonder about that too . I know kids use a lot of glue but no I do not think you should be sending baby wipes for the teacher to clean the board . I have a 22 month old and those wipes are not cheap .
My question is on that what ever happened to soap ,water and a bucket ??
We dealt with this at my sons school we were required to send snacks ,parents took turns and each had one day a month they needed to send in a snack . Then our kids started telling us they did not get a snack every day . A few of us went to the class room one day and snacks were stacked up every where . This was really upsetting . We all work hard for our money and I can not see it being waisted or the things we send not used for our kids . But as far as the basic stuff yes we do need to send that .
My advice is ask the teacher why she needs baby wipes if it is to clean a board and you feel you should not have to provide that if you are sent home a note about it again let her know you feel this is not something that is needed and you are not sending it .I understand teachers asking for a few extras like Kleenex and hand sanitizer but that is for the kids not for her convenience .

I agree that teachers should not have to provide supplies for thier students.

But I also wonder why my son needs 24 glue sticks and why 2nd graders need to provide 2 boxes of Pampers baby wipes. I asked my daughter what her teacher does with them - she uses them to wash the board. REALLY?

Remember when we went to school and all you had to bring were the pencils & paper that fit in your own backpack? Oh, and your snazzy new Trapper Keeper?

Sigh.

I agree with you that each parent needs to send in things the kids need for class . I try to send in or have on hand enough stuff to get my son through the year . Yes school supplies can be expensive I agree and we are all strapped for cash . I buy a when things go on sale . I know now that I have 9 year old son who will be in 4th grade this year for 185 days ,and next year he will be in 5th grade for 185 days and he will need paper , folders and so on . So if I see a good deal I buy it and put it up . I also know my son has allergies and will use his fair share of Kleenex so I get those too and I know his hands will get covered in germs so guess what Moms and Dads I pick up hand sanitizer also. And believe it or not I expect all the kids in the class to use it . I also do not wait till my sons teacher sends a note home begging for this stuff I send it the first day and I make sure to tell my son even if your teacher says she does not need it tell her to keep it in case she would run low or another class may need it . When my son was young enough that we had to send in snacks I sent in faithfully and tried to send a little extra for days a snack may not make it in due to a kid being out sick or a parent may just forget . I see this teachers point . Most parents say well my kids stuff should be supplied and yes I see that point that the State and Federal Government should supply it but not the teachers out of their pocket . We need to look at it this way if you went to work and you boss told you that you need to supply your computer, Internet connection , pay the phone bill even though you use it for work related calls and your office now has an electric meter and you have to supply all materials and pay these things you would quit right then . No one would do that yet when you don't send the things your child needs this is what you are telling their teacher . So make sure you send what they need and every few months at parent teachers conference or just send in a note ask if they need help with any materials . Clean your kids toys out and send in the ones they are to old for in for a younger grade same with books . It takes a village to raise a child do your part and keep your village strong .

My kids are way past elementary now but just to share from a parents perspective.When you issue a supply list you should inform parents that all supplies are turned in then distributed.Incoming parents are excited to take their kids shopping for school supplies.Parents get angry when their child comes home telling you that notebook she so loved and picked out,well the teacher gave it to Sally.No offense but I started buying the cheaper supplies since thats what my child was getting year after year.The district finally started selling supplies already bundled for each grade level.It saved alot of time and confusion.

I totally understand what you are talking about. As a parent to 4 boys, buying supplies can be spendy but you know what, Its minimal when you think of it having to be used all year long and what they are getting out of it in the end. a FREE EDUCATION.
I try to always send in lil extra's when I can because i know so many others are low income. We are not really "High "income lol, but we can afford to send in extra's. I have learned how to use coupons and right now, really no one can use the excuse it is too expensive for supplies if you have a walgreens/rite aid or staples and some of the other stores by you that are selling supplies ffrom a penny to up to .49 each. I mean I got all my boys supplies for under $25 this year. That includes the BIG binders ;) I go to our local Goodwill store to get brand new(or almost) binders for them, They run at about 1.99 to 2.99, and beats paying the 15.99 they wil charge you at the stores. So I have learned out of necissity to be frugal and then to give extra.
complaining parents need to just think of all that their teacher does on a daily basis for our children. The pay is usually not high, most teachers teach due to the love of.. not the money of.. so send ina lil bit extra and know that our children are getting an education and our providing them some supplies is all apart of what happens at the beginning of school.
kudos to the teachers out there. Its a hard profession in THIS day and age.. ;)

I was just wondering what the school is responsible for? I like to send what ever extra I want to send not what extra I am told to bring. I agree with a post below, most of the parents can send their child with the needed items, they just do not. It should not fall on the teacher or parents. The teacher should send a note with the parent that does not send the needed items. As far a copier paper and ink cartridge the school should defiantly pay for! We as parents should keep closer tabs on what our schools are spending their money on!

I totally understand where the teachers are coming from. They shouldn't have to pay there hard earned money to make sure that students have what they need. The thing that I don't agree with is that my child is expected to have the responsibility of keeping up with his school things, although he must share with the rest of the class. I know that it's easier on the teacher and helps her out just a little with supplies. At the same time i'm like excuse me, my husband and myself work very hard to make sure our son has everything that he needs to be able to learn and suceed, why should my money have to take care of someone else's child? I understand what the teachers go through every year with having to buy the supplies they need. They don't get the credit they deserve!!

When I send my son to school at the start of the year, I bring him with ALL the supplies requested for that school year (handed out to him with his report card the previous June). I make sure to put his name on all his items so that he, alone, uses them. Having said that, I take a separate box of supplies (scribblers, crayons, pencils - even a backpack) for the child who comes unprepared. Last year a child came with a back pack so worn out he was trying to staple it and we went out and bought him a backpack and put supplies in it for him because his mom wouldn't (although she could have). His teacher told us that she, herself, has given supplies to kids who needed them. What I'm getting at is this......it's the parents' responsibilities to make sure their kids have what they need. Furthermore, if they are low income, we have many organizations around here who fund raise and give supplies out for free. There is no excuse to send a child to school without the necessities. However.....bringing supplies for teacher?? The only thing I bring for the teacher is several boxes of kleenex because I know how many runny noses she must encounter (haha) but for all other supplies, I had no idea that the teacher would have to provide them out of her own salary. I'm not sure what the salary is where you live, down here my teacher friends make in excess of $55,000 a year and I know they wouldn't be eager to share any of that salary with anyone. I hope that your school sees to it that you, the teacher, get the supplies YOU need for your class and stop expecting you to fork out your own money. But thank God there are teachers like you !!!

Thank you for posting this commentary. I too begin to feel the pinch about now (payday isn't till weds but school starts thursday) and begin to try to cut corners & grumble about the $. I buy the off brand stuff even though the supply list calls for "crayola", etc.

IMHO People need to learn some responcibility & frugality.


More irritating than a long list of stuff that I don't understand the need for is when I talk to my neighbors and tell them about the awesome sales I am finding. They casually reply with "Oh, I don't do that - the school gives my children supplies'. I was on assistance much of my youth so I understand when someone is in need... but people are taking advantage.

I was shocked at the waste of school supplies I observed when I was a room mom last year. If I am going to be providing all these supplies I except them to actually be used.

I buy the school supplies as requested for my kids And after school starts I hit the clearance sales and my childrens teachers glue, crayons and everyother school supply that is on sale for a nickel ,dime or quarter. It saves in my childs teachers pocket and the teacher really appreciates it. Also it only costs ten or fifteen dollars for alot of supplies I have been told time and time again in Jan the teachers were sharing this stuff and it made it alot easier

I understand that parents need to send some supplies. However, the school is responsible for some supplies.In our school hand book it states that the student is only responsible for their personal supplies. I agree that the teacher should not have to buy them. They should go to the prenicable and ask for the supplies. In second grade the parents are asked to send a package of 4 dry erase markers. If all 22 kids bring them that teacher never uses all of them. Copy paper is what the school is supposed to supply. The parents are responsible for alot of things. We are asked to send money or things all the time. We should be asking why the lottery money does not go the the schools like it was intended for instead of the parents or teachers having to come up with supplies.

I think that is absolutely outrageous to buy your students supplies! It is the responsibility of the parent to supply their child with the needed goods; and if they cannot justify spending $20(or less) for school supplies for their children (once a year) then why are they a parent? Now, I understand that there are low income families that may need a helping hand and that is perfectly reasonable. I would be more than happy to supply 5 kids with the basic school supplies. But every kid? As they move up in school they arent gonna know what to do with themselves . . . ecspecially when they hit highschool and are required to have a $120 calculator for math class. Just my opinion, but dont spoil the parents. . .

If your teachers have you bring in stuff for other kids I disagree with that! Also, school supplies are not supposed to be mandatory- they are a voluntary thing. No one can deny your child an education because they didn't bring everything on the list! I know that I use my supplies for my students at the beginning of the year so that things are already on their desk with their names on them. Also, this way I am sure all the students have what they need and they are the right things. For example, I like my students to have a folder for each subject in their desk. I have them color coded so they are easy to locate. So, when you send supplies with your child they are put in an "extras" cabinet and are used to replace what I have already given your child. Now with scissors and glue and fancy supplies I leave those for that child. However, I do keep all the supplies in bins by my desk. Otherwise, we would have kids cutting textbooks and glueing the students hair that sits in front of them! But, when we have an activity I tell the children to get their supplies out of the bins. If they don't have their name on them then it doesn't matter what supplies you get. The best part is when a child doesn't have what they need its not an issue because I have thrown a few extras in the bin out of my supply.

Some teachers do have parents buy 2 of everything, either 1 set for their own child and 1 set to share, or they put everything in a pile and sort it from there. Some teachers keep a check-list of what parent brought in all supplies requested and which didn't. Personally, I feel that is wrong as a lot of parents can't afford everything but at least send the basics.

Our elemenetary schools also have a "donation" set up for other countires. All the basic supplies for school are sent....maybe your school could have a donation supply set up also, but these items kept at your own school to use.

I agree with you teachukid, and I have been in this profession for 10 years myself. Unfortunately where I am, what grade you teach is not usually up to you! Although second is my favorite! I knew of the costs- I have been in every position in the classroom (room mom, teacher asst, substitute and now teacher!) And, I agree with the requests and I have found what you said to be true. I also have an addiction to school supplies! Its the funniest thing when I was little and going to school I could not wait to go school supplies shopping- now, that hasn't changed. I have read so many negative comments about parents buying their kids school supplies and I have heard parents complaining when they didn't know I was a teacher. I wrote this comment for the sole purpose of informing the parents that have issues with the lists to look at it from a teacher's perspective. I understand where some of them are coming from (since I am a parent- my son starts high school this year) but, I also get tired of hearing all the complaining when no one has taken the time to ask the teacher why there is such a long list. Most of them think we are asking them to bring in supplies for everyone and that is not the case.
I love teaching and I didn't do it for the pay (what teacher does?), and I don't mind buying for the kids- I do mind listening to the complaining and not saying something in the defense of all the minimally paid teachers! Good luck this year by the way!!

I think the email newsletters are a great idea! I will suggest that to my principal! I did not know that teachers were not even setting up their email. Everywhere I have taught that is required specifically for parent and staff communication! I couldn't imagine not having it! Also, as far as the grades online some schools have that and some don't. I believe its a program that is purchased by the district and then applied to all the teachers computers at all the different schools. I just moved from Fl to Tx and this will be my first year with the online grades system. but, I will make those suggestions.

Ouch! It sounds as if you may be new to teaching and were unaware of the hidden costs to the job. It would be nice if teacher preparation courses shared this information, but how many good people would stay in the field?

One good way to offset some of your bulletin board and teaching idea book costs is to stay in the same grade level for several years. Think of your classroom as an investment and an extention of your home. After all, you will be spending a great deal of time there, you want it comfortable. Keep track of your expenses. They are tax deductible. You will also have a teacher's credit available on your Federal Form.

Also,have you tried having your students create the bulletin boards? They really do pay more attention to them when they have ownership over the art work. It won't look like a catalogue, but I bet the kids learn more from the process!

I know it is discouraging when you find it necessary to pay for many materials out of your pocket. Try to keep a positive outlook. Parents are much more inclined to help if they feel they are part of a team. I have found that most parents are more than happy to donate materials and some will even give extra to cover for kids who's parents are unable to contribute. The key is to request, not demand. If you are teaching in a private school, parents are already stretched to cover tuition on top of their daily living expenses and frequently do not understand how the cost of tuition would not cover standard materials. Public schools have categorical budgets to cover basic materials such as paper, pencils, glue and scissors.

To make your student purchases for non consumable items last, you might try giving each of your students a student number. Then, label every item you purchase for the kids with their personal number. If they can't find their item, they need to share with a friend. No haggling. This builds responsibility. After a while, the kids who are missing materials or have broken items will usually replace them since they get tired of being unprepared. I also send home a standard note letting parents know that their student was not prepared for class that day and they may have extra work to do at home as a result.

I have taught second grade for 23 years, and unless there is a finacial hardship, parents have always been supportive. The key is to request nicely and with a smile. You are more likely to get what you need that way. Empathize with the parents and be kind! Being angry and resentful just breeds more anger and resentment and it makes for a very long school year...

All that being said, please know I understand your position. Even though I have taught for 23 years, provided material supplies rarely fill what you need.

Thanks, mikesmom... for your perspective and experience regarding school supplies. I agree with MagnetMom regarding email newsletters. I would further suggest that, if at all possible, teachers create a website where parents can go to review their child's status and grades. One of my son's 4th grade teachers did this, and it was GREAT.

Now, I realize that not all parents have a computer available to them, and some don't even like using email. I would suggest getting feedback from your students' parents to get preferences on how they would like to get information and updates from you. For those parents who don't use or have email, paper copies can be provided.

I also realize that there are teachers out there who don't like, or don't know how to use, email. In the LAUSD, teachers can activate an email address for themselves through the District, but many choose not to. This is unfortunate, since email and computers are so much a part of everyone's lives.

If a teacher knows a parent who can help set up a website, that would be a big plus to the teacher and the students.

Interesting perspective on the pencil boxes versus the bags. In my daughter's classrooms (K and 1st) the boxes remain on the top of the desks, so they never are put *in* the desk.

Another suggestion to save copy paper and ink cartridges would be to encourage the newsletters to go via email. It won't work for every family, because there are those that don't have internet or are just not "email" types, but at our school the constant feedback is for online/email versions of everything so they can access it 24/7. And everyone accessed online saves both the school and the parents money.