Ridiculous school supplies thread!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids go to school in another state and we don't have to buy school supplies. The PTO provides them (granted, they ask for an $1100 per student contribution for the PTO, so maybe I'd rather buy supplies)

Yep. My kid just graduated from a public elementary in SF where we never bought ANY school supplies beyond a backpack.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone think 72 pencils per child is excessive? Can anyone help me rationalize this?

Yes, along with out 24 glue sticks.

[Anonymous]

The volume of supplies is outrageous. I am the mother of a rising second grader in Richmond, Virginia. My child attends Virginia's first elementary charter school which purports to emphasize environmental stewardship. Yet they mandate throwing away thousands of slide lock plastic bags every year (for instance). I'm supposed to believe my child will use up 24 pencils and nearly 100 crayons, six 'pink pearl' erasers plus 15 pencil topper erasers, and oh so much more in one school year.

I've just completed this year's shopping which began with assembling items to be reused from last year (including pink pearl erasers since he barely used even one, folders, composition books with a few pages used, etc.) The second step is what I call "the quiet rebellion of noncompliance". I do not send in the amounts listed. I send in what he reasonably needs (and then some). This includes previously used, washed, and labeled slidelock plastic bags with my child's name on them. I send the requested classroom supplies (i.e., paper towels, tissues, etc.) but select products that are recycled and nontoxic.

I did this last year as well and added a note that I would resupply anything necessary and that I was happy to assist with needs for any child whose parents were unable to provide for him or her.

If more parents simply refused to comply with these absurd lists, change would follow. I also, via end of year survey, asked for explanation and justification for items and quantities and whether or not inventories are used. No response to that in this year's packet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone think 72 pencils per child is excessive? Can anyone help me rationalize this?

Yes, along with out 24 glue sticks.

That's a new pencil every 2-3 days based onthe length of the school year. That's excessive but I know my child uses a pencil in every class (parochial school - they write a lot!) every day so she does use a lot of them.

Her supply list is not excessive though and things like rulers, sharpeners, pencil cases, etc get used year to year. I always get new markers and crayons on super-sale and the old ones become our ones for home use.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The volume of supplies is outrageous. I am the mother of a rising second grader in Richmond, Virginia. My child attends Virginia's first elementary charter school which purports to emphasize environmental stewardship. Yet they mandate throwing away thousands of slide lock plastic bags every year (for instance). I'm supposed to believe my child will use up 24 pencils and nearly 100 crayons, six 'pink pearl' erasers plus 15 pencil topper erasers, and oh so much more in one school year.

I've just completed this year's shopping which began with assembling items to be reused from last year (including pink pearl erasers since he barely used even one, folders, composition books with a few pages used, etc.) The second step is what I call "the quiet rebellion of noncompliance". I do not send in the amounts listed. I send in what he reasonably needs (and then some). This includes previously used, washed, and labeled slidelock plastic bags with my child's name on them. I send the requested classroom supplies (i.e., paper towels, tissues, etc.) but select products that are recycled and nontoxic.

I did this last year as well and added a note that I would resupply anything necessary and that I was happy to assist with needs for any child whose parents were unable to provide for him or her.

If more parents simply refused to comply with these absurd lists, change would follow. I also, via end of year survey, asked for explanation and justification for items and quantities and whether or not inventories are used. No response to that in this year's packet.

That is just disgusting... I am so thankful not to be a teacher whose to deal with nutjob parent like you...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The volume of supplies is outrageous. I am the mother of a rising second grader in Richmond, Virginia. My child attends Virginia's first elementary charter school which purports to emphasize environmental stewardship. Yet they mandate throwing away thousands of slide lock plastic bags every year (for instance). I'm supposed to believe my child will use up 24 pencils and nearly 100 crayons, six 'pink pearl' erasers plus 15 pencil topper erasers, and oh so much more in one school year.

I've just completed this year's shopping which began with assembling items to be reused from last year (including pink pearl erasers since he barely used even one, folders, composition books with a few pages used, etc.) The second step is what I call "the quiet rebellion of noncompliance". I do not send in the amounts listed. I send in what he reasonably needs (and then some). This includes previously used, washed, and labeled slidelock plastic bags with my child's name on them. I send the requested classroom supplies (i.e., paper towels, tissues, etc.) but select products that are recycled and nontoxic.

I did this last year as well and added a note that I would resupply anything necessary and that I was happy to assist with needs for any child whose parents were unable to provide for him or her.

If more parents simply refused to comply with these absurd lists, change would follow. I also, via end of year survey, asked for explanation and justification for items and quantities and whether or not inventories are used. No response to that in this year's packet.

That is just disgusting... I am so thankful not to be a teacher whose to deal with nutjob parent like you...

bolded wrong sentence previously

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The volume of supplies is outrageous. I am the mother of a rising second grader in Richmond, Virginia. My child attends Virginia's first elementary charter school which purports to emphasize environmental stewardship. Yet they mandate throwing away thousands of slide lock plastic bags every year (for instance). I'm supposed to believe my child will use up 24 pencils and nearly 100 crayons, six 'pink pearl' erasers plus 15 pencil topper erasers, and oh so much more in one school year.

I've just completed this year's shopping which began with assembling items to be reused from last year (including pink pearl erasers since he barely used even one, folders, composition books with a few pages used, etc.) The second step is what I call "the quiet rebellion of noncompliance". I do not send in the amounts listed. I send in what he reasonably needs (and then some). This includes previously used, washed, and labeled slidelock plastic bags with my child's name on them. I send the requested classroom supplies (i.e., paper towels, tissues, etc.) but select products that are recycled and nontoxic.

I did this last year as well and added a note that I would resupply anything necessary and that I was happy to assist with needs for any child whose parents were unable to provide for him or her.

If more parents simply refused to comply with these absurd lists, change would follow. I also, via end of year survey, asked for explanation and justification for items and quantities and whether or not inventories are used. No response to that in this year's packet.

That is just disgusting... I am so thankful not to be a teacher whose to deal with nutjob parent like you...

bolded wrong sentence previously

What is disgusting? Re-using items each year? I always do this. Why buy a new ruler, pencils that are still long and with full erasers, markers, etc. if the ones from last year still have life to them? We are fortunate that our supply lists are very reasonable, but I will still re-use items that are still useable.

I was pissed to find out that the headphones that were on last years list were also used by kids who didn't have their own. When my son told me he was sharing his headphones, I had him bring them home and I disinfected them. I also told him to keep them in his backpack or cubby and not to leave them where he used to leave them. Seriously, headphones are under $10. I would have bought an extra pair if I had know there was a child in need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The volume of supplies is outrageous. I am the mother of a rising second grader in Richmond, Virginia. My child attends Virginia's first elementary charter school which purports to emphasize environmental stewardship. Yet they mandate throwing away thousands of slide lock plastic bags every year (for instance). I'm supposed to believe my child will use up 24 pencils and nearly 100 crayons, six 'pink pearl' erasers plus 15 pencil topper erasers, and oh so much more in one school year.

I've just completed this year's shopping which began with assembling items to be reused from last year (including pink pearl erasers since he barely used even one, folders, composition books with a few pages used, etc.) The second step is what I call "the quiet rebellion of noncompliance". I do not send in the amounts listed. I send in what he reasonably needs (and then some). This includes previously used, washed, and labeled slidelock plastic bags with my child's name on them. I send the requested classroom supplies (i.e., paper towels, tissues, etc.) but select products that are recycled and nontoxic.

I did this last year as well and added a note that I would resupply anything necessary and that I was happy to assist with needs for any child whose parents were unable to provide for him or her.

If more parents simply refused to comply with these absurd lists, change would follow. I also, via end of year survey, asked for explanation and justification for items and quantities and whether or not inventories are used. No response to that in this year's packet.

That is just disgusting... I am so thankful not to be a teacher whose to deal with nutjob parent like you...

bolded wrong sentence previously

What is disgusting? Re-using items each year? I always do this. Why buy a new ruler, pencils that are still long and with full erasers, markers, etc. if the ones from last year still have life to them? We are fortunate that our supply lists are very reasonable, but I will still re-use items that are still useable.

I was pissed to find out that the headphones that were on last years list were also used by kids who didn't have their own. When my son told me he was sharing his headphones, I had him bring them home and I disinfected them. I also told him to keep them in his backpack or cubby and not to leave them where he used to leave them. Seriously, headphones are under $10. I would have bought an extra pair if I had know there was a child in need.

NP. I think the "disgusting" was referring to sending in washed baggies that are recycled form one child as if the teacher isn't going to need those baggies for anything else except Special Student.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can't think of anything. I order our school supplies through the PTA. It's amazing!

What is ridiculous about a pencil sharpener and some play doh?

Why can't the classroom have a pencil sharpener that the whole class uses? That worked for my kindergarten class in 1990; it should work now.

And in 2014 it worked for us, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The volume of supplies is outrageous. I am the mother of a rising second grader in Richmond, Virginia. My child attends Virginia's first elementary charter school which purports to emphasize environmental stewardship. Yet they mandate throwing away thousands of slide lock plastic bags every year (for instance). I'm supposed to believe my child will use up 24 pencils and nearly 100 crayons, six 'pink pearl' erasers plus 15 pencil topper erasers, and oh so much more in one school year.

I've just completed this year's shopping which began with assembling items to be reused from last year (including pink pearl erasers since he barely used even one, folders, composition books with a few pages used, etc.) The second step is what I call "the quiet rebellion of noncompliance". I do not send in the amounts listed. I send in what he reasonably needs (and then some). This includes previously used, washed, and labeled slidelock plastic bags with my child's name on them. I send the requested classroom supplies (i.e., paper towels, tissues, etc.) but select products that are recycled and nontoxic.

I did this last year as well and added a note that I would resupply anything necessary and that I was happy to assist with needs for any child whose parents were unable to provide for him or her.

If more parents simply refused to comply with these absurd lists, change would follow. I also, via end of year survey, asked for explanation and justification for items and quantities and whether or not inventories are used. No response to that in this year's packet.

That is just disgusting... I am so thankful not to be a teacher whose to deal with nutjob parent like you...

bolded wrong sentence previously

What is disgusting? Re-using items each year? I always do this. Why buy a new ruler, pencils that are still long and with full erasers, markers, etc. if the ones from last year still have life to them? We are fortunate that our supply lists are very reasonable, but I will still re-use items that are still useable.

I was pissed to find out that the headphones that were on last years list were also used by kids who didn't have their own. When my son told me he was sharing his headphones, I had him bring them home and I disinfected them. I also told him to keep them in his backpack or cubby and not to leave them where he used to leave them. Seriously, headphones are under $10. I would have bought an extra pair if I had know there was a child in need.

NP. I think the "disgusting" was referring to sending in washed baggies that are recycled form one child as if the teacher isn't going to need those baggies for anything else except Special Student.

Do you throw out all your tupperware after you use it or do you wash it? What's the difference?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The volume of supplies is outrageous. I am the mother of a rising second grader in Richmond, Virginia. My child attends Virginia's first elementary charter school which purports to emphasize environmental stewardship. Yet they mandate throwing away thousands of slide lock plastic bags every year (for instance). I'm supposed to believe my child will use up 24 pencils and nearly 100 crayons, six 'pink pearl' erasers plus 15 pencil topper erasers, and oh so much more in one school year.

I've just completed this year's shopping which began with assembling items to be reused from last year (including pink pearl erasers since he barely used even one, folders, composition books with a few pages used, etc.) The second step is what I call "the quiet rebellion of noncompliance". I do not send in the amounts listed. I send in what he reasonably needs (and then some). This includes previously used, washed, and labeled slidelock plastic bags with my child's name on them. I send the requested classroom supplies (i.e., paper towels, tissues, etc.) but select products that are recycled and nontoxic.

I did this last year as well and added a note that I would resupply anything necessary and that I was happy to assist with needs for any child whose parents were unable to provide for him or her.

If more parents simply refused to comply with these absurd lists, change would follow. I also, via end of year survey, asked for explanation and justification for items and quantities and whether or not inventories are used. No response to that in this year's packet.

That is just disgusting... I am so thankful not to be a teacher whose to deal with nutjob parent like you...

bolded wrong sentence previously

What is disgusting? Re-using items each year? I always do this. Why buy a new ruler, pencils that are still long and with full erasers, markers, etc. if the ones from last year still have life to them? We are fortunate that our supply lists are very reasonable, but I will still re-use items that are still useable.

I was pissed to find out that the headphones that were on last years list were also used by kids who didn't have their own. When my son told me he was sharing his headphones, I had him bring them home and I disinfected them. I also told him to keep them in his backpack or cubby and not to leave them where he used to leave them. Seriously, headphones are under $10. I would have bought an extra pair if I had know there was a child in need.

NP. I think the "disgusting" was referring to sending in washed baggies that are recycled form one child as if the teacher isn't going to need those baggies for anything else except Special Student.

Do you throw out all your tupperware after you use it or do you wash it? What's the difference?

It's a lot easier to thoroughly clean tupperware. Disposable baggies aren't meant to be washed, and aren't designed for it.

[Anonymous]

1. The reason that brand names are listed has to do with the companies that put the pre-packaged boxes together, such as Schoolkidz. OF COURSE if you are buying your supplies individually you don't have to buy the exact model. You can buy more than 12 markers, for example, but that's what the pre-packaged box is going to contain.

2. I love it when kids have their own cheapo sharpeners. It's less distracting in the classroom. They can use the hand-cranked one at the beginning and end of the day but not throughout.

- Your friendly neighborhood teacher

[Anonymous]

Richmond mom, the supplies are almost definitely pooled. You aren't sending in things that only your son will use. I don't think the amounts requested are unreasonable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The volume of supplies is outrageous. I am the mother of a rising second grader in Richmond, Virginia. My child attends Virginia's first elementary charter school which purports to emphasize environmental stewardship. Yet they mandate throwing away thousands of slide lock plastic bags every year (for instance). I'm supposed to believe my child will use up 24 pencils and nearly 100 crayons, six 'pink pearl' erasers plus 15 pencil topper erasers, and oh so much more in one school year.

I've just completed this year's shopping which began with assembling items to be reused from last year (including pink pearl erasers since he barely used even one, folders, composition books with a few pages used, etc.) The second step is what I call "the quiet rebellion of noncompliance". I do not send in the amounts listed. I send in what he reasonably needs (and then some). This includes previously used, washed, and labeled slidelock plastic bags with my child's name on them. I send the requested classroom supplies (i.e., paper towels, tissues, etc.) but select products that are recycled and nontoxic.

I did this last year as well and added a note that I would resupply anything necessary and that I was happy to assist with needs for any child whose parents were unable to provide for him or her.

If more parents simply refused to comply with these absurd lists, change would follow. I also, via end of year survey, asked for explanation and justification for items and quantities and whether or not inventories are used. No response to that in this year's packet.

That is just disgusting... I am so thankful not to be a teacher whose to deal with nutjob parent like you...

bolded wrong sentence previously

What is disgusting? Re-using items each year? I always do this. Why buy a new ruler, pencils that are still long and with full erasers, markers, etc. if the ones from last year still have life to them? We are fortunate that our supply lists are very reasonable, but I will still re-use items that are still useable.

I was pissed to find out that the headphones that were on last years list were also used by kids who didn't have their own. When my son told me he was sharing his headphones, I had him bring them home and I disinfected them. I also told him to keep them in his backpack or cubby and not to leave them where he used to leave them. Seriously, headphones are under $10. I would have bought an extra pair if I had know there was a child in need.

I would freak out if my child was told to share his headphones. Teachers out there, do you really think this is OK? That's disgusting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The volume of supplies is outrageous. I am the mother of a rising second grader in Richmond, Virginia. My child attends Virginia's first elementary charter school which purports to emphasize environmental stewardship. Yet they mandate throwing away thousands of slide lock plastic bags every year (for instance). I'm supposed to believe my child will use up 24 pencils and nearly 100 crayons, six 'pink pearl' erasers plus 15 pencil topper erasers, and oh so much more in one school year.

I've just completed this year's shopping which began with assembling items to be reused from last year (including pink pearl erasers since he barely used even one, folders, composition books with a few pages used, etc.) The second step is what I call "the quiet rebellion of noncompliance". I do not send in the amounts listed. I send in what he reasonably needs (and then some). This includes previously used, washed, and labeled slidelock plastic bags with my child's name on them. I send the requested classroom supplies (i.e., paper towels, tissues, etc.) but select products that are recycled and nontoxic.

I did this last year as well and added a note that I would resupply anything necessary and that I was happy to assist with needs for any child whose parents were unable to provide for him or her.

If more parents simply refused to comply with these absurd lists, change would follow. I also, via end of year survey, asked for explanation and justification for items and quantities and whether or not inventories are used. No response to that in this year's packet.

That is just disgusting... I am so thankful not to be a teacher whose to deal with nutjob parent like you...

bolded wrong sentence previously

What is disgusting? Re-using items each year? I always do this. Why buy a new ruler, pencils that are still long and with full erasers, markers, etc. if the ones from last year still have life to them? We are fortunate that our supply lists are very reasonable, but I will still re-use items that are still useable.

I was pissed to find out that the headphones that were on last years list were also used by kids who didn't have their own. When my son told me he was sharing his headphones, I had him bring them home and I disinfected them. I also told him to keep them in his backpack or cubby and not to leave them where he used to leave them. Seriously, headphones are under $10. I would have bought an extra pair if I had know there was a child in need.

I would freak out if my child was told to share his headphones. Teachers out there, do you really think this is OK? That's disgusting.

The computer lab at my school has headphones already attached. Those headphones get used by everyone. The lower grade level classrooms also have headphones in place. No one ever calls it disgusting.