Amazon wishlist from teachers in wealthy schools?

[Anonymous]

If the school is not paying for it, why should the teachers?

[Anonymous]

I am assuming you are referring to wealthy public schools.

The teachers themselves are most likely not wealthy.

The teacher may be constantly asked by friends, family, community what they need.

Very likely a newer or younger teacher. Classrooms start out pretty empty. You need alot of stuff. Especially in elementary where you may need a rug if you want to sit on the floor, soft seating for a reading nook, decor. Classroom library. Board games for indoor recess. Art/craft supplies for 30 kids really adds up.

The school gives you desk, chairs and tables but little else. They have even become stingy with paper!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the school is not paying for it, why should the teachers?

We shouldn't. However, there are a lot of administrators who make excuses for all kinds of behavior and will quickly throw you under the bus if something goes wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the ask for extras is because schools want teachers to implement PBIS and then don't provide any of the materials to do so. A couple years ago my coworker was told she needed to provide a student with a specific type of candy as part of his behavior plan. The school did not provide the candy and neither did the student's parent. The teacher was told she had to provide the candy. Same with most of the other trinkets we're supposed to use for that system. I've had to set up Calming Corners before and was never given the funds for beanbag chairs, pillows, a rug, or any of the other stuff that went into the space.

I do not think calming corners are needed. Teachers buying candy for kids? what?!

I feel badly for teachers. Schools look like trash. My school is 30 years old and is just very beat up. The bathrooms have a permanent smell even. Teachers are trying to make up for the bad conditions with plush rugs, couches, chairs, stuffed animals everywhere and surfaces covered with cutesy phrases. It's basically like lipstick on a pig.

We had a decorating team at my office when we finished the build out. There was a color psychologist who we worked with. Our office is so nice now and truly isn't anything expensive. The finishes and colors used though make it seem very calming and high quality. We were told to never use white. Then I go to my kids trashy school and it's white cinder block walls, rotten ceiling tiles, fluorescent lights, and very dated bathrooms. The 8ft ceilings are what really feels oppressive though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the ask for extras is because schools want teachers to implement PBIS and then don't provide any of the materials to do so. A couple years ago my coworker was told she needed to provide a student with a specific type of candy as part of his behavior plan. The school did not provide the candy and neither did the student's parent. The teacher was told she had to provide the candy. Same with most of the other trinkets we're supposed to use for that system. I've had to set up Calming Corners before and was never given the funds for beanbag chairs, pillows, a rug, or any of the other stuff that went into the space.

I do not think calming corners are needed. Teachers buying candy for kids? what?!

I feel badly for teachers. Schools look like trash. My school is 30 years old and is just very beat up. The bathrooms have a permanent smell even. Teachers are trying to make up for the bad conditions with plush rugs, couches, chairs, stuffed animals everywhere and surfaces covered with cutesy phrases. It's basically like lipstick on a pig.

We had a decorating team at my office when we finished the build out. There was a color psychologist who we worked with. Our office is so nice now and truly isn't anything expensive. The finishes and colors used though make it seem very calming and high quality. We were told to never use white. Then I go to my kids trashy school and it's white cinder block walls, rotten ceiling tiles, fluorescent lights, and very dated bathrooms. The 8ft ceilings are what really feels oppressive though.

Maybe you should offer to pay for a color psychologist to visit the school, PP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the ask for extras is because schools want teachers to implement PBIS and then don't provide any of the materials to do so. A couple years ago my coworker was told she needed to provide a student with a specific type of candy as part of his behavior plan. The school did not provide the candy and neither did the student's parent. The teacher was told she had to provide the candy. Same with most of the other trinkets we're supposed to use for that system. I've had to set up Calming Corners before and was never given the funds for beanbag chairs, pillows, a rug, or any of the other stuff that went into the space.

I do not think calming corners are needed. Teachers buying candy for kids? what?!

I feel badly for teachers. Schools look like trash. My school is 30 years old and is just very beat up. The bathrooms have a permanent smell even. Teachers are trying to make up for the bad conditions with plush rugs, couches, chairs, stuffed animals everywhere and surfaces covered with cutesy phrases. It's basically like lipstick on a pig.

We had a decorating team at my office when we finished the build out. There was a color psychologist who we worked with. Our office is so nice now and truly isn't anything expensive. The finishes and colors used though make it seem very calming and high quality. We were told to never use white. Then I go to my kids trashy school and it's white cinder block walls, rotten ceiling tiles, fluorescent lights, and very dated bathrooms. The 8ft ceilings are what really feels oppressive though.

Maybe you should offer to pay for a color psychologist to visit the school, PP.

You know- we pay A LOT in taxes for these gross schools. It’s like 65% of our taxes. Is there some reason they never get updated or cleaned? Maybe if we cut out all the litigation fighting special needs families we could afford things.

My mom says that when she was a kid and they misbehaved, they had to pick weeds during detention. Not a bad idea considering my school doesn’t have a single flower or anything in any of the beds (and never has). The landscaping looks like it’s an abandoned building.

[Anonymous]

Teacher.....I teach PK at a borderline Title 1 school. Majority of my students rely on the free breakfast/lunch program. In addition buying class rewards gifts. I also purchase underwear, toothbrushes, additional snacks and I bring in the clothes that my children outgrew and bring them in for my students. I worked in a public school in APS, we asked the parents for donations and every items was bought. With the parents here while I do have a Amazon wishlist I do not send the list out unless asked. On our general school supply list it notes donations are appreciated not mandatory.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How is this "tacky" if they are using the supplies to benefit their classrooms? Do you suspect they are, like, reselling Mr. Sketch markers on the black market for a profit? If it was easier to get the supplies through their admin don't you think they'd do that?

I am an admin in higher education and I have access to a basically unlimited budget for supplies. If I spend my own money and get it reimbursed (which I approve because I'm in charge) it's easy and fast. If I go through the proper channels that do not require me to front money, then it can take WEEKS to receive what I need. That doesn't work for most teachers.

Most schools don't let teachers buy anything, quickly, with autonomy, even if they're wealthy. Somewhere there are allocations but more often than not they're centralized and timed or involve complicated request or grants from the PTA/PTO.

Being a teacher is hard if you are not wealthy or well off enough to get a box of markers or cardstock or books or snacks at will to support your teaching.

Because the “wish lists” are filled with a bunch of crap they don’t actually need.

Like what? Give us examples.

+1

NP OK I'll give examples!
-chairs and cushions for the classroom floor for kids to sit on
-bags of stuffed animals so each kid gets a "reading buddy"
-organizing bins for every single surface
-things to make fancy murals on each bulletin board
-framed art
-shelves
-mini fridge
-carpets
-prizes
-different themed decor every year

Things schools SHOULD provide but aren't:
-benches. My teacher last year bought benches for the playground because the alternative was that teachers stand the entire time or sit in the dirt.
-reams of paper
-tissues
-cleaning supplies
-soap
-whiteboard markers for teachers

Those are all appropriate. Who do you think pays for those things? Teachers. School system or school should pay and doesn’t.

Actually I think all of these things are totally unnecessary. There is soap in every bathroom and I’m sure it’s stocked in the janitorial closet should a teacher want to refill a dispenser for class (if there is a sink). The school also stocks bleach and spray bottles. The teacher doesn’t meant 20+ tubs of Clorox/Lysol wipes, those are expensive and wasteful. A spray bottle with 1:10 bleach and the brown paper towels are all that’s really needed. Tissues are not necessary, parents can send with their own child. Otherwise, they use brown paper towels. The school supplies black markers. Majority of work and teaching is done on Chromebook anyway

Bleach has a horrible smell and is costly. Why would you begrudge teachers wipes to clean?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How is this "tacky" if they are using the supplies to benefit their classrooms? Do you suspect they are, like, reselling Mr. Sketch markers on the black market for a profit? If it was easier to get the supplies through their admin don't you think they'd do that?

I am an admin in higher education and I have access to a basically unlimited budget for supplies. If I spend my own money and get it reimbursed (which I approve because I'm in charge) it's easy and fast. If I go through the proper channels that do not require me to front money, then it can take WEEKS to receive what I need. That doesn't work for most teachers.

Most schools don't let teachers buy anything, quickly, with autonomy, even if they're wealthy. Somewhere there are allocations but more often than not they're centralized and timed or involve complicated request or grants from the PTA/PTO.

Being a teacher is hard if you are not wealthy or well off enough to get a box of markers or cardstock or books or snacks at will to support your teaching.

As a decent admin you’d make sure teachers have what they need in advance.

Do you know how fiscal year budgets work?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the ask for extras is because schools want teachers to implement PBIS and then don't provide any of the materials to do so. A couple years ago my coworker was told she needed to provide a student with a specific type of candy as part of his behavior plan. The school did not provide the candy and neither did the student's parent. The teacher was told she had to provide the candy. Same with most of the other trinkets we're supposed to use for that system. I've had to set up Calming Corners before and was never given the funds for beanbag chairs, pillows, a rug, or any of the other stuff that went into the space.

I do not think calming corners are needed. Teachers buying candy for kids? what?!

I feel badly for teachers. Schools look like trash. My school is 30 years old and is just very beat up. The bathrooms have a permanent smell even. Teachers are trying to make up for the bad conditions with plush rugs, couches, chairs, stuffed animals everywhere and surfaces covered with cutesy phrases. It's basically like lipstick on a pig.

We had a decorating team at my office when we finished the build out. There was a color psychologist who we worked with. Our office is so nice now and truly isn't anything expensive. The finishes and colors used though make it seem very calming and high quality. We were told to never use white. Then I go to my kids trashy school and it's white cinder block walls, rotten ceiling tiles, fluorescent lights, and very dated bathrooms. The 8ft ceilings are what really feels oppressive though.

Maybe you should offer to pay for a color psychologist to visit the school, PP.

You know- we pay A LOT in taxes for these gross schools. It’s like 65% of our taxes. Is there some reason they never get updated or cleaned? Maybe if we cut out all the litigation fighting special needs families we could afford things.

My mom says that when she was a kid and they misbehaved, they had to pick weeds during detention. Not a bad idea considering my school doesn’t have a single flower or anything in any of the beds (and never has). The landscaping looks like it’s an abandoned building.

At my kids' elementary, the PTA handles beautifying the interior courtyard and outside areas. They do a fall and spring cleanup. The district does have workers but they don't have money for extras.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the school is not paying for it, why should the teachers?

They shouldn’t. They can do without bean bag chairs and stress balls

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How is this "tacky" if they are using the supplies to benefit their classrooms? Do you suspect they are, like, reselling Mr. Sketch markers on the black market for a profit? If it was easier to get the supplies through their admin don't you think they'd do that?

I am an admin in higher education and I have access to a basically unlimited budget for supplies. If I spend my own money and get it reimbursed (which I approve because I'm in charge) it's easy and fast. If I go through the proper channels that do not require me to front money, then it can take WEEKS to receive what I need. That doesn't work for most teachers.

Most schools don't let teachers buy anything, quickly, with autonomy, even if they're wealthy. Somewhere there are allocations but more often than not they're centralized and timed or involve complicated request or grants from the PTA/PTO.

Being a teacher is hard if you are not wealthy or well off enough to get a box of markers or cardstock or books or snacks at will to support your teaching.

Because the “wish lists” are filled with a bunch of crap they don’t actually need.

Like what? Give us examples.

+1

NP OK I'll give examples!
-chairs and cushions for the classroom floor for kids to sit on
-bags of stuffed animals so each kid gets a "reading buddy"
-organizing bins for every single surface
-things to make fancy murals on each bulletin board
-framed art
-shelves
-mini fridge
-carpets
-prizes
-different themed decor every year

Things schools SHOULD provide but aren't:
-benches. My teacher last year bought benches for the playground because the alternative was that teachers stand the entire time or sit in the dirt.
-reams of paper
-tissues
-cleaning supplies
-soap
-whiteboard markers for teachers

Those are all appropriate. Who do you think pays for those things? Teachers. School system or school should pay and doesn’t.

Actually I think all of these things are totally unnecessary. There is soap in every bathroom and I’m sure it’s stocked in the janitorial closet should a teacher want to refill a dispenser for class (if there is a sink). The school also stocks bleach and spray bottles. The teacher doesn’t meant 20+ tubs of Clorox/Lysol wipes, those are expensive and wasteful. A spray bottle with 1:10 bleach and the brown paper towels are all that’s really needed. Tissues are not necessary, parents can send with their own child. Otherwise, they use brown paper towels. The school supplies black markers. Majority of work and teaching is done on Chromebook anyway

Bleach has a horrible smell and is costly. Why would you begrudge teachers wipes to clean?

Because those wipes are expensive, and create tons of plastic waste. Bleach is cheap and schools always have it. They already order generic disinfectant and spray bottles in bulk. A spray bottle properly dilated with whatever disinfectant the school stocks is perfectly fine. Teachers need to used what is available

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the ask for extras is because schools want teachers to implement PBIS and then don't provide any of the materials to do so. A couple years ago my coworker was told she needed to provide a student with a specific type of candy as part of his behavior plan. The school did not provide the candy and neither did the student's parent. The teacher was told she had to provide the candy. Same with most of the other trinkets we're supposed to use for that system. I've had to set up Calming Corners before and was never given the funds for beanbag chairs, pillows, a rug, or any of the other stuff that went into the space.

I do not think calming corners are needed. Teachers buying candy for kids? what?!

I feel badly for teachers. Schools look like trash. My school is 30 years old and is just very beat up. The bathrooms have a permanent smell even. Teachers are trying to make up for the bad conditions with plush rugs, couches, chairs, stuffed animals everywhere and surfaces covered with cutesy phrases. It's basically like lipstick on a pig.

We had a decorating team at my office when we finished the build out. There was a color psychologist who we worked with. Our office is so nice now and truly isn't anything expensive. The finishes and colors used though make it seem very calming and high quality. We were told to never use white. Then I go to my kids trashy school and it's white cinder block walls, rotten ceiling tiles, fluorescent lights, and very dated bathrooms. The 8ft ceilings are what really feels oppressive though.

Maybe you should offer to pay for a color psychologist to visit the school, PP.

You know- we pay A LOT in taxes for these gross schools. It’s like 65% of our taxes. Is there some reason they never get updated or cleaned? Maybe if we cut out all the litigation fighting special needs families we could afford things.

My mom says that when she was a kid and they misbehaved, they had to pick weeds during detention. Not a bad idea considering my school doesn’t have a single flower or anything in any of the beds (and never has). The landscaping looks like it’s an abandoned building.

Interesting that you attack the most vulnerable population.

[Anonymous]

It comes down to this. Between the teacher and the parents of the students, not all is equal.

You have wealthier parents
Wealthier teachers. (Yes)
Parents who are scraping by or even desperately trying to save and do the right things (even with rising costs)
And new teachers, teachers on one salary, etc.

I, who is desperately trying to pay off college loans (for a direct one-to-one career), and save for my now 9th grader, may actually be less wealthy than 50% of the teachers I meet.

I am generous enough bc you are helping my kid. But I can’t do a lot of extras.

[Anonymous]

Helping teachers get supplies because the school literally won’t, isn’t tacky. Sign me up.

Bu teachers asking parents get supplies because they don’t want to go through the process (whatever that is) is intensely entitled. Only ordering from Office Depot, needing to put supply orders in weeks in advance, or having purchases approved is not a hardship, it’s part of most jobs.