When I first started teaching decades ago, the school supplies list had maybe ten times on it. Most of the items lived in the student’s deck. A box of quart size zip lock bags and a box of tissues were collected and used by the class as needed.
With budget cutbacks due to a tough economy school supply lists seem to have gotten longer and they no longer contain just the items a student will keep in their desks. Many of the items are for the teacher and classroom.
JDaniel’s preschool class list includes things like Clorox wipes, thin washable whiteboard markers, cardstock, and baby wipes. These items for the whole class and I totally understand they are needed.
Another trend that I have noticed is the listing of very specific items and brands. I get that there is a reason for that. There really are some brands of crayons that I favor over others and I always loved when a particular brand of tissues was sent in. Sometimes it can be hard to find them though.
JDaniel’s school supplies list contained mostly brand specific items. As I mentioned some of them I understand. Some seemed like a personal preference. Given that they were the teacher’s preference I bought them. I know teachers deserve the best.
I bought everything on the list. It took me visits to two store to find the right items with the right brand names. Thankfully some of the items were on sale. I did search briefly for coupons and price matches for the remaining items, but wasn’t able to find any.
While at Walmart searching for a specific type of marker with the help of a Walmart clerk, I showed her my list and asked her if she had seen any of these on items on sale. She commented that she hadn’t even seen price matches for them in the paper.
“You are probably one of those handful of parents that will buy all those items in the brands they are asked for. You are blessed to be able to afford to,” she pointed out. She also mentioned that she had been blessed to be able to afford the supplies on her list too.
Many of you have been rushing around to find the school supplies on your children’s lists. Your list was probably not as specific. Many of my friend’s children’s list weren’t either although. I bet there may be some of you that do have this kind of list.
When I asked some of you on Facebook about this issue of growing supply list and my list in general, I got wonderful responses. Many pointed out the schools need the supplies and if we can afford them we should give all that we can. Others shared how expensive the school supplies were getting. Still others pointed out that what I spent for school supplies isn’t anything compared to what they are having to spend.
I thought I had spent a lot. Last year I spent around $30 for JDaniel’s K3 school supplies. This year due to my not doing a great job of searching more than two stores and not having coupons the cost of supplies was $50. I still have to buy his handwriting book so the total will go up.
My cost isn’t typical of what my friends have spent. Several friends have children that go to a school that just asks parents to sent in $25 for supplies.
What do you think about this?
Has your school supply request list grown longer and longer?
Did you have any unique supply items on your list?
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About Deirdre
Welcome! My name is Deirdre and I am JDaniel4's Mom. After teaching in Virginia for twenty years, I was a stay at home mom learning and growing beside my son JDaniel the 4th for five years. I recently went back to teaching at a local school here in South Carolina.
I was at the store the other day and was surprised to see what parents were being asked to buy on their school lists – especially for preschool. I think it is terrific that parents are so diligent in purchasing the right supplies but did have that nagging worry about those that really can’t afford it.
My kiddos aren’t at the stage yet. Thankfully, our daycare just adds a one-time supply fee at the beginning of the year that takes care of it all (and saves me from driving all around).
However, I have heard the same tales of longer, more specific lists from friends. I suspect the tighter school budgets have something to do with it. At this point in our lives, we could afford it, but I do wonder/worry what message we are sending to those who can’t.
To me, $30-$50 once a year isn’t too much for a school to ask. But it may be a better idea to designate each month for a certain supply or two to help spread it out.
I’m going to take a hard-line opinion here… yes, the supply lists have gotten much longer and much more specific. But as you said with budget cuts, the teachers are allotted next to nothing for classroom supplies. My best friend teaches kindergarten and even with a class supply list including things like dry erase markers (for the individual boards the students use) and post-it notes (for letter activities), she tells me she spends between $100-$200 EACH MONTH on additional classroom supplies – cleaning things, etc. The base salary for teachers in our state is not far from the mark to qualify for public assistance. I know that some people really, really can’t afford even $25 on supplies, but when people comment about not being able to afford something important like preparing your child for school, I often wonder how many TVs they have in their house. Who really needs four TVs? Who really needs even two? I also wonder if the family goes out to eat a lot. Those are two very, very simple ways people can save money – cut down on restaurants and TVs. Neither is a need and both can save ample cash for things that really matter…. like providing for your child’s education. While I empathize with all situations, I also think many people need to set their priorities straight.
It sounds like your friend is an amazing teacher. I wish she could have all the supplies she needs and a great salary.
Anonymoussays
I teach pre k and have asked the parents to bring in 45 dollars for supplies. That takes care of the nap mat, the mat bag, the pre k school bag and EVERYTHING ELSE FOR THE YEAR…that way I get what I know we need when we need it. I don’t have the space to store everything… If a parent cannot come up with the supply fee, they can pay as we go, or split it into semesters. Easier on everyone!
Wow! Your fee covers a mat and school bag. You have great value in your supply list.
Christine Wsays
You hit a hot button with me! Although I did price compare, shop sales the best I could, used coupons, etc., I still spent over $100 on my 2 kids supply lists! They are going into 1&3. I do understand some of the items, but some are just plain nit picky and excessive. 5 primary composition journals for my 1st grader! At $4 each (only Office Depot carries them here and they don’t go on sale) I think that is excessive. I don’t see how they will use them all. 10 large glue sticks- not normal ones that can be found on sale for less than $.50. These typically run $2-3 each! The zipping binder is another item I don’t really understand. Really? They are typically about $20 each. I dare not go with the normal binder b/c I don’t want my daughter singled out as the only one who doesn’t have it. And the dividers for the binder, normal ones (where you write the subject on it and slip the piece of paper into the divider) isn’t good enough! No it has to be the “write on” ones that are $3 that don’t go on sale instead of the ones that were on sale at Walgreens for $.15. It is out of hand! Not to mention the 9 boxes of tissues (large by the way) they need. Grrrrrrrrr.
Ann Flowersays
Christine~
I think I know why they need 4 composition notebooks. Most likely they are to be used for journals in specific content areas. A science notebook, a writing journal, a math notebook (students now must explain how they arrived at an answer), and possibly a reading journal.
Just thought I might help explain why they need so many.
As a former teacher, I can tell you that I spent at least $50 a month on classroom supplies out of my own pocket. But I agree, it has gotten crazy with asking for specific brands. Why do preschoolers and kindergartners need more than crayons, paper, pencils, scissors and lots of glue. Sure boxes of Kleenix and wipes are needed – but who cares what brand? I had great friends who would buy extra supplies for my classroom and that helped. It is hard enough for some parents to buy the entire list without asking for specific brands. Plus they need to buy the children’s clothes and shoes. I sure did appreciate the parents who could afford to buy extra boxes of crayons and glue because that is what we needed most.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshellsays
Although I would probably buy the brand they asked, it’s kind of annoying that they’re asking that.For many people it would be tough enough to buy the generic brand for the item.
Yes, I think the supply list gets more expensive as the student gets older. I remember my kids supply lists in middle and high school were super specific and I would go in search of each item. Cha-ching! I laugh when I used to think diapers and formula were so expensive, little did I know that everything else they need growing up costs a lot more….it’s all good though:)
~ Noellesays
broxton will be in K3 this year… he had like 5 items.. my friends kid was in Kindergarten last year and she said it was 3 PAGES of items… wow…
I’m kind of confused about private preschools and daycare asking for supplies. Shouldn’t that be built into the cost? Since you’re already paying. I understand for public schools though. My sister who is a teacher gets $100 for the while year. My dad used to spend $3k to 5k per year on supplies.
http://livingatthewhiteheadszoo.blogspot.com/says
I was shocked at how long our list for 1/2 day preschool was. 4 packs of crayons, hand sanitizer, antibacterial soap, baby wipes, and antibacterial wipes, ziplock bags , paper towels. Lots more . I bought everything but ouch to my pocket book. Then I have two in high school who needed certain calculators and certain notebooks that were likr $7 each and more. Theres isn’t soo long but I can’t see why the teacher can’t use the $3 notebook vs the $7 one ya know.
Lisa Brownsays
Schools have such sever cut backs these days that they need the help. I don’t mind getting what is needed, and then some. It is very much appreciated.
Jeannettesays
I’m a Pre-K teacher in a private school and our complete school list, including the books they use, may go up to $200. I ask for specific brands but any brand is welcome and I really am thankful when a parent brings extras. My school and the parents that are here are very protective of their things and you have to erase the concept of “this is mine and I can’t share it with anyone because my mom said so” from every student. This year I asked the parents to wrap everything in a single color and we are sharing everything from scissors to glue, crayons, markers etc. Hopefully by the end of this new school year I will be able to cut our supply list in half. Maybe other teachers will join in too. My school doesn’t give me money for extra materials I may need during the school year. As for what I spend each month, I barely can spend anything extra because my husband lost his job and my income is barely enough for both of us. I try to make the best of my school year with what I get from the parents and I also try to look for ways to make things from stuff we may all throw out otherwise. I hope this helps parents understand a little bit better that we only want what is best for our students too. Warm wishes to all and let the learning begin!
Haven’t reached this stage yet (The Fairy is still at pre school), but not sure it works the same way in the UK. We do have random requests for raffle tickets and cakes for fundraising tho that’s the nearest we get but we don’t supply anything the child doesn’t use themselves (eg I provide wellie boots and a sun hat that’s it all glue paper etc is paid for by the school).
Emmysays
In California they just provide lists of stuff that they suggest you donate and you don’t even have to– but I always do for sure. Growing up, each child had to have their own supplies and yes the list was a lot shorter and more simple. In a lot of ways it seems like that is the way it still should be.
Elenasays
I was able to buy most of the school supplies very cheap at Target and Walmart on sale. Many items were 50c or less.
We are just doing “preschool” at home this year. $50 does seem like a lot of money for supplies. I know that teachers shouldn’t have to pay for kids supplies, but I wonder how some families afford that kind of expense too.
RedTedArtsays
Oh interesting. I think we are heading that way (very slowly). We give a “voluntary” contribution on a term by term basis. Though not sure how voluntary it really is. I think it is fine to do so for those families that can afford it, but I know not all can, and I wonder whether they feel pressured?
As awful as it sounds it makes me so glad to live in the UK. I purchase school uniform and that’s all. Saying that the uniform sets us back around £100 for infant school £25 for pre-School
We’ve just finished with our school supplies, and my son is in 8 grade, so he needs different thing such as flash drive, which is not cheap..
I don’t like specific brand names and I would rather give the people a choice to get what they can afford!
Leigh Powell Hines (Hines-Sight Blog)says
I went to wal_mart. My list wasn’t brand specific, and I almost appreciated it when it was because then I knew I was buying the right thing. Great post.
My girls go to a private Waldorf school. We do have a supply fee built into tuition. Kindergarten started on Monday and they don’t need anything. I really kinda wanted to buy something!
Anonymoussays
My favorite thing has always bee those new school supplies since I was a little girl. I was blessed with 3 girls of my own who all loved the special gel pens and smelly markers and the smell of new books. This is my last daughter’s last year in high school and I will miss back to school shopping. I think that having a specific list is great to make sure everyone has what they need but in that case they may as well be prepurchased and parents just pay a fee as it may be cheaper in bulk. We have a local stationery store that makes up packages off the school lists to sell for busy parents. Having had girls though, I find that part of the thrill of going back to school is being able to choose those special items. Everyone works better with tools that they love
Oh my goodness – I guess we are pretty lucky where I live! My daughter is in pre-primary, and we had to supply a box of tissues, a packet of dishwashing-type sponges, and one glue stick. That was it (plus her school bag & library bag obviously, but they are hers). It is a private school though. I don’t know what public schools ask for here.
Cakes and Scribblessays
We don’t pay anything for supplies as such ( in the UK ) but my son’s school does a lot of fundraising organised by the parents to raise money for items like cameras and outdoor equipment.
Our school didn’t ask for specific brands, but the list is still fairly long. This reminds me that we really need to go shopping, since our school year starts on Monday!
Starting last year, my daughters’ school stopped with the supply lists and now requests a sum of money to pay for each child’s supplies. I don’t know which system is better/worse. It’s all overwhelming and expensive . . . !
Mama Pantssays
This is our first year buying supplies. I was shocked at how long the list was for PRESCHOOL! I can only imagine what that’s going to grow into. :shudder
Vickysays
We are still in preschool where we pay so there is no supply list. When I taught in private school there was no supply list for the kids either. I have taught in public schools where there was, though I was never specific about what brands parents should buy. Vicky from http://www.messforless.net
Anonymoussays
I don’t have a problem with providing supplies for my child and the box of tissues for the room, but when the school list requests 72 pencils per child, like my child’s did last year, that’s excessive. Realize, that’s more than one pencil per week. If they want us to supply for those who can’t afford it, then just ask for extra supplies on a voluntary basis. My sister is a substitute teacher and she said one teacher had over a 100 packs of loose leaf paper in her closet last year and there was only a month left of school.
Katie Esays
This year is my oldest daughter’s first year of middle school and the supply list is just too much – and I’m generally one who doesn’t have an issue. A few items on her list: 5 (yes 5) 1.5 inch hard binders, 3 composition notebooks, a scientific calculator (specific brand), a flash drive, ear buds, a pocket portfolio, dry erase markers…it goes on and on. I couldn’t believe how much money I spent this year! But what bothers me more than the money is the fact that I don’t understand how she’ll carry around all that stuff!
I was at the store the other day and was surprised to see what parents were being asked to buy on their school lists – especially for preschool. I think it is terrific that parents are so diligent in purchasing the right supplies but did have that nagging worry about those that really can’t afford it.
I think so school get donations from businesses.
I got most of ours at the Dollar Tree, which was cheaper than Walmart. I did have to go to Walmart for Fiskars brand scissors and fat glue sticks.
Sounds like a great way to gather supplies.
My kiddos aren’t at the stage yet. Thankfully, our daycare just adds a one-time supply fee at the beginning of the year that takes care of it all (and saves me from driving all around).
However, I have heard the same tales of longer, more specific lists from friends. I suspect the tighter school budgets have something to do with it. At this point in our lives, we could afford it, but I do wonder/worry what message we are sending to those who can’t.
I am in the happy we can affort it camp too.
To me, $30-$50 once a year isn’t too much for a school to ask. But it may be a better idea to designate each month for a certain supply or two to help spread it out.
It was just suprised at the cost in preschool.
I’m going to take a hard-line opinion here… yes, the supply lists have gotten much longer and much more specific. But as you said with budget cuts, the teachers are allotted next to nothing for classroom supplies. My best friend teaches kindergarten and even with a class supply list including things like dry erase markers (for the individual boards the students use) and post-it notes (for letter activities), she tells me she spends between $100-$200 EACH MONTH on additional classroom supplies – cleaning things, etc. The base salary for teachers in our state is not far from the mark to qualify for public assistance.
I know that some people really, really can’t afford even $25 on supplies, but when people comment about not being able to afford something important like preparing your child for school, I often wonder how many TVs they have in their house. Who really needs four TVs? Who really needs even two? I also wonder if the family goes out to eat a lot. Those are two very, very simple ways people can save money – cut down on restaurants and TVs. Neither is a need and both can save ample cash for things that really matter…. like providing for your child’s education. While I empathize with all situations, I also think many people need to set their priorities straight.
I used to buy a lot of supplies too.
It sounds like your friend is an amazing teacher. I wish she could have all the supplies she needs and a great salary.
I teach pre k and have asked the parents to bring in 45 dollars for supplies. That takes care of the nap mat, the mat bag, the pre k school bag and EVERYTHING ELSE FOR THE YEAR…that way I get what I know we need when we need it. I don’t have the space to store everything… If a parent cannot come up with the supply fee, they can pay as we go, or split it into semesters. Easier on everyone!
Wow! Your fee covers a mat and school bag. You have great value in your supply list.
You hit a hot button with me! Although I did price compare, shop sales the best I could, used coupons, etc., I still spent over $100 on my 2 kids supply lists! They are going into 1&3. I do understand some of the items, but some are just plain nit picky and excessive. 5 primary composition journals for my 1st grader! At $4 each (only Office Depot carries them here and they don’t go on sale) I think that is excessive. I don’t see how they will use them all. 10 large glue sticks- not normal ones that can be found on sale for less than $.50. These typically run $2-3 each! The zipping binder is another item I don’t really understand. Really? They are typically about $20 each. I dare not go with the normal binder b/c I don’t want my daughter singled out as the only one who doesn’t have it. And the dividers for the binder, normal ones (where you write the subject on it and slip the piece of paper into the divider) isn’t good enough! No it has to be the “write on” ones that are $3 that don’t go on sale instead of the ones that were on sale at Walgreens for $.15. It is out of hand! Not to mention the 9 boxes of tissues (large by the way) they need. Grrrrrrrrr.
Christine~
I think I know why they need 4 composition notebooks. Most likely they are to be used for journals in specific content areas. A science notebook, a writing journal, a math notebook (students now must explain how they arrived at an answer), and possibly a reading journal.
Just thought I might help explain why they need so many.
As a former teacher, I can tell you that I spent at least $50 a month on classroom supplies out of my own pocket. But I agree, it has gotten crazy with asking for specific brands. Why do preschoolers and kindergartners need more than crayons, paper, pencils, scissors and lots of glue. Sure boxes of Kleenix and wipes are needed – but who cares what brand? I had great friends who would buy extra supplies for my classroom and that helped. It is hard enough for some parents to buy the entire list without asking for specific brands. Plus they need to buy the children’s clothes and shoes. I sure did appreciate the parents who could afford to buy extra boxes of crayons and glue because that is what we needed most.
Although I would probably buy the brand they asked, it’s kind of annoying that they’re asking that.For many people it would be tough enough to buy the generic brand for the item.
Yes, I think the supply list gets more expensive as the student gets older. I remember my kids supply lists in middle and high school were super specific and I would go in search of each item. Cha-ching! I laugh when I used to think diapers and formula were so expensive, little did I know that everything else they need growing up costs a lot more….it’s all good though:)
broxton will be in K3 this year… he had like 5 items.. my friends kid was in Kindergarten last year and she said it was 3 PAGES of items…
wow…
I’m kind of confused about private preschools and daycare asking for supplies. Shouldn’t that be built into the cost? Since you’re already paying. I understand for public schools though. My sister who is a teacher gets $100 for the while year. My dad used to spend $3k to 5k per year on supplies.
I was shocked at how long our list for 1/2 day preschool was. 4 packs of crayons, hand sanitizer, antibacterial soap, baby wipes, and antibacterial wipes, ziplock bags , paper towels. Lots more . I bought everything but ouch to my pocket book. Then I have two in high school who needed certain calculators and certain notebooks that were likr $7 each and more. Theres isn’t soo long but I can’t see why the teacher can’t use the $3 notebook vs the $7 one ya know.
Schools have such sever cut backs these days that they need the help. I don’t mind getting what is needed, and then some. It is very much appreciated.
I’m a Pre-K teacher in a private school and our complete school list, including the books they use, may go up to $200. I ask for specific brands but any brand is welcome and I really am thankful when a parent brings extras. My school and the parents that are here are very protective of their things and you have to erase the concept of “this is mine and I can’t share it with anyone because my mom said so” from every student. This year I asked the parents to wrap everything in a single color and we are sharing everything from scissors to glue, crayons, markers etc. Hopefully by the end of this new school year I will be able to cut our supply list in half. Maybe other teachers will join in too. My school doesn’t give me money for extra materials I may need during the school year. As for what I spend each month, I barely can spend anything extra because my husband lost his job and my income is barely enough for both of us. I try to make the best of my school year with what I get from the parents and I also try to look for ways to make things from stuff we may all throw out otherwise. I hope this helps parents understand a little bit better that we only want what is best for our students too. Warm wishes to all and let the learning begin!
Haven’t reached this stage yet (The Fairy is still at pre school), but not sure it works the same way in the UK. We do have random requests for raffle tickets and cakes for fundraising tho that’s the nearest we get but we don’t supply anything the child doesn’t use themselves (eg I provide wellie boots and a sun hat that’s it all glue paper etc is paid for by the school).
In California they just provide lists of stuff that they suggest you donate and you don’t even have to– but I always do for sure. Growing up, each child had to have their own supplies and yes the list was a lot shorter and more simple. In a lot of ways it seems like that is the way it still should be.
I was able to buy most of the school supplies very cheap at Target and Walmart on sale. Many items were 50c or less.
We are just doing “preschool” at home this year. $50 does seem like a lot of money for supplies. I know that teachers shouldn’t have to pay for kids supplies, but I wonder how some families afford that kind of expense too.
Oh interesting. I think we are heading that way (very slowly). We give a “voluntary” contribution on a term by term basis. Though not sure how voluntary it really is. I think it is fine to do so for those families that can afford it, but I know not all can, and I wonder whether they feel pressured?
Tricky one!
The one that always killed me was the compass. My kids never used it once.
=)
This year is going to be very expensive school supplies in Spain.
As awful as it sounds it makes me so glad to live in the UK. I purchase school uniform and that’s all. Saying that the uniform sets us back around £100 for infant school £25 for pre-School
We’ve just finished with our school supplies, and my son is in 8 grade, so he needs different thing such as flash drive, which is not cheap..
I don’t like specific brand names and I would rather give the people a choice to get what they can afford!
I went to wal_mart. My list wasn’t brand specific, and I almost appreciated it when it was because then I knew I was buying the right thing. Great post.
My girls go to a private Waldorf school. We do have a supply fee built into tuition. Kindergarten started on Monday and they don’t need anything. I really kinda wanted to buy something!
My favorite thing has always bee those new school supplies since I was a little girl. I was blessed with 3 girls of my own who all loved the special gel pens and smelly markers and the smell of new books. This is my last daughter’s last year in high school and I will miss back to school shopping. I think that having a specific list is great to make sure everyone has what they need but in that case they may as well be prepurchased and parents just pay a fee as it may be cheaper in bulk. We have a local stationery store that makes up packages off the school lists to sell for busy parents. Having had girls though, I find that part of the thrill of going back to school is being able to choose those special items. Everyone works better with tools that they love
This comment has been removed by the author.
Oh my goodness – I guess we are pretty lucky where I live! My daughter is in pre-primary, and we had to supply a box of tissues, a packet of dishwashing-type sponges, and one glue stick. That was it (plus her school bag & library bag obviously, but they are hers). It is a private school though. I don’t know what public schools ask for here.
We don’t pay anything for supplies as such ( in the UK ) but my son’s school does a lot of fundraising organised by the parents to raise money for items like cameras and outdoor equipment.
Our school didn’t ask for specific brands, but the list is still fairly long. This reminds me that we really need to go shopping, since our school year starts on Monday!
Starting last year, my daughters’ school stopped with the supply lists and now requests a sum of money to pay for each child’s supplies. I don’t know which system is better/worse. It’s all overwhelming and expensive . . . !
This is our first year buying supplies. I was shocked at how long the list was for PRESCHOOL! I can only imagine what that’s going to grow into. :shudder
We are still in preschool where we pay so there is no supply list. When I taught in private school there was no supply list for the kids either. I have taught in public schools where there was, though I was never specific about what brands parents should buy. Vicky from http://www.messforless.net
I don’t have a problem with providing supplies for my child and the box of tissues for the room, but when the school list requests 72 pencils per child, like my child’s did last year, that’s excessive. Realize, that’s more than one pencil per week. If they want us to supply for those who can’t afford it, then just ask for extra supplies on a voluntary basis. My sister is a substitute teacher and she said one teacher had over a 100 packs of loose leaf paper in her closet last year and there was only a month left of school.
This year is my oldest daughter’s first year of middle school and the supply list is just too much – and I’m generally one who doesn’t have an issue. A few items on her list: 5 (yes 5) 1.5 inch hard binders, 3 composition notebooks, a scientific calculator (specific brand), a flash drive, ear buds, a pocket portfolio, dry erase markers…it goes on and on. I couldn’t believe how much money I spent this year! But what bothers me more than the money is the fact that I don’t understand how she’ll carry around all that stuff!