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Back-to-School Round Up
We've savored that last long weekend of summer and now the kids are back in school, whether they like it or not (more like the latter in the case of my daughter who just started middle school yesterday). In many areas of the US, school's been in session for a few weeks now and along with that, the boards have been buzzing with a lineup of back-to-school topics that may just be longer than that 3rd grade supply list you've been stuck with.
It seems to have become a running joke, but the super-long school supply list is no laughing matter in terms of the hassle and expense. Sure, it's a necessary evil, but some are wondering if things are getting a little ridiculous, while others are sharing their tips for making things a bit more simple and affordable. On our Living Simple & Green and Frugal Families boards we are seeing a good mix of perspectives from both parents and teachers:
"Am I the only one who is repeatedly blindsided by school expenses? My kids go to public school, so thankfully there is no tuition or fees, and I can control what I buy for their wardrobe. What about: PTA dues, School fundraisers, Equipment for extra curricular activities (my dd needs $22 for band shoes and another $20 for the gloves!?), Gym clothes, I know some schools have to rent instruments What "extras" do you have to include, and do you keep a separate fund for them?" -- my4lovies
"My biggest pet peeve is mechanical pencils - students are always taking the lead out and it is all over the place or they don't have lead and expect the teacher to provide the lead. You would be absolutely amazed at what kids bring to school that prevents them from learning, and how many kids bring absolutely NO supplies at all and expect the teacher to provide for them. " -- imonmyway2000
"The kids will re-use their binders, pencil boxes, sharpeners a folder or two, and if I could (meaning they didnt come back last year) they would use scissors. We bought new markers and crayons, paper, some folders, and anything not required last year like highlighters or pens. But I wont send them all in because I feel like that opens the door to waste." -- momof2inbe
Speaking of fundraisers... on the 4th, 5th and 6th Grade board, janetis40 asks: "Am I alone in hating fundraisers?" I can't speak for everyone, Janet, but I'm pretty sure the answer is a resounding "no!" (See also: Where's the Fun in Fundraising?)
One thing that probably was not on your back-to-school shopping list? A handgun for the teacher. I thought traditionally you were supposed to bring an apple to show your appreciation (or to suck up), but I guess times have changed! One school district in Texas is reportedly allowing teachers to bring a gun to class, provided they have the appropriate training and licenses. iVillagers on Moms & Politics and In the News are tackling this one:
"So really..what is to stop say 5 kids from rushing the teacher taking the gun and going on a rampage then? Hope that another teacher shoots the kids? I don't think that the answer to violence is to arm everyone to the teeth." -- miyaka2007
"How would it work? Would teachers carry guns, loaded, ready to shoot? That's a scary thought. Some kids are big, and what if they know their teacher has one and overpowers them?" -- jeanwl
"As a former teacher and the spouse of a teacher who has been threatened, stalked, and attacked by parents and/or students, I'd feel a lot better if my wife (who has held a concealed carry permit for the past 7 years) had the option to carry at school." -- martinisnsushi
In addition to 90 minute kindergarten math exams, the folks on our Current Debates board are discussing another sort of test -- random drug testing for students.
"If it is required for sports, extra-curricular activities, or the like -- send a letter home to the parents letting them know what's required and that either the school or their family doctor could provide the tests. To me, those are responsibilities of parents NOT schools." -- cl-tashlb
"This is a huge violation of human rights. It should not be going on. Teenagers should not be presumed to be drug-addicted criminals, until proven otherwise." -- tessmckinzie
"I'm a defender of civil liberties even when I don't like the way they're used, but in this case, I see more positives in testing than negatives." -- my4lovies
Many moms are also dismayed, but sadly not surprised, about the latest report that males are often less trusted as elementary school teachers, causing many men to opt out of that career path. We're seeing reactions to this story on our Hot Debates and Education Issues Debate boards, as well as on the August 2006 and February 2008 Playgroups:
"Can't say I blame them -- for one, a lot of people seem to be suspicious of men who want to work with kids, especially single men." -- rocketdaisy
"I work in the elementary school, and all the males I have ever worked with have been EXTREMELY aware and careful to avoid any appearance of anything that would cause concern. Compared to the women, they have to tiptoe and walk on eggshells in many ways." -- merimom96
"I think it takes a very special gentle spirit to be a great elementary teacher, and that both women and men can have it. Or not have it. The idea that there is something 'weird' about young guys who want to teach says more about the people who feel that way than it does about the teachers, IMHO." -- melissab_77
"It's really important to me that my sons see examples of men in these positions so that they know how many different ways there are to be a man." -- riverminded
"I think it's sad that some men are afraid to teach because of that. Some men make awesome teachers. My 3rd grade teacher was male, and he and I still correspond almost 20 years later. My elementary school had some great male teachers." -- stillthinkinbabies
What is your biggest back-to-school beef? Check in and let me know how it's going and what you think about the topics in today's round-up.
For more school-related conversations and advice, head over to one of these fine communities: Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Grade, 4th, 5th & 6th Grade, Surviving Middle & High School, Parents of College Students, Homeschooling and Education Issues Debate.
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It may seem silly, but my biggest back-to-school beef is not being able to meet the teacher until later in the year.
I remember having my mom take me the first day and staying with me until we lined up, ready to go in.
Now, if you bring your child the first day, you can't go any further than the door. :(
I agree with Bella and also want to add that I do not think children have enough time to eat lunch I have 2 kids ( 1 third grader and 1 7th grader) and they are ALWAYS complaining about not having enough time to eat all thier lunch They get 20 mins for lunch and thats starting from the minute they walk out of class and then they have the long lines to get thru!!! It just burns me up!
Is it just me or do we have a never ending supply list? First week of school my 4th, 2nd and Kindergartener brought home their supply list. Which mind you over the summer I attempted to take advantage of some of the specials and bought approximately the common supplies that they used the year before...pencils, composition books, folders and pencil cases. After spending so much on those items + uniforms for their public schools...no where in their lists were the things already bought aside from the folders. I had to go out and buy different pencil cases because my daughter's (2nd) decided that zippered cases where needed. Plus no comp's only wired single subject notebooks for both my 2nd and 4th grader and my Kindergartener's teacher said she carried all the supplies in class and she wouldn't need anything. The list still doesn't end there because occasionally there's a "mom I need...." my teacher said it's needed for...... To add to that I bought the wired notebooks and my kids are using them to draw because they haven't been using them in their classes! UGH!!