Poll: Too much school shopping?

The lists are out
Are schools asking for too many supplies?
Yes, there's no way my kid needs 12 glue sticks.
No, when times are tight, we all need to chip in.
I still can't figure out why Rose Art crayons aren't good enough.

Thanks for answering our last poll, too. We asked, Should Florida continue to grade schools? You said:

• No, a letter can't capture a school's value.  106 votes - 55% 
• Yes, but put less emphasis on FCAT results.  70 votes - 36% 
• Doesn't matter. I just look at my kids' scores anyway.  18 votes - 9%

If you have any ideas for future questions, or any other thoughts about the Gradebook in general, please send an e-mail to solochek@sptimes.com.

Comments

[teacher]

If they are in my class they will need 12 glue sticks. It's called interactive hands on learning....no teaching to the test here.

[Another Teacher]

Considering that teachers are not getting pay increases and most likely will be taking PAY CUTS with health insurance for families etc. that cost will get passed on to the families. I spent at least 700.00 last year on supplies for projects and incentives for my students last year. I can't afford to do that this year. I just can't. My own childcare costs just went up. It's either pay for daycare or buy supplies for other peoples kids. If the parents don't bring in the supplies requested I don't know what I am going to do. I have to go to Kinkos as it is and pay for copies out of my own pocket as I only get so much at school. I wish parents knew HOW MUCH teachers buy for their classrooms. They would never again complain about the roll of paper towels and box of tissues if they could follow me to Sams club and watch me stock up for their kids needs while I tell my own child no honey we can't afford to get the Nemo fruit boxes. I would hope it would open their eyes.

[Yet Another Teacher]

Do NOT buy stuff for your classroom at all. You and I have our own children at home that we should be caring for. If the public wants classroom supplies for their kids, then THEY need to buy it -- either directly through back-to-school shopping or indirectly through taxes. Clearly Floridians don't want to pay taxes, so I say send home class supply lists for everything.

[BBMOM]

I'm a parent, not a teacher. I have two kids in school. I always fill as much on the want list as possible. Can I afford it? Not really, I'm currently unemployed. But I have been on the PTA board and I know what the district gives the schools and what they don't. It's unbelievable. To have that many highly paid people on the payroll and not be able to provide kleenex to the schools is unacceptable. Get involved with your kids schools and see what is really happening. You will learn the real truth of what is going on and maybe you'll feel like getting involved to try and help make things better.

[too much spending]

I spent about 700.00 last year as well. I get angry when I see kids with new ipods and Nikes that refuse to come to school with paper and pencils, but I know that's where many parents' priorities lie. I just suck it up and deal with it. With each year that goes by, I feel less and less like sucking it up.