Who said public education was free?

By By Michelle Blaylock, Mom’s Corner
OK, we need 18 binders, three dozen pencils, about a dozen mechanical pencils, a ream of paper, six notebooks, six packages of wide rule paper, six packages of college rule paper, glue, expo dry erase markers, four, no six (I think) book covers, two flash drives, two scientific calculators, two steno pads, Crayola crayons, markers, and watercolors, freezer bags, hand soap, four boxes of tissue, six folders, paper plates, and a pencil box. Whew! Oh, wait we need to write checks for lockers ($15 times four), gym suits ($18, eighth grader is using the one from last year, but sixth grader still needs one), planners ($3 times two), chorus fee ($10 times two), parking space ($10), and classroom donations ($10 and $12).
In case you have not figured this out, it is school time.
Before I get myself in trouble, I am not really complaining. In all honesty this is one of the shortest lists I have had in several years and I have to admit I am a little surprised considering all the budget cuts in education. Nevertheless when there are five children in school and one in college, the expenses still add up.
It also adds up for the teachers who are receiving little to no money for classroom supplies this year.
I know some parents get very aggravated when teachers request things like hand soap, wet wipes, tissues, and paper towels because they feel their tax money should supply these things.
I also hear many people say things like, “Well, when I went to school all we needed was a notebook and a pencil.” However, keep in mind our schools now have many expenses they did not have years ago, such as internet fees, larger more extensive libraries, higher costs for textbooks, and many other things.
So what do you do when you really cannot afford to pay the fees or buy supplies? Talk to your child’s teacher. Most are very understanding and will allow you to bring in the supplies as you can afford them.
I hope you have a great school year!