Why do teachers give a school supply list before school and then give another one the first day of school?

Question

Both my sons came home from the first day of school telling me that their teachers told them that they needed to get more supplies. The things that they were asking for were not on the first list. Why wouldn't they just put everything that they need on the original list, instead of thinking of something later that they want students to have. I realize that supposidly every town has a Walmart and a Dollar General, thats the story anyways, but not where I live. I dont go by either between my house and work, so I will now have to wait till the weekend to go to the store to get this stuff, when the teacher could have just included it on the first list. Why do teachers do this?

When I made a comment on here about thinking it was unfair to parents to automatically expect them to have no problems with their kids having to share school supplies with less fortunate kids, I got blasted about how selfish that was of me. I used my bonus from work to pay for these supplies, so yeah I guess I am a little selfish about my kids having to share them.

Answer 1

Because unbeknownst to parents.... they dish out the stuff that YOU bought for YOUR children to OTHER children. My son brought all his supplies to school... a month later.. he came home with a note that said he needed more crayons, scissors, and notebooks.. I called the school FLIPPING mad.. and they told me that they give other children's supplies to those 'less fortunate' and who didn't have them...

I said "MY KIDS ARE LESS FORTUNATE.. I had to work overtime to prepare them for school and you're giving it away to other kids"

Now I don't want to sound like a selfish bi*ch or anything, but seriously?? Just because my kids come to school with everything on the list does NOT mean that I can afford to keep them and OTHER kids in school supplies.

Answer 2

I guess I see it from both sides.I have a 6 and 9 year old and my husband is a teacher.We spend a lot of money on supplies and last year we got a second list on the first day.The teacher told us the school didn't even supply construction paper.When all the school sales are on I try to buy extra.My husband gives out a list but he still buys alot himself.It can be very expensive.I do want to see everything used and I would gladly send extra to sons school for the less fortunate if they would ask and than they wouldn't take the stuff the kids picked out for themselves.

Answer 3

Honey...I'm right thre with you on this question!!! Anymore, I send my kids with the simple basics for the first day.I wait until they have those *extras* lists before I buy all the stuff. i mean, what is the chance that they need 500 sheets of paper, 6 folders, 3 spiral notebooks of varying sizes, 3 binders, a box of crayons, 2 blue pens, 2 black pens, a red pen, 2 highlighters, a calculator, and a box of 250 tissues on the first day anyway? LOL!!! It happen here too. I DO have both Dollar General and WalMart within 3 miles of me, but I tire of going there. It would be really nice to know ahead of time, but i do understand that each teacher has their own list. Around here though, the kids register early, so they know who the teacher is, and therefore could get that specific teacher's list. Heck...my 14 year old is a freshman this year and they handed me his bill for fees...$120.50!?!?!?!?! JEEZ!!! Mine were that high 15 years ago when I was in high school, but I took a million and one art classes. How do people have huge families with fees like this for school?? I guess get used to it and deal with it, 'cause they aren't going to change for us!!

Answer 4

I found I was buying a bunch crap that wasn't even needed, so I learned I only buy only pencils and paper. Here we meet the teacher the Friday before school starts and just get the list from her. I also DO NOT buy that junk on the list like Ziploc bags, Kleenex, paper plates and stuff like that. The school gives us a week to get the supplies bought.

Don't feel bad about getting blasted about less fortunate, most of the time that is a load of crap anyway, crayons are a 1.00 a box folders a.10cents and so on. If a parent went to the school and said they couldn't afford it they would get help. Give me a break.

Answer 5

Yup, its rough here too. They give out a generic list per grade that covers several school districts. Last year when my daughter started school, there was at least $5 of stuff she never used and at least that much I still had to go out and buy. I remember when I was in high school, I'd take pens, paper, a couple folders and a notebook to the first day. I'd write down what each teacher wanted as I went about my day, hit Wal-Mart that night, and be ready the next day.

Answer 6

The first list is composed of general supplies. The second list is from the individual teacher. All the teachers have different teaching methods thus requiring different supplies. And usually you don't find out who your child's teacher will be until just before school starts. I hope this helps you. :)

Answer 7

i learned real fast like to send notebook paper and pencil frist day of school and then go shopping after list comes home from teacher,i also tell teachers when my child is sick i will send in klenex then,I am a single mom and i send in everything on list for my children so can the other parents.sorry i have no sympthy left,ifi can do it with 3 kids and no child support so can others,I work 70 hours a week to see that my kids have what they need.

Answer 8

I feel you on that, my child is one of the less forntunate. We find a way to get everything needed and then they expect more? It takes a lot to get that stuff and if I could get other children things I would but I have a hard enough time, especially during the times they want more supplies -- for my own. It's ridiculous.

Answer 9

Please don't be selfish towards other children, always remember that it is not the childrens fault but their parents, don't make them suffer because of that. All children deserve a chance in life, whether their parents are rich, poor, alcoholics or drug addicts. Regarding the supply list, you ought to complain to school about this and ask them one very important question " Are they trying to destroy our beautiful planet by wasting un-necessarily " It certainly shows how inefficiently this school is being run.

Answer 10

I think they do this so they wont have to pull out to much money out of their own pockets. My little sister had to get a lot of supplies for school. (But I think the teacher is now hoarding them hehe)