Snoopy and I arrived at the "Gates of Hell", pulled out the list and quickly got to work. As I started working through the three lists, I noticed things such as 24 glue sticks and a gallon of GermX. Who needs 24 glue sticks? Seriously. That is ridiculous. If I bought all the glue sticks on all of the kid's lists, we would be looking at 72 glue sticks. That's 36 dollars just on sticks of glue. What in the actual fuckity fuck? Not happening. Not even close. I bought each kid 4 glue sticks and the teachers will know that if MY kid runs out, I will purchase more without a single complaint.
However, I will not, repeat, will not supply the entire class room with supplies. There is really no excuse to not provide your child with school supplies. If you can't afford it, there are so many programs, churches and events throughout the Summer for school supplies. It boils down to laziness. These parents are too lazy to shop or attend these events for school supplies. They expect other parents or the teacher to provide supplies for their child.
**News Flash**
Teachers get crappy pay for one of the hardest jobs ever and my children will not be the reason they have to purchase more supplies.
And what is it with this gallon bottle of GermX? For argument sake, let's say 10 out of the 20 children in one classroom bring a gallon sized GermX. That's a lot of freaking hand sanitizer. Last time I checked, every classroom at my children's school have sinks. It's called soap and water. Make little Timmy wash his dirty hands. Two minutes tops. GermX is absolutely not a substitute for basic good hygiene. I don't like the idea that my children do not wash their hands before lunch or after their use in the bathroom because they have hand sanitizer.
Hell, who needs soap? I've got GermX.
Also, trying to figure out the difference between poly and plastic folders, with or without pockets and brads makes me want to head butt a knife. Why can't we just use the good ol' paper folders with pockets and brads that cost 10 cents? I know, I know those rip easier, but you could buy 20 and only spend two dollars. Plenty for one child for one year, right? I couldn't find highlighters in theses specific colors or the particular grading pencils they requested. And why do I have to purchase copy paper? Where are my tax dollars going? Why am I buying the school things they should already have? When I was in elementary, (I double checked this with Mother so, it's legit) my mom only bought Kleenex and the necessary school supplies. None of this nonsense of baby wipes, Clorox, 24 glue sticks or 48 crayons. And everything was labeled to only be used by that child. No community pile. No sharing. It seems the teachers, the school board or school supply list demons are getting more ridiculous every year.
There is a school in another city close by that buys all supplies for their elementary classes. They had a great year with PTA and ran out of updates. All classes have SmartBoards. Pretty cool, but I kinda like the whole chalk board concept. Call me old school. Whatever.
Maybe, I should join PTA this year and say something about it. But, that would make me an overachieving Mom and we can't have that now, can we?
No.
I finally just gave up. I will try another day. You know, the day before school starts. You'll find me at "The Gates of Hell" picking through the leftovers. Pray my sons don't get a Justin Bieber folder. They might just die of embarrassment. Mama loves you, remember that, kid!!
What are your feelings on school supply lists??
