Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The "Right" School Supplies


It's not even August yet and everywhere you go, you're bombarded by school supply deals. Tons of flyers are piled on my dining room table. I had no intention of beginning so early, but when I saw that some stores were selling supplies for less than a dollar, I began to pay attention.

I was lucky enough to have received a starter list from Potter's teacher before he left for summer vacation. However, in small print it warned that we will receive another letter in August and there may be additional supplies needed.

"Exactly how many supplies does one child need?" I thought. But I go with the flow, and try not to complain. That is of course until I get to the store.

The first thing on the list is a 4oz bottle of Elmer's Glue. Which by the way was strategically placed right next to the store brand. The difference? Oh, about 20 cents. Doesn't seem like much until I realize everything on the list is name brand. "What is going on?" And to top it off, the sale was just on the store brands.

So I leave my shopping trip dumbfounded and poor. I get that teachers would like to have all their students have the same supplies. But let's face it, when it comes to supplies the only thing we as parents are worried about are the words: "Non-Toxic."

I'm not done with Potter's list just yet, and Scooter will be going to Kindergarten this year. Can't wait to see that list. "Gold Leaf Crayons, anyone?"

4 comments:

ethelmaepotter! said...

Yeah, it seems every store is stocked heavily with school supplies right now...my daughter, who teaches first grade has been out every day buying tons of stuff for the kids who'll show up without their supplies - she works in a low-income area school.

Even I, whose kids are now in their mid twenties, have been doing a bit of shopping. I mean, one can never have enough 15 cent notebooks or 10 cent folders, can one? And who doesn't need an extra plastic ruler at 1 cent? And I always buy plenty of 25 cent crayon packs - paired with coloring books, they make fine gifts for Christmas and birthdays!

Amy J said...

Our school starts Aug 9, and I still haven't gotten the supplies yet. I'll do that this week. I found you through Theta Moms, and I'm really enjoying your posts! I'm a new follower.

Beth Reed said...

I haven't even started school shopping yet. It's on my list. lol. Hey, I'm trying to follow you from MBC but your followers thing isn't showing up for me...just a blank space where it seems it should be. I'll try again later, but in the meantime, I would love for you to come visit me at http://www.createyourtraditions.com. :)

Martha said...

School supplies are crazy... we started putting them out before July 4th was barely over where I work, and some of the LOW LOW prices were amazing! My daughters going back to "real" school after a year in cyber school... I forgot to ask if there is a supply list when I registered her.