https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:25:11 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593883 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 15:49:29 +0000 808love 2593883@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kimberlybee: Love the message! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593869 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 15:33:31 +0000 looch 2593869@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@WinterBee: I hope his parents provided a lot of tissues, because that's a lot!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593864 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 15:31:54 +0000 looch 2593864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What about the dry erase crayons...are those at all an option for personal whiteboard use? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593859 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 15:24:38 +0000 farawayyama 2593859@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a teacher and my school doesn't send supply lists. Instead the school charges a flat fee and we supply everything (we're actually a title one school so only the minority of students who aren't free/reduced lunch are charged). This means I'm shopping for my 52 math students. </p> <p>I love it. It means all my students have the stationary they need without either some students not being able to afford them or some parents deciding that a certain needed item is "unnecessary" (whiteboard markers especially. All my students use them daily. About ten run out a week and need replacing). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593840 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 14:53:39 +0000 Kimberlybee 2593840@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is such an awesome read since we're on the topic of school supplies! </p> <p><a href="https://paigegivens.com/2016/07/20/the-crayon-bucket/" rel="nofollow">https://paigegivens.com/2016/07/20/the-crayon-bucket/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593821 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 14:28:31 +0000 avivoca 2593821@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoyfulKiwi: I know! My inlaws bought them for H at Christmas time and they just were...awful. If a crayon breaks when a two-year-old is holding it, it's not a good crayon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593812 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 14:21:12 +0000 WinterBee 2593812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Lol, I had 1 student in my class this year go through like a box a week!<br /> I don't have kids in school yet but as a teacher these lists seem pretty reasonable. At my school my students don't/can't bring in much and I end up spending a lot of my own money to make sure they don't go without. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593796 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 14:13:39 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2593796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: yes, I die when pencils aren't Ticonderoga! Why aren't they all like that brand?! And Crayola markets last like 1000x longer than other brands. </p> <p>@avivoca: what's up with Rose Art? The crayons are so flakey. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593768 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 13:34:42 +0000 caterw 2593768@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: @avivoca: @Mamaof2: I didn't realize there was that much of a difference- that totally makes sense! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593734 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 13:16:13 +0000 Mamaof2 2593734@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@caterw: in regards to cost - this time of year Crayola is sometimes cheaper than the "cheap" brands - Staples has 24 pack of Crayola crayons for 25 cents! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593692 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 12:47:02 +0000 avivoca 2593692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: Yes, this! We use Ticonderoga pencils at work for staff and provide cheapies for our patrons (because they walk out with them) and the quality is so much better.</p> <p>@caterw: It can seem that way, but they do last longer. We have both Crayola and Rose Art crayons and the Rose Art crayons are pure junk. The colors aren't as good and they break so easily. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593675 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 12:37:32 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2593675@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@caterw: Usually the brand is listed for a reason. Ticonderoga pencils last at least twice as long as other pencils, and tbe erasers dont leave smudges or tear papers. the name brand crayons and markers usually last longer too. It isn't to be picky, and we would obviously welcome any items, but it makes the items last longer and teachers are trying to get the most bang for the buck so to speak. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593072 Tue, 26 Jul 2016 15:56:49 +0000 caterw 2593072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD isn't in school yet, but I still check the lists every year because I like to donate a backpack full of supplies. I think requesting classroom supplies is totally legitimate since I know teachers need help with budgets. I get having the same color folders or whatnot, especially for little kids who might not be able to read well. The one thing I always think is crazy is telling parents to buy the brand name crayons/ markers/ erasers/ pencils/ etc.. It doesn't matter to me personally, since I'm donating and I can afford it, but for people who don't quite qualify for assistance this seems like an unnecessary expense even at a dollar more per item. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2593024 Tue, 26 Jul 2016 14:45:52 +0000 808love 2593024@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Please get a different color for each folder. Kids will start to remember what color for each folder. I have kids show up with all blue folders because that is their favorite color but then it takes them extra long to get it out of their desk because they have to read each label and put them all back. Kind of small detail but super helpful to your kid in a practical sense. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2592596 Tue, 26 Jul 2016 06:43:59 +0000 looch 2592596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoyfulKiwi: I get that, but just tell me that we need to restock in January, or as needed. The problem becomes that I've bought now two boxes of crayons. If one is supposed to be for the second half of the year, I would rather keep it at home and send it in January because my son would just as well use both at the same time in the first half of the year. What concerns me is that the second box becomes supplies for someone else and I have to buy a third box later anyway. Personally, I would want my son to let another kid use his glue stick because I want him to learn to share.</p> <p>It's not that I don't want to provide for other kids, it is that once this becomes the norm, the school districts don't see the need to increase the budget requests because the supplies are taken care of informally. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2592589 Tue, 26 Jul 2016 06:09:15 +0000 FaithFertility 2592589@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: You said it! It isn't even teachers that make that list in my district! We are given nothing!<br /> My room has 18 desks 4 computers, 2 tables, teachers desk and text books<br /> The rest is up to me, out of pocket!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2592578 Tue, 26 Jul 2016 02:44:11 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2592578@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetCaroline: me too! I am literally reading through the lists :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2592487 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 20:58:31 +0000 Bao 2592487@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrsbells: both...last year LO went to a tuition based school and they asked for supplies plus donations of money every few weeks for this that and the other thing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much/page/2#post-2592472 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 20:28:06 +0000 DesertDreams88 2592472@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: it's ridiculous but my kids go through a box of tissues a week! That's 36 boxes right there. They also go through SO MANY BANDAIDS.</p> <p>.@Mamaof2: @ShootingStar: a sock actually picks up dry erase residue better than dry erasers do, in my opinion :-) I use socks on my teacher whiteboard. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much#post-2592469 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 20:22:22 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2592469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just chiming in to add that the reason I always asked for certain colors of folders etc was to quickly help kids manage their own papers. so all of our reading folders were red, math was blue, etc. The color coding is really helpful for elementary kids. The individualized folders might be fun but it makes it much harder. If the teachers are requesting colors there is usually a reason :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much#post-2592466 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 20:08:15 +0000 travellingbee 2592466@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: :happy: very common- most classes in elementary school use socks for erasers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much#post-2592465 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 20:05:16 +0000 SweetCaroline 2592465@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: a specific bento?! That's crazy. It makes my heart hurt for kids from families who can't afford such a luxury. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much#post-2592463 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 20:03:56 +0000 SweetCaroline 2592463@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: sharpened please? Oh lordy, I can see it now. I'm gonna have to stay late at work to sharpen pencils once DD starts school. :wink: </p> <p>Several years before I have a kid in school, but school supplies make me giddy so had to check out this thread. :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much#post-2592458 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 19:54:19 +0000 sandy 2592458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO is still in pre-k so we haven't had to do a school supply list but based on info from friends I think it is pretty common now to have an extensive list of school supplies to bring to stock the classroom and make sure everyone has access to supplies. </p> <p>LO goes to private school and in addition to tuition we have to pay an annual classroom supply fee. It's a hefty fee but they do a good job with funds. I prefer to pay a fee rather than having a shopping list. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much#post-2592448 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 19:41:50 +0000 Mamaof2 2592448@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Things get lost all the time! I asked my DS's K teacher what she went thru the most and if I could buy more in January - she told me erasers and pencils disappear all the time - kids throw them away, break them, take them home, who knows - but she started with 60 erasers for the class and had to buy more in January :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much#post-2592447 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 19:39:38 +0000 Mamaof2 2592447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: :silly: yeah I have no idea why they asked for that instead! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much#post-2592445 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 19:36:18 +0000 PinkElephant 2592445@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@turquoisemama: I've seen instances (mainly when donations are being solicited for low-income districts, or when a school has a diverse socioeconomic population) where certain varieties/colors of folders and notebooks are requested so everyone is the same and no one feels singled out. I'm totally fine with that, but just want to know....but agree with you that some of my best memories of back to school are things like the year my mom got me the 200 crayon box or finally let me have a fabric Five Star binder.</p> <p>@JoyfulKiwi: oh I don't think most teachers would take things away! 😊 I know you all have a crazy time trying to get things like supplies organized each year - as a parent it's so nice to know if your plan is to pool supplies so I can buy accordingly (i.e. If an 8 pack of markers means "at least 8" or "exactly 8 so no one gets jealous").</p> <p>For our private preschool/preK, no "supplies" we're requested, but the happily accepted tissues and wipes of all varieties!</p> <p>If you want to talk silly supply requests, I recently saw a post in a neighborhood moms group where a school requested preschoolers have a specific type of bento. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much#post-2592426 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 19:15:07 +0000 turquoisemama 2592426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: Yeah true. I mean all kids should be able to have what they need but does that mean they can't have special, individual items? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much#post-2592425 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 19:14:39 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2592425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: every school I've taught at has requested exactly what each child needs for the year. So, 4 glue sticks = 1 per quarter for the child (and that's usually not nearly enough!) For children who don't bring in the necessary supplies, I've either supplemented with money out of my own pocket or the school/PTO provided us with a small stipend. </p> <p>@PinkElephant: @JerricaBenton: I would hope teachers let kids keep their "special" supplies! I always request plain stuff because it's easier to be used communally (like pencils, markers, etc) but folders or pencil cases shouldn't really be redistributed like that. You can always label it with your kid's name - then it'll come back to her!</p> <p>In my experience, many teachers put in a lot of work to create a list each year. I'd always inventory my leftover supplies and try to keep the list small/reduce the number of items. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-school-supply-lists-are-too-much#post-2592422 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 19:13:08 +0000 turquoisemama 2592422@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow that's a lot to bring. My DD is only 18 months so we haven't experienced this yet. I don't remember having to bring this type of stuff in school. It's sad that the schools aren't funded enough to get what they need. But I'd be happy to help of course. </p>