by Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~.
Member since:
November 12, 2007

They need what??

August 06, 2011 12:10 AM UTC (Updated: September 30, 2011 09:48 PM UTC)
views: 0 | 9 people recommend this | comments: 72

James is going into kindergarten this year.  I was prepared for school supplies after having two, one now being 22 and one 19.  However, I was not prepared to this.  I could not believe this list.  With todays economy I wonder is this really right on some of these things. 

  • Primary writing tablet
  • School box
  • 12 packs of 8 Crayola crayons
  • Package of Crayola markers
  • Package of Crayola colored pencils
  • 6 #2 Pencils
  • 2 Pink erasers
  • 4 Glue sticks or 1 bottle of glue
  • Pair of scissors
  • Water bottle
  • Complete set of clothes
  • NEW gym shoes (no black soles) & pair of socks (VELCRO only please)
  • 2 pocket folders
  • Bottle of hand sanitizer or baby wipes
  • Box of gallon size baggies
  • 2 Box of Kleenex
  • Small box of band-aids
  • 2 rolls of paper towels
  • Backpack

Now my issues with this list

I understand Crayola really is truely better then some brands.  However, what about the kids who can't afford Crayola brand?   I guess on crayons truely I can understand I have ran into crayons who just wouldn't work that was off brands, but I have got off brands that worked just as good.   You notice on the list though everything is Crayola brand not just crayons. 

Now why in the world do they need 12 boxes of crayons?  Like Eric said are they making candles out of them or eating them? I had to laugh at that

Gym shoes what ever happened to washing old shoes and sending them?  My oldest never took brand new shoes for gym.  What frustrates me more velcro? What happened to teaching them in kindergarten to tie shoes? Heck my oldest two wasn't allowed to have velcro for that reason.  Even at that now a days many people buy at thrift, garage sales for everyday use.  I know we do if we find really nice clothes.

Hand sanitizer and baby wipes okay is this to wash hands? What happened to teaching to use soap and water? 

I don't know this list really concerned me. Its like some things they push kids in yet look at this list.  Then I am really concerned about people who can not afford this.  I know 8 pack crayons isn't much but 12 boxes? When you are on set income 12 boxes kills a pocket when you have everything else to get.  We are on just my disability right now and I can only imagine people who don't even have that.   I got two weeks to get James' supplies.  I am hoping Eric bails some hay from now to then so I can finish his school list. 

This is in now way to downgrade any teachers out there.  I for one appreciate the jobs you all do. Just concerned not only for ourself but others less fortunate then even us.  I don't know maybe if they even split the list so in middle of the year you sent for the other half of the year. 

Comments: 72

Cindy B. Aug 6, 2011, 12:18am UTC
I don't know, but I would be calling and asking. I love to color and even I do not go through 12 boxs a year! =D
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Aug 6, 2011, 12:24am UTC
Exactly what I was thinking
Betty S. Aug 7, 2011, 12:20am UTC
Renee,I don't know about the schools where you live or not,but here they do have different sponsers who help get scool supplies for children who are low income.We have a church that is giving school supplies,plus haircut,dental ,hearing aqnd eye exaims.They also give away big boxes of food and have a hotdog day and play day.
I think there should be places near you to help you.
If not the schools always get donated supplies for those who just can't afford to buy them.Something they did when my Grandkids were in school
was take all the crayons,kleenex,baby wipe or sanitizer,paper towels,zip lock baggies and bandaids are also put with other supplies.All this stuff is stored and when a child doesn't have a item it is taken from the storage room and given to the child that needs it.Here there are a lot of stores who have the school list posted close to school supplies and they encourage customers to but and drop items in to be delivered to schools..Also if you have any missions or thrift shops they have them too.
I just heard of someplace that may be able to help. Going to give them a call tomorrow. We do have part of his list, and his grandparents picked up a few things. Its just frustrating I really hate getting help from places. People already have this idea in their head since Eric hasn't been able to find work, and I get disability that we just sit on our butts and do nothing but take advantage. I don't want James to have to grow up like this, but what else are we to do?
Kerrell Goolsby Aug 6, 2011, 12:20am UTC
That list is extensive if not daunting. At least it's not nearly as bad as some of the lists for the schools here.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Aug 6, 2011, 12:25am UTC
Oh I have seen worse but they was for older grades
regina guthrey Aug 6, 2011, 12:23am UTC
Yeah my theory on wanting extras are for the kids that parents dont get supplies for.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Aug 6, 2011, 12:26am UTC
Could be and I feel for those kids, but us that break our butts to get supplies. They should have a list just for that purpose. However, I'm not sure that is the reason here. Because on his papers it also says to label everything even individual crayons and pencils.
Tiffany v. Aug 6, 2011, 9:01am UTC
I figure it this way, I am sorry those parents will not but stuff but I am too poor to foot the bill for my own much less 2 or 3 kids that are not even mine.
I agree Tiffany
Linda T. Aug 6, 2011, 12:33am UTC
I am guessing that they want everyone to buy the same brand so that all will be alike but I feel if that is their wish than they should provide it. Maybe the crayons is a misprint. I have never heard of a school asking for 12 boxes. I am glad my grandsons school still provides the essentials.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Aug 6, 2011, 12:40am UTC
I thought maybe it was a misprint too but I talked to a lady who her son was in kindergarten last year, same school and teacher. She said they had to have 12 as well.
HEIDI F. Aug 6, 2011, 12:35am UTC
Wow, that does seem to be a lengthy list. And 12 packs of crayons does seem like alot. And I agree that kids should be learning to tie their shoes in school. At least it didn't ask for a complete set of new clothes with the tags on them to verify they were new. Oh, maybe they just forgot to specify that on the list.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Aug 6, 2011, 12:41am UTC
Don't say that too loud they will be requesting tags next lol
Ms Lee P. Aug 6, 2011, 12:54am UTC
I can remember those days .... yikes .... I raised four kids and every year before school started I would dread the expense and it's even worse now. There are a lot of things on that list that they didn't have to have but even without these items it was still expensive. I try to contribute to the back to school collection programs that some of the elementary schools offer now because I DO remember how hard it was.
Very hard
Janet "Jax" B. Aug 6, 2011, 1:36am UTC
I laughed at my kids' lists when they were in elementary school too....it had ridiculous amounts of items on it.

At least Crayola Crayons are on sale for 10 cents and 25 cents at some of the stores.
Wish we could find them around here. Around here they are .75 at the cheapest
Janet "Jax" B. Aug 6, 2011, 10:29pm UTC
Keep checking the different stores. I buy a handful of boxes (to donate) every year, and I don't pay more than 25 cents.
Kimmie M. Aug 6, 2011, 1:44am UTC
They are adding to the list every year because the government keeps cutting education funding!! None of the greedy politicians - regardless of party or affiliation would dream of losing any of their dough for any reason.. Kleenex, hand sanitizer, band aids and storage baggies are not provided by the schools... I see many of the same requests on my son's supply list and he is going to be a Sr. in High School... I help if I can...
Kimmie M. Aug 6, 2011, 1:46am UTC
BTW... splitting it in half for the year is a better idea and 12 packs of crayola crayons is a little much..
I could handle the sanitizer, but 12 crayons and brand new gym shoes amazes me
Carla B. Aug 6, 2011, 1:51am UTC
That's much crazier than Elliott's list. We've been told to get extra crayons, kleenex, and glue sticks, because they might ask for those again after Christmas, and this way we will save money if we buy them while they are on sale.

His list is ONE box of 8 crayons, TWO glue sticks, two pencils, a box of kleenex, gym shoes, a school box, a box of markers, 1 folder and 1 backpack.

We live in ND, though, and in a high property tax district at that, so our school still provides a lot of the stuff for our kids. Our district spends A LOT more per child than the districts around the area I'm originally from.
I wish we had his list.
Rebecca P. Aug 6, 2011, 7:15am UTC
That's way too much. No way are the kids going to go through 12 boxes. My student teaching was in 1st grade and no way would the kids even go through 4 boxes. Some schools have just gotten crazy with their lists and I feel really bad for the parents who live on a budget.

Hand sanitizer, $10 says its to use the classroom for all students. Kids do use hand sanitizers, because its quicker than using soap and water so I can understand that (one reason I don't like public schools, rush, rush rush). Shoes? THAT confuses me. Schools are just crazy in places.
It is crazy and what really concerns me is they are raising registration, books, and taxes that some are given to schools. Why are we purchasing the hand sanitizer.
Janet "Jax" B. Aug 6, 2011, 10:32pm UTC
The shoes are for PE.....they want new, because the school doesn't want anything on the soles that could be tracked in to the gym. And not black soles, because black leaves marks on the floor.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Aug 7, 2011, 12:27am UTC
I understand that Jax but shoes that has been washed don't track in the dirt. It served kids for gym for many years.
Rebecca P. Aug 7, 2011, 8:48am UTC
Hand santizier is considered quicker and often schools have a station where they can put a bottle in and kids just squirt it in their hands, therefore cutting down on bathroom time (or they're in the classrooms). Its kind of a carry-over from swine flu...

My district hasn't gotten to the point of charging for books, but a lot of school budgets are really hurting. They don't really hire new teachers, they just do incounty transfers and find any way to cut costs. My parents both work in the schools as well, and it fustrates them because a lot of parents can't afford this. Teachers do buy supplies for their kids...but there's only so much they can afford too.
Rebecca I'm not blaming the teachers. Its above those teachers that is the issues. However, I really think few things on this list is a little far.
Rebecca P. Aug 7, 2011, 3:28pm UTC
Oh no, sorry, I didn't think you did. I was just saying teachers are just as fustrated. Its excessive to be sure
I am sure they are they have a hard job.
Jennifer R. Aug 6, 2011, 8:23am UTC
I agree with splitting the list up more. What wrong with bringing in 2 boxes of crayons, and 2 pencils, then the teacher sending home a note when he starts to run low?
And I agree on the brand new shoes. They are going to be used to play in, as long as they fit and are sneakers, what should it matter?
I really have an issue with the hand sanitizer though, I just don't think it's the safest for kids that age. I could be wrong, but that's just how I feel on that
I so agree with you Jennifer.
Tiffany v. Aug 6, 2011, 9:18am UTC
I personally have noticed the growing trend with the school supplies list getting worse and worse every year. I have never bought the full list at the beginning of the year from the moment I saw what happened when I took my son in the class that first day of Kindergarten. I started to unload his stuff on the desk, not 2 minutes later the teacher had already saw who brought in everything, and who brought nothing. She started walking to the students desks who had got all the list and picking up stuff to pass out. I was disgusted. When I had to give up a new pair of work shoes because the ones on my feet had splitting soles and rips in them just to buy some kindergarten list that ended up being for everyone. I quickly packed everything back into a big plastic bag, and asked what would actually be needed for him to survive the lesson plan without me purchasing things for 3 or 4 other families. She was not happy but told me. The things I do not mind purchasing are usually for the whole class like, kleenex -- hand sanitizer (this is for quick fixes during the day if someone sneezes, not a replacement for soap and water) -- paper towels -- or those plastic gallon bags. Most of that stuff is used for hand washing and sending home soiled clothes, or too catch sneezes and sanitize after sneezing. I personally ignore specific brands on stuff like crayons, and just label everything with my son's name. He is the one using it afterall. You will learn the trick of the trade after this year. And you can buy thrift store shoes, just rub polish on them and everyone will have to get over it.
Oh I know the tricks as I said my oldest two kids are 22 and 19 now. However, their list was nothing like this. Somethings I don't mind either sharing with everyone, I understand those. I remember my oldest and me going school shopping just him and I making it a day for us. I did the same with my daughter on a seperate day. However first time I bought the list for Nicholas and he went to kindergarten I too got upset and frustrated. The teacher didn't do it when I was there, it was done after parents left. All items was put in a container for each child to share. Nicholas came home upset when his favorite pencil he picked out was being used by another child. I contacted the class to find out that same pencil got broke in half by the same child.
Tiffany v. Aug 6, 2011, 6:19pm UTC
Wow, see this is why I hate the schools thinking that is ok. I stopped buying that whole silly list years ago. I think it is unfair to everyone, especially a happy child who picks out something he likes for himself life your son did years ago and it gets destroyed the first day.
I agree
Meagan T. Aug 6, 2011, 4:19pm UTC
That is crazy. The brands and quantity quantity mean come on its One year no one will use that many supplies per student per year.. Not that I can see anyways 12 boxes of crayons is just ridiculous
I agree Meagan. Even if they was broken my kids always knew if they didn't take care of their school supplies, and they needed replaced for not taking care of them what would happen. They got no rewards out to eat, toys, etc until they could purchase new school supplies in place of the cost of the rewards. Basically we always used the rewards as allowance instead of allowance till they got older. Once they realized what would happen they took care of the items they really wanted. Yes I got them at the beginning of the year extra special items like a character pencil instead of plain pencils. However, if they had to be replaced because of breaking intentional or loosing from not putting away properly then they got plain the next time.
Meagan T. Aug 6, 2011, 4:44pm UTC
That's a great way to teach them to respect what they are fortunate to have. I no I never took great care of the stuff my parents would buy for me until I moved out and realized how expensive life is without my parents and paying for college on my own.
Anita D. Aug 6, 2011, 6:06pm UTC
Renee that is some very good advice.
Thank You Meagan and Anita
Larry H. Aug 6, 2011, 5:34pm UTC
Could teach them how to tie shoes at home.
Larry no one said they wasn't taught at home to tie shoes. Said what happened in kindergarten learning to tie shoes. Just like writing their name, counting, etc these tasks need worked on at home and school. To teach one way at home, and teach at school the easy way out there is no way they will get these skills down. Same with teaching at school, and easy way out at home.
Larry H. Aug 6, 2011, 6:56pm UTC
My daughters youngest son couldn't read or write when he started schoo, said it was the teacher job to teach him how to do that, she has older kids too.,
Larry H. Aug 6, 2011, 6:59pm UTC
they have to have alot more thsn in school now than when I was in school and when my kids were in school..
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Aug 6, 2011, 10:06pm UTC
It isn't just the teachers job , but the parents job as well. Not many kids know how to read when they start school.
Larry H. Aug 6, 2011, 10:15pm UTC
right,.
Janie E. Aug 6, 2011, 5:42pm UTC
That's quite an extensive list!!! I've got to deal with getting lists from every teacher that my daughter is going to have classes with! This is high school, though.
From every class? It use to be high school had one list, the teachers added items needed specific to the class to that list.
I can only imagine the list if its like this for kindergarten
Janet "Jax" B. Aug 6, 2011, 10:34pm UTC
Oh, I know.....I am not looking forward to my daughter's lists.
Janie E. Aug 7, 2011, 12:09am UTC
Yes, from every class!
Cynthia T. Aug 6, 2011, 5:57pm UTC
After reading all the posts here I went to check what our list was like here (My son starts Kindergarden not this year but the next) just to see. Heres our list:

2 Boxes Crayola crayons, 24-count
1 Set of watercolors, 8-count, Crayola, washable
3 Pencils, #2 size
6 Elmer’s glue sticks, small
2 Bottles Elmer’s school glue, 4-ounce
1 Fiskars scissors, 5-inch, sharp
2 Rolls Scotch transparent tape, ½ in. X 450 inches
1 Plastic school box
2 Spiral composition notebook, wide rule, 70-count
4 Plastic Folders, with pockets and brads
1 Package construction paper, assorted, 50-count
1 Package manila paper, 9 x 12 size, 50-count
3 Boxes Kleenex or Puffs tissues, 100-count
1 Package stickers
1 Box ziplock bags
1 Pkg. small styrofoam cups
1 Hand sanitizer
Write Name on everything.
Due to locker size, no rolling backpacks.

What I like though it that it says to write his name on EVERYTHING which means everything I buy is for him and him alone. So glad. Now just hoping it stays like that.
Cynthia T. Aug 6, 2011, 6:00pm UTC
I mean it kind of is quite a bit now that I'm looking at it again LOL but at least its only his. I could buy most of this at the dollar tree stores. And it doesn't mention anything about shoes ;)
Don't be surprised if they dont add that someplace lol
Anita D. Aug 6, 2011, 6:11pm UTC
I do not remember schools asking for specific brands.

12 packs of crayons?

Do they have a fairly new gym/auditorium floor.

Looks more like a private rather than public school list.
I dont know how old the floor is. Even still if the shoes are washed and not black soles I don't know what the issue is. I hate the idea of buying brand new shoes for gym class especially with the way they grow. You can't really purchase them bigger to last when they are running in them. Then really how often will they be inside during gym or even recess compared to being outside?
Anita D. Aug 6, 2011, 11:05pm UTC
Renee - I have to tell you I am flabbergasted that this list has brand names etc.. It is way over the top to me. But as you said above making waves about it could cause more problems than simply buying her list.

Are you planning to do some classroom volunteering? I worked full time so I did a field trip a year and volunteered to be a docent in the girls art program ... which took 2 half days a month that I could do because of a flexible schedule.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Aug 7, 2011, 12:26am UTC
I filled out the form to be room mom, for parties.
Amanda P. Aug 7, 2011, 5:17pm UTC
The crayons I can see asking Crayola as the others are really not as good. The markers and colored pencils really make no difference. If you can't afford something on the list, just tell the teacher. The school should provide what you cannot get.
Thats way I am crayons I understand rest I dont. Thank you
Heidi S. Sep 30, 2011, 10:04pm UTC
I figure we are supplying for our child as well as those in need. It's sad, but I do it every year.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Sep 30, 2011, 10:12pm UTC
I think its more we are suppling for ones that their parents dont purchase it. I know it was hard for us but between grandma and grandpa, and some help from a local church we got it. I hate doing it that way but we did
Pamela Marks Nov 24, 2011, 6:52am UTC
I don't always listen to what they say send in what you can afford, although Crayola usually goes on sale those 8 count boxes are hard to find and the amount they want seem to be excessive to me too, I hope you were able to get most of what you needed.

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