As August rolls around, parents everywhere know what that means: it’s time to gear up for back-to-school season. While the sun still beats down, stores are filled with shelves of flannel and aisles brimming with paper, crayons, pencils, binders, and other essential items.
Most parents receive a list of required school supplies before the new school year kicks off. Although the shopping experience can be a hassle, one mom, Lisa Johnson, took to social media to vent her frustrations. “What’s the deal with these school supply lists? I just forked over $350 per child at the store. I could have dined at a five-star restaurant for less!” she exclaimed.
Is it really feasible to spend $350 on supplies? It’s certainly possible, as costs can add up quickly. However, let’s pause to consider the financial burden placed on teachers, who are often the ones footing the bill for classroom supplies out of their own pockets multiple times throughout the year.
“My daughter is 11 and needs two four-inch binders,” Lisa continued. “Have you seen a four-inch binder? You could fit a small child inside one!” While shopping for these oversized items can be annoying, they are necessary for keeping students organized. The reality is that not all school districts have the budget to provide every supply needed, and many rely on teachers to fill the gaps.
Lisa’s post gained traction, prompting numerous comments, with some blaming teachers for the extensive lists. It’s astonishing to think that many believe public schools can magically provide all the necessities for every student. Unfortunately, that’s not how school funding works. Teachers dedicate their time and resources daily to ensure a nurturing learning environment for their students.
Not every parent can afford to cover the cost of binders, notebooks, highlighters, and calculators. In fact, many teachers purchase extra supplies for students who may not have the means to bring their own.
The bottom line is this: while battling through crowded aisles to secure your child’s required folders and binders can be incredibly frustrating, complaining about it can come across as disrespectful to the educators who tirelessly invest in their students’ success. Reflect on how much money teachers spend year after year to ensure that every child has the tools they need for a successful school year.
Lisa clarified that her rant was not aimed at teachers themselves. Instead, she encouraged parents to recognize the importance of supporting education. If you have the means to buy your child’s supplies, it would be best to simply do it and appreciate the hard work that goes into teaching.
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In summary, before expressing frustration over school supply lists, let’s take a moment to appreciate the significant financial and emotional investment teachers make to support their students.