"I am in Grade 7 and this list has really helped me. I think that instead of grumbling over prices and stuff buy what u think is important. If the teachers contact you about the fact that your child doesnt have something they think is important ask why. If you cant afford it then ask for help from any organization. Or even better save money for it. Its not that hard. You may even find that the things you think are important are important."

"This is a great list that i believe will be very helpful to most people. I've read many of the comments below and found them very irrelevant to this list. The supplies will help their children learn and keep them organized. These people should realize that IF THERE CHILD'S EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT TO THEM THEY WOULD CHOOSE TO SPLURGE ON THE ITEMS THEIR CHILD'S TEACHERS RECOMENDED. These supplies are not that expensive if u are a 'smart shopper', and they need to know that complaining about their supply lists on this website will not change the fact that they need to OPEN THEIR WALLETS and buy the supplies. - 9th grader from holliston high school, MA "

"I have been reading alot of parents that have more than one child are concerned about the expense of school supplies. As a single mom with 1 child in grammer school, 1 in middle school, and one in High school, I truly understand ur concerns. There are many churches and outreach programs in our area that are more than willing to help. I know sometimes its hard to ask for help but if it gives our children what they need sometimes we must swallow our pride!!!"

"Wow! Some really interesting things to think about. I am a student-teacher in Canada... and personally, I love back to school shopping. It is one of the few times I can find good deals on this kind of stuff. It is great to hear that some people help to provide other students with necessary supplies. I know we have back-to-school supply drives through Sleep Country Canada and other places; even Staples (our stationary store) is currently selling donation back-to-school kits - which include a binder, some pencils, some duotangs, etc and it doesn't even cost $5.00! I have worked in some of the schools and seen some of the children who benefit from other peoples generosity. And every year I too make an effort to donate something and help to provide a student with a chance to learn and with the supplies they need to prosper. As a student teacher, I make sure that when I plan a lesson, any materials I want the students to use I have some extra available of my own, and try to plan it based on what I know that the school has or I have seen the students using already. My personal recommendation about lists that schools provide is to see what is absolutely necessary for the first day or week. See what can be salvaged from years before. Then after school has started, if you can and the sales are still going on, pick up any additional items. As for brand-name items, the only reason I can foresee a teacher requesting them is maybe because they serve a specific function... I would contact the teacher to find out. I always used my discretion when it came to these lists as they are made up to completely prepare the vast majority of returning students for all situations that may arise and provide the most enriching educational opportunities and experiences to each child for the entire duration of their academic year. Not everyone needs everything on these lists; teachers and schools may be covering more than necessary so that no one can be angry and say 'Why wasn't I told my child would need that?' I grew up in a single budget household, containing two kids... I know how hard it can sometimes be. Your child will not fail because they don't have everything schools and teachers put on these back to school lists, they will underachieve if they don't have the necessities to learn. Also, kids can be generous; if they see a classmate or friend who doesn't have crayons, or a glue stick, they do share. Helpful Hints: -Go for the basics: writing utensils, somewhere to store their work, and things you think they will need. -if you are not sure about why your child need something or you cannot afford something speak to your child's teacher, they do understand and maybe able to accommodate or compromise. Communication makes understanding easier. As for difficulty reaching a teacher... back to school is a pretty hectic time so be patient and keep trying. -Recycle & Reuse - students do not need new supplies every year, sometimes the supplies that have been a little worked in are just as good. Also, there is nothing wrong with hand-me-down stuff if it is still in good condition. Be creative - I have seen students do amazing things with duct tape and other such materials... even if old binders or other supplies are not in the best of shape, sometimes they can be salvaged through some creative thinking and then the students have something more personal or unique to go back to school with (It doesn't all have to be Hannah Montana, Batman, or other brands). -Shop smart - if at the end of one school year, there are binders being sold off and you know your child needs a new one, pick it up and put it away. Sometimes shopping all in one place, all at one time is not the best option either... check flyers or look for promotions. Buy early or wait until a little later into the year... not everything has to be purchased the last week of August or the weekend before school begins. Dollar stores are a great place to pick up some cheaper items, and many of the necessities are available for really low prices. -Make it fun... you could make it a project that your kids all summer long be on the look out (flyers, in-store, or online) for good buys or ideas of what they may need. This may keep them out of trouble and entertained. You could even have older kids prepare a back-to-school budget (What do I need? I have 20 dollars for supplies how can I get the most out of that? Where would be the best place to shop? etc.), so that they see how much they can save or how much all the supplies could cost them. They may take better care of their stuff, if they understand this process. I don't know if this helps anyone at all, but we are all in this together. Learning is a communal thing; children, parents, teachers, and other community members all aid in this process. Lists of school supplies are offered to try and make your child's transition into this new year easier, for both them and you as a parent. Happy shopping and all the best to prospering students everywhere in the upcoming school year! "

"This is really helpful to know wat you need to have to school especially for middle and high school."

"Is everyone really this stressed about school supplies. Pencils, erasors, note books, scissors, glue, rules, red pen, blue pens, crayons, ect. So, they don't use every thing this year save it for the next, less for you to buy. You know every year it's the same stuff. I use a shoe box and every time I see something that's (for sale) on the same list I get every year I buy it and into the box it goes. And the stuff the school sends home at the end of the year my kids use for the summer drawing, painting, coloring, cuting you know having fun."

"I think these schools are asking quite a bit from us parents. We / I Can NOT afford all these supplies. Besides the fact that,in highschool,you have to pretty much carry ALL your books and supplies with you all day long,because you don't have much time to get to your locker between classes. I am a single mom of 2 children in school. 1 in 6th and 1 going into 9th. I live on SSI,temporary disability,and do not have the $$ to buy supplies,plus clothes,uniforms,then there are pictures,yeabooks and whatever else pops up during the year. Yet,if I CAN'T buy the stuff,who gets in trouble for not being prepared ? My innocent child,who has nothing to do with my financial problems. I think the schools / teachers need to look at all situations and realize,not everyone can go out and buy ALL those supplies + extras ,especially in the time frame they give us. School starts on Wednesday,have everything by Monday. I unfortunately can't do that and have absolutely No One to help me out. Supplies need to be narrowed down or the teachers need to just deal with what a family CAN afford and work with that,and not take it out on the student."

"Hi, This is a big help especially for me. This is my first time being in a middle school and if this information wasn't here I would probably get in trouble with some teachers. But thanks any way BYE!!!"

"My oh my.....It looks like most everyone is a little upset about the items listed on their child’s 'School Supply List'. Let me start by saying that last year was my son's first year of school and I too was a little shocked at the supplies that were requested; however it is a small price to pay for your child's education. I know some of you are probably thinking...'Yeah but MY child won't need everything that is on the list' and more than likely you are right but what about the children that are less fortunate. They deserve a fair education as much as your child. It isn't the children's fault that the parents are in the financial situation that they are in. I was the youngest of 3 kids and raised by a single mom. My mother waited tables at a local steak house to support three children and I remember as a child her coming home and her fingers bleeding from the chemicals used at work when cleaning up......Did I always have all the school supplies I needed? No, a lot o! f my supplies came from other parents just like you and I and THANK GOD for those parents who willingly gave. I was able to go through school, get a fair education and not be ridiculed or embarrassed because I didn't have what I needed. If any of you are willing or able, pick up a few extra things......There is a child out there that needs it. Don't lose sight of the fact that your child’s teachers are UNDERPAID and they are giving so unselfishly of themselves. They spend more quality time with our kids than we do......Show a little more appreciation for them and their needs and give when you can. If you can't give, don't beat yourself up for it but quit complaining. "

"I have been reading the complaints and I have never experienced it in my life. Maybe it is because I have attended parochial/private schools, but we were only responsible for our own personal supplies. In grade school, we paid the school stationery bill and most items were provided. Starting in sixth grade, we were expected to supply our own pens, pencils, and notebooks. The only thing that was for the whole class was tissues- they go fast and furiously during cold and flu season. Now I am in high schools and I have to provide all of my own supplies- it still does not cost that much. Some teachers are particular and some aren't. The proper supplies really do aid in a proper education."

"As lovely as this list is, I see a very important item missing from this list: Namely a storage container or two! What're students supposed to store these pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, calculators, rulers, erasers in, 3x5 index cards? Backpacks? You're kidding! It's a royal pain to drudge the items up from various places in binders and backpack pockets but with the use of a simple pencil bag/box one is able to grab what one needs most with minimal effort. What's easier still is assembling small kits according to need/use. Good containers are a MUST as they contribute greatly to the retention of these supplies. As a student myself, I have found that I retain my supplies at *least* 3 times longer than when I didn't have storage containers/compartments for these items. "

"I think these tips are wonderful my son is 7 years old going to the 2nd grade I am really excited"

"I find it interesting to read all the comments that people have been posting. I think it would be helpful if the school tells you what supplies are needed for the coming year so when the sales start up, people can take advantage of them. I would like to mention that the teachers and administrators all went into teaching because they wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. I am not a teacher but I appreciate all the hard work they do. Maybe instead of blogging your complaints, you should try to talk to the people in your school district about your suggestions and concerns. My guess is that they just may be receptive if you do it in a nice way."

"I work at a school and when we have orientation we sent out school supplies list. with 30 chilrens in one class and 30 boxes of crayons, paper and many other things we do not use so they stay boxed up and are never used and i have 3 kids and i will not waste my money on things that teachers are going to be boxed up. so when my daughter goes off to middle school im going to sent her in with a binder and paper and pencils and what ever she needs is because they will be using them and that will be when i buy anything for the school district to be boxed. "

"I am the mother a 4 average students and have difficulty understanding why there is such a problem getting feed back from the school. I've called or left a note in each bookbag asking how they are progressing. Then receive comments that they are fine, then hit at conference time with they are lacking or having behavioral problems. Is it too much to ask for the truth. It's astonishing since this is a school district where i went as well and my mother never had this problem with us. Any suggestions on how to get th feed back I need to be a better parent?"

"I was a teacher for four years making a maximum of $30,000 a year, working 10-12 hours a day. I spent at least $1,000 a year on school supplies, room preparation (decoration), food, rewards, curriculum materials, books, clothes and shoes for students, etc. I decided this year to quit teaching, go back to college, and get a masters degree in something (anything) else. As a teacher, I had no say in the district I taught in as to what was listed on the school supply list. Some supplies we used and some supplies we didn't use. I always sent supplies home that we didn't use. By the way, I have 3 children of my own to provide for so I know the expense you're talking about. The state of Texas allows us to deduct $250 off our taxes each year. Yippee!!! I don't know what the solution is, however, between the amount I spent each year teaching and the amount of taxes I'm paying to 'support' our local schools, you would think the state of Texas could help out. Isn't that why w! e voted to have a lottery?"

"I'm a freshmen in highschool this year and I would have to say we are a middle class family as for the money. Since my district doesn't pay high taxes we have to pay tax on clothes, school supplies, and food. When I went to pick up my schdule two days ago my mother had to pay 208 dollars for my sister and I's textbooks. I just thought that was rediculous and should be shared. We are both doing NJROTC and that was also a lot of money to add on to the the 208."

"i say get the basics because as someone said the kids will get a list during the first week. and sometimes the school has a budget for extras, so whatever extras they end up needing after that, which shouldn't be much, you can pick up lateri am a single mom, two kids, on a budget. i suggest everyone try wal-mart, goodwill, salvation army, their church or other organization to help with school supplies if needed. if you are not too financially burdened then pick up a few extras to donate from the kindness of your heart. and lets be real, unless you are sending you child to their first year of shool, you should know the drill already. if you start gathering these things early, you shouldn't have to break the budget frantically trying to buy all this stuff at the last moment anyway."

"i really don't understand people getting so up in arms about buying school supplies. i have 3 children (K, 2nd, & 5th), and we are a one income family. supplies only cost me about $10 per child to buy everything on the teachers' lists (shopping at walmart). some of the stuff i buy brand names (crayola crayons & fiskars scissors really do make a difference) and other things i don't. i don't allow my kids to get the fancy character stuff, which costs more. incidentally, that $10 per child usually includes a few extras for the class... like if the teacher asks for 1 doz. pencils, but i find a box of 2 doz. for the same price, i'll get the latter so they have extra for anyone who couldn't afford their supplies. fortunately my kids' school puts a supply list for the coming year in the envelope with their final report card too. with that you know what to expect & can just tuck away a couple dollars a week until right before school goes back, and then you've got plenty for t! heir supplies."

"Wow, this list is very helpful and clear. My school did not provide a list that I know of, so I just googled 'School supplies list' and found this very useful. It is also very clear concerning grade level and specific items some schools require. :-) Thanks for all the help!"

"I am a high school student and I have found out that over the years I don't necesarily need everything that is on the list. But one thing that I don't understand is that on open house all the teachers have a list of supplies that they want especially for thier class. And a lot of the times its the same supplies for every teacher like the glue sticks for example if every teacher wants 2 glue sticks and you have 7 teachers thats 14 glue sticks that they want you 2 have. I also don't understand why the teachers or school can't mail a school list in the middle of summer. That way the students can get thier supplies that they need and not worrying about having to rush out and get the school supplies right before school starts. One thing I also am not to fond of is that when a student doesn't have a penscil or pen for class the techer expects another student to supply that person with paper and something to write with. I say that if that student isn't prepared for class then they ! should do what ever class work they have at home along with their homework. It's not fair that someone else has to give up thier stuff for another person when they will need it later on down the rode."

"I give much praise to the teachers my children have had in their lives. As each has had their own place in getting my girls where they are today. The classroom list of supplies was a shocker. Can't blame the teachers, they have the budget cuts and only get so much for their classroom. I always bought what I could and looked for the bargains after school started. Target usually makes things down. The best thing that I did was volunteer in the classroom, I gave my time not money. I did whatever was asked of me, graded papers, one on one with students, whatever was asked. I figured the more I did the more time it gave the teacher to teach. It does't have to be much whatever you can give . Plus it gives you a chance to get to know the other kids in the classroom."

"I can only speak for myself and my family, but some of the supplies on the list, our son has from the previous year, such as a calculator, scissors,extra pens/pencils etc. I only purchase what is needed on the list. We make sure our son has everything he needs before school starts. As for as buying extra supplies to help other students, I feel blessed that my family is financially stable to help with such a small contribution. I give the TEACHERS two thumbs up for loving what they do and caring for ours students throughout the year. I agree our TEACHERS do not get paid for their worth. "

"This list will help to plan ahead. As every parent knows planning ahead is important. It saves time and money for other things. "

"Teachers DO NOT get minimum wage. Janitors and cafeteria workers get minimum wage. I see teachers driving very expensive vehicles so they DONT get minimum wage nor should they be responsible to get the supplies either however we should only be responsible to buy what is needed per child not for the entire school. WE make the minimum wage or at least I do. I'm a grandma trying to make ends meet. "

"Reading all these comments makes me feel incredibly fortunate to live in Ontario. Ths concept of paying a teacher anything similiar to minimum wage is an insult. Here teachers make at least 60K a year, amazing pension, full dental, one and a half year maternity, and of course free health care. I've never heard of anyone having to bring class supplies in. It's sad when such a great system like public education starts falling apart. "

"Okay maybe we're buying a little more than what our child or children will use, but it really doesn't amount to a whole lot when averaged over the school year. Let's give our teachers a break. Thank goodness we have enough teachers who care enough to continue teaching!"

"I'm on the fence on the topic of buying more supplies than I think my child will use. My first thought is there's no way 22 5-6 year olds will use 792 pencils which is what the class will end up with after the required amount is purchaed per child. But then when I divide the total purchase amount of the list it's really only $4.16 over a 12 mo budgeted year which I'm not totally offended by. Let's stop and think about the $$ we spend on unnecessary things in a years time. This is a small opportunity help others who my not be in a good place at this time in their lives. You never know, we could be in that same place some day and what a relief to know that we'll at least be able to send our kids to school and hope to not think about what we're reading on this blog page. Buying a little extra for our classrooms is the least we can do for our teachers who actually spend more quality time with our children in a 10 mo period than we do. It's better that our schools are overstocke! d than understocked, right? Actually, I'm not so certain that what we THINK we're overbuying is a fact. Certainly the reachers don't come up with their lists on a whim. We're in this together - let's not lose focus on our kids' future. Thank you teachers everywhere for your commitment to our children! "

"I have no problem buying school supplies for my child considering it is something that he is going to be using for the school year and its necessary for him to have. However, when my step-son brought us his school supply list last year when he was in the fourth grade it went as far as being brand specific! That there I think is just absurd. Why does it matter that he have crayola crayons, and elmers glue or fiskars scissors when all crayons glue and scissors do the same thing regardless of the brand? People are pressed for money now adays and I don't think that its fair for schools to ask for brand name supplies knowing full well that roseart is cheaper than crayola, or store brand glue works just as well as elmers. And seriously why in the world would the brand of scissors matter? I get that they want to be specific about blunt tipped scissors or pointed scissors but the brand? It didn't just stop there either, he had to have mechanical pencils rather than just a regular #2! pencil. He's in the fourth grade why in the world does it have to be mechanical pencils? Then he didn't just need the normal 2 red pens and either black or blue pens, oh no.... he had to have x amount of red pens, x amount of blue pens and x amount of black pens. Now why is it necessary to have both black and blue pens in elementary school? I can understand in high school different teachers prefer either black or blue but in elementary school? They also specified the color highlighter he had to have, don't all highlighters do the same thing regardless of color? So then why does it matter what color highlighter they have? Then I totally don't mind buying a couple of boxes of tissues because let's face it we all know that some time or another throughout the school year your child is gonna have a runny nose and it's nice to know that they will have tissues, so in a sense I get the whole hand sanitizer thing as well, but on his school list it also specified that he had to have! lysol sanitizing wipes? Don't the schools have cleaning suppl! ies anym ore? Like I said before I have no problems buying the supplies that my child needs because they need it and if you are a savvy shopper you can find great deals (like staples this week you get 10 folders for free after instant rebate!) but being brand specific is a little too ridiculous especially when there are single moms out there who have more than one child and can only afford going to the local dollar store to get her child's things. Not only that but when people do get school supplies from their local charities how do you explain to them that you have to have crayola crayons? Doesn't that seem like its making that parent a little ungrateful that they can't just be happy with the things that they are getting?"

"Commenters keep asking why so many people are complaining about school lists. HERE'S WHY: I have 2 children enrolled in public school in Mobile County. Every single school has a laundry list of supplies for each child. Now, I understand that my children need school supplies and I have no problem providing what they need. I DO have a problem with providing supplies for the school itself... copy paper, dry erase markers, red pens for the teachers, ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP??? Schools don't provide soap anymore??? Do you have to bring your own toilet paper, too? So what did I tell the school? 'Go ahead and check me off, I paid my taxes. I'm covered. Really.' Oh yes, I did. Not only that, but some of the lists DEMAND 100 PENCILS! 9 Gluesticks! 10 Packs of loose leaf paper! All at one time! Some of them even go so far as to demand multiples of the same items and then instruct you to put your child's name on only one of them! WHY?? Well, because after you pay for these supplies with your! own hard-earned money, they're not really yours. They get put into a 'community' storage area and are passed out (or perhaps kept at the end of the year) at the teacher's will. Guess what, I understand that my son's Obama t-shirt wearing teacher(yes: to work) may not like my capitalist views, BUT I AM NOT GOING WITH THE GRAIN!!!! I am providing my children with what THEY need at the beginning of the year, am demanding that their supplies stay in their own possesion, and I will replenish them as needed. I'm sorry, but if some kid decides he wants to go through 3 boxes of crayons a month because he likes the 'click' sound it makes when he brakes them, it's not my problem. He can take it up with his own parents and their money. I am no conspiracy theorist but this is SOCIALISTIC, and local parents have put up with it far too long while grumbling under their breath. I know some parents will send their kids to school without their neccesary supplies citing financial difficultie! s, but if you want me to VOLUNTEER extra supplies, ASK, and I ! will lik ely do so. This is called CHARITY. When a government institution (ie., public school) RQUIRES me to buy extra to spread my wealth to the the less-fortunate, that is socialism. And as I told the school, I don't live in China! I did say this all nicely, by the way. The school registrar kindly reminded me that teachers often end up having to spend their own money on classroom supplies due to budget cuts. I hate that for them; that's what our taxes are for. But they make more than I do and I have to buy my own supplies for work all the time. Write them off on your taxes like we do. Are they going to buy any of my supplies for me???? I'm guessing not, but if they are, I will gladly send THEM a laundry list of supplies as well."