School Supply List - 1 Box of Bandaids per Child Being Requested, Why?

Budgeting... as in lack thereof.

Here are some eyebrow raising "required" items (the whole freakin' list, imho) that were on our list for public K. You could just buy the PTA already made up assortment for apx $200 ((I forget, I just remember it was more than our food budget for the month at the time, although it was half off buying them yourself. Which I HAD to do, since I didn't have a spare $200 laying around.)). The list was VERY specific, including brands and # or volume. NONE of the items were the children's items, or things they were allowed to keep. Anything you wanted them to use (pencils, binders, etc, you had to buy on top of the list). Although I don't know if they could enforce it, they stated that no child would be allowed to start school until the list was checked off. Yup. Public school. I'm cutting and pasting from an email I sent to my husband at the time absolutely furious. I didn't write down the brands, etc. at the time.

- 3 boxes of bandaids
- Neosporin
- Thermometer
- Gauze
- Ace wrap
- 5 Chapsticks
- 2 Blistex medicated chapsticks
- 2 ice packs (reusable)
- Regular Strength Tylenol

Office Supplies
- 1 ream of computer paper
- 1 ream of colored computer paper (each grade had a different color assigned)
- Hole punch (single or triple depending on the grade)
- Swingline Stapler
- 20 pack of yellow highlighters
- 8 pack of dry erase markers
- 8 pack of wet erase markers
- Dry marker eraser
- Jumbo pack of page protectors
- 1 1/2 inch 3 ring binder (10 pack)
- Jumbo pack of college ruled lined paper
- Jumbo pack of wide ruled paper
- 20 count #2 pencils x 5, sharpened ((!!! the sharpened part really got me. I had to sharpen 100 freakin pencils??? I suppose no big deal to whomever wrote the stupid list, but we didn't HAVE a pencil sharpener. An electric one or hand crank one was $30-$50 all on it's own. So instead I spent 6 hours hand sharpening them with the stupid "mini" sharpener I could afford. Jerks.))
- Jumbo Crayon Box (120)
- Jumbo Markers Box (80)
- 3 pairs of scissors
- 3 pairs of safety scissors

- 10 boxes of crackers
- 1 flat of water bottles (filled, sealed, arrowhead sport top)
- 1 lb of preground coffee

- 1 6 pack of boys underwear
- 1 6 pack of girls underwear
- 1 package of xlarge pullups

JERKS.

And it wasn't like this was an optional "The school could really use any donations of __________" list. This was "Your child's name will be checked off before being allowed to start. Please stay and make sure your child's name has been checked off on the first day, so we don't have to phone you to pick them up".

JERKS.

When I enquired about what should parents do who can't afford the list (aka ME at the time), I was given a long suffering speech about teachers, and priorities, and "if you care for your child's education you have to make sacrifices" blah. Blah. Blah. More than our food budget (which was the ONLY money we had left over after bills). Upon pressing, the ONLY option given by the district was to "buy it piecemeal over the summer".

JERKS.

(And no WONDER they had the lowest 'reduced lunch' numbers in the area. I'm sure it's in no small part because their parents couldn't afford the stupid LIST. Let me say it again; JERKS.)

ROFL... although this didn't even enter into my thoughts for originally homeschooling, it's just one more thing I can go about grinning about not having to deal with.

10 moms found this helpful

Because as a teacher.... Kids want a band-aid for any hang nail, paper cut, scratching scab off, etc daily.

I like the idea!

8 moms found this helpful

Riley J, I'm not sure about your school district, but if that's their honest supply list then the taxpayers are not allocating enough money towards the schools. Don't blame the teachers and administration. They can only do so much with x amount of dollars, and educating children is not an inexpensive thing to do.

My son is also going into kindergarten, so I'm new to this as well. Hey, maybe the kindergartners supply the band-aides and the first graders supply the gauze and the second graders supply the first aid tape? No idea.

Education in this country is getting a smaller and smaller piece of the pie every day and asked to do so much more with it. I feel incredibly fortunate that we do live in a school district that isn't hurting. Not everyone is so lucky.

8 moms found this helpful

I worked in two first grade classrooms for three years and I can tell you they go through a LOT of band aids!
Most are not actual "injuries" more along the lines of "Mrs. X my owie hurts I need a band aid."
Our teachers also asked parents for kleenex, paper towels and wet wipes. The district doesn't pay for this kind of stuff, so if the parents don't contribute the teachers end up spending their own money on it.
Times HAVE changed, I was a kid in the early 70's and I seem to remember everything, including pencils and paper, was provided at school, so sad :(

5 moms found this helpful

They will go through them...and they schools are having to rely on the parents to carry some of the burden that the school districts cant afford anymore.

My kiddo is going into first grade this year. not only do I have to supply three boxes of tissue..I have to bring four things of pencils...Glue sticks and ruler. all to go into the class rooms supply box for the year.

4 moms found this helpful

Well just ask the school why?

Also, many times they request supplies, to then be used to stock the classroom. It is not ONLY for your 1 child.
It is combined, as a whole inventory, for the classroom or grade level.

OR, sometimes the school has a limited budget for something and they have to get creative about supplies.
At my daughter's school for example, due to funding cuts, the parents of certain grade levels (each grade level is different per supply needs), but we had to buy one of the text books ourselves. And, we also bring in paper towels & Kleenex, 1 per kid, for the classroom. It is then used, for the classroom. Not only your 1 child.

Just ask your school.

4 moms found this helpful

Schools budgets are being cut every year. There's not enough money for school supplies. So, things that would have been provided to each classroom by the school are not provided. So instead they are being added to the parents' supply list.

Vote "yes" on your next school referendum.

4 moms found this helpful

I'm sure it just to help with their budget. I haven't had that on my kids' lists, but I've had to get paper plates,paper towels, baby wipes, sandwich bags, gallon size plastic bags,tissues, paper towels and more that just are not coming to my mind. (and this type of list has continued and they are entering 4th grade.) The teachers have just put all of this stuff in a cabinet and they just go there and she replenishes when the class runs out. (So... the children are not necessarily getting their own tissues and paper towels. She just takes out 2 or 3 of each for the classroom at a time.) It would be nice, however, if your daughter gets to use her own supply of bandaids when necessary. And... yes, they will go through tons of bandaids in kindergarten. Sometimes a little "owie" feels much better after a cute bandaid is applied to the area:-) and considering that with 20 kids + in a classroom, yes they'll go through a lot.

4 moms found this helpful

well budgeting wise maybe thats why?? i actually like that idea. my kids go through a lot of bandaids and i do actually already put them in their back pack side pocket :)

3 moms found this helpful

Little ones (and bigger ones!) go through a LOT of band-aids at schools. A drink of water and a band-aid can cure most ow-ies and upset kiddos. We never had it on the list at the middle school where I work, but many schools have really tight budgets right now.

3 moms found this helpful

if no one has mentioned this, they will probabaly be shared with the little hypocondriac girl that screams her head off at the slightes scratch and for those kids that are comforted for any reason by a bandaid. If they aren't for the whole class then you'll get back what she doesn't use.

3 moms found this helpful

They are required to put bandaids on each and every cut and scrape. It has to do with MRSA and HIV. Any contact with blood (or scabs in some school policies) must be covered and M. also mean a note home.

3 moms found this helpful

Are you kidding? Our daughter is a senior in College and I still have to make sure to send her a box of Band aides per semester..

When she was in kindergarten they were not even requested but I sent an assortment with her the first day with a note, explaining to the teacher she would need them with "Grace" our child in her room.. That teacher is still one of my best friends.. she said no one had ever given her Bandaides for her room..

3 moms found this helpful

IMHO school supply lists have gotten way out of control in some areas, and it makes me glad we homeschool now (my kids attended traditional school, for many years).

I can stretch $200 much further than a school in most cases.

3 moms found this helpful

Riley, I know California is in bad shape but I guess Im glad I dont live in your city!
Ok the bandaid thing might be reasonable for little ones who get scrapes and scratches and in this day and age of HIV AIDS, teachers and staff have to protect themselves and other students from any bodily fluids. So, surgical gloves and band aids it is. Coffee? I dont even drink it and will not buy it for teachers. You have to wonder,, if each kid brings all items on Rileys list, where the heck do they keep it all? 30 kids in a class and they all have to have a 3 ring hole punch? Thats nuts. Can you see the shelf with all 30 of them? And all the reams of paper and folders and thousands of pencils, markers and crayons? Maybe this is why schools are over crowded. They are taking up all the space to store this stuff.

3 moms found this helpful

Maybe the playground is covered in thorn bushes? Maybe they think only 25% of the kids will actually bring in the band aids ?

2 moms found this helpful

Band-aids? Never heard of that one, but OK, maybe when a kid gets a bump they get a Hello Kitty band-aid and all is better? Hahahaha. @4Littleones - you must live near me - my 5th grader has "grading pens" on her list too!! Although, if it makes you feel any better, I sub in my kids' school, and last year when I was in a 5th grade class (I was the IA) the teacher said "Take out your grading pens" All the kids reached into their pencil cases and took out their red pens. Then they proceeded to grade each others papers. So maybe not all the pens go directly to the teacher?! Either way, I'm shaking my head just a bit :)

2 moms found this helpful

School Supply List for 2011/12 - on the list for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders:
Colored ink pens for grading (red, green, purple, etc.)** and at the bottom of the list an explanation for the items with an ** - these items will need to be replenished often throughout the year. I have the list right in front of me and I typed it EXACTLY as it appears. Now I know teachers spend quite a bit of their own money but really now....should their pens for grading really be on the supply list for the kids??

2 moms found this helpful

I can understand the band-aid needs. But WOW Riley!!!! I can't believe that list and that the REQUIRE every single item to be bought!
In our county, every one gets a fairly extensive list that usually includes reams of paper, paper towels, hand sanitizers, highlighters, Mr. Clean magic erasers, etc. BUT, also on the bottom of the list it states verbatim: "No penalty of any type will be imposed against the student based upon a failure to pay. No student shall be denied the right to participate for failure to pay. The principal may forego a planned activity or use of a particular item based upon the collection of insufficient funds to cover the cost of the item or activity." What they mean by "pay" is the purchasing of the supplies not actually handing them cash.
That's the way things should be.

1 mom found this helpful

Hmmm... the band-aid thing doesn't shock me because I know in our district last year when the school nurse ran out she was buying them herself, and because of the expense she would buy the cheap ones that never stick. In the long run she probably would have used a lot less if she had gotten the better ones, but I do understand. The budget was so tight after all of the cuts, including several teaching positions, there was simply no money. We all had to buy a lot of the supplies required for our rooms.
Now Riley J's list made me angry! That school district is out of line. I doubt the kids are drinking the coffee! In our building if you want coffee or Culigan water (as a staff member) you have to pay a portion of the monthly bill. We would never expect parents to provide that for us!
Last year in MO I read about some schools that had put toilet paper on the supply lists. I thought that was pretty sad! I do understand budget constraints, but if you can't even afford to go to the bathroom... wow!
Community supplies have become popular because there are a lot of families who can't afford things and this way all of the kids share so no one is without needed supplies. I used to get a little annoyed though when my son had to use broken crayons for half a semester because someone at his table would break them all before it was "time" to replace them. I'm guessing the bandaids on your child's list will go into a building wide community supply and not just for a classroom or even grade level. I don't think they should be able to specify "fun ones" but I do see why they need them.

1 mom found this helpful

My kids are older but when they were in K they didn't ask for bandaids. They asked for 24 gluesticks EACH. And I have to say I was very disappointed that only ONE project came home! LOL! I think its smart to ask for bandaids. My kids will be in 3rd and 6th and I may send a box with them. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

Could be because the government is so far behind in the payments that they owe the school. So many things are being cut. I can remember being in grade school and junior high there was an actual nurse on staff who was there every day. She had on the white dress and shoes and the little hat. Schools can't afford full time nurses now. They still have them but a lot of the schools nurses are actually going between multiple schools. could be they are keeping the bandaids in the classrooms and teachers are taking care of small cuts and bruises without sending them to the office. The thing on my kids lists that threw me was the need for a large box of ziplocks in both gallon and quart size. really what are they doing with those? never saw anything come home in those. never saw them used in the classroom. I'm sure they used them. but can't imagine what for.

1 mom found this helpful

One day in middle school my daughter went to the nurse for a bandaid 5 times, all for legitimate reasons. If a middle schooler can go that, imagine what a 5 year old might need.

1 mom found this helpful

I'm a home schooling mom. Wow. I had no idea. When I was in school you provided your "own" school supplies and not for anyone else. Good gosh that is pathetic. The school nurse had the band aids and anything else for a boo boo. Coffee? Really?
Even though my children do not attend public school, we are not exempt from paying our school taxes. This is ridiculous and another sad mark against the public school system.
C.

1 mom found this helpful

Besides the personal stuff like backpack, library bag, hat etc, the only shared item we were required to provide was one box of tissues. I managed to stretch to it ;-) My kindergartener has never come home with a bandaid on.

As for coffee, the school cafeteria sells (to adults only) cappucinnos, lattes, chai etc made by a barista. The teachers and the parents all buy their coffees there! Apparently it's a great fundraiser for the school.

1 mom found this helpful

I agree with many that said it is a great idea. My 5 yo twins will start school in a couple weeks and I may just send some in with them. They get a little scratch, no blood, and a bandaid instantly makes it better and the tears disappear. I am always well stocked! :)

I am in shock over Riley's list. OMG! That is terrible!!! I have never heard of that before. The superintendent would have gotten a personal ear full from tons of parents in our town, even the ones who could afford all that stuff. That is nuts! Our district tries to keep the list under $40, at least at the elementary level. Not sure about the upper grades.

1 mom found this helpful

I would raise my eyebrows too since I have bought ONE box of bandaids in 9 years. That's gone through myself, husband, and two boys. But, there are some kids out there that feel like every bump, bruise, cut, speck of blood require a bandaid. It drives me crazy and probably drives the teacher crazy, so at least if she has 25 boxes of bandaids she should be good for a couple of months. lol
I just looked at our list and it's boring as all get out....glue, crayons, blah blah blah....except for the part that said, please send in a $10 check made out to the ASB so they can pay for parties. Okay. Now, I am going to write a question that I thought of when I read YOUR question! haha
L.

1 mom found this helpful

I don't know, I don't think band aids is such a silly request. I think it makes sense. Agree with previous comments about budgets and such. Plus, its just one box of band aids . If the list was full of similar requests I would feel like you do but if thats a ridiculous as it gets, I'd be fine with it

1 mom found this helpful

im not a teacher but i'm assuming they wont get all 20-30 kids bring in a box of bandaids...so thats maybe 10-15 boxes. some will be for girls some for boys. and then at this age they are "always" needing a bandaid for something. so maybe these teachers figure if a bandaid will help the child get over it then that's what they are going to do. course it could be for crafts too. i always thought three boxes of ziplock bags per child was a bit much til i started helping out in class.

1 mom found this helpful

I hate the school supply lists! I don't mind pitching in and helping buy stuff for the classroom and providing my kids with their own folders, pencils and crayons(stuff like that) but I really hate being told to buy colored paper and art paper for the class room and it can only be a certain brand(the really expensive stuff). They also just want the name brand items. I now buy the minimum for my kids(10 glue sticks and 6 boxes of crayons per child, really?) and stock up on extra and keep those at home to send with my kids when they need them.
I have never been asked to provide band-aids but I know I wouldn't do it. That's what they have the nurses office for and if the schools budget is so tight they can't provide band-aids, I'd be looking really hard where all their money is going.
~C.

1 mom found this helpful

I worked in a school before. Money is tight. They'll get what they need from the parents any way they can. Our school supply list called for a ream of paper and two boxes of kleenex ..... Do you think your kid really goes thru two boxes of kleenex a year? No, but the kid next to him likely won't bring his two boxes, so your kid is covering for those that don't buy their share. So they're asking for bandaids, but really, it's not like they'll kick your kid out of school if you don't bring them. They just want to put it on there to see if you will help stock their supply closet for the year. Dry erase markers on there? Your kid will not use them, btw. But his teacher will. :)

Oh and btw - those crayons you buy and scissors you buy may have to stay in the classroom. That's the dumbest thing on the list, really - scissors. How about the school buy a class set and then you don't have to buy new scissors every year?!?

@ 4littleones: That sounds ridiculous. That school has really hit a low if they're telling YOU to replenish the grading pens. Oh come on. Crazy!

@ Riley: This is INSANE! Read the bi-laws or something. This is insane. Ask them if they'd really prefer you take food out of your child's mouth so that you can buy neosporin?? Oh my Goodness. I would FLIP OUT. JERKS is being too nice.

1 mom found this helpful

I've never had to send any supplies into my daughters school, thank God, because we pay an abundance in taxes and I would be annoyed after writing a $5000.00 check to the tax collector in August to then have to go out and buy a large amount of school supplies including bandaids (especially the "fun" ones which are expensive). My none of my 3 children have gone to school or preschool and have come home with a bandaid on them. I would be inclined to ask why they need so many bandaids.
Added: WOW RILEY! That list is insane and I would have not handled that well.

1 mom found this helpful

Our schools (it's a public school) list also contains a few things that are not exactly school supplies... hand sanitizer, boxes of tissues, ziploc bags. I don't mind providing some items like this, as I know that the school budget does not cover all that the teachers need and desire. The thing that gets me are the office supply items like the staplers, scissors, etc. What the heck happens to this stuff at the end of the year? Is NOTHING saved from year to year?
As far as the coffee goes on her list... that is absurd. Can you imagine how HORRIBLE coffee purchased in September would taste by March? Uggh... call me a coffee snob, but that is just ridiculous.

No comment on the bandaids but at least they are meant for the kids. However, in regard to Riley's list: COFFEE?!?!?. That's NOT a school supply for the kids. Sorry but I would've threatened the school with a lawsuit for endangering my kid and others by even suggesting that coffee would be served to 'em by putting it on the school supplies list. And as for the undies, our school nurse is always looking for hand-me-down pants et al 'cause younger kids may still suffer accidents. But brand new? Yeah just try and refuse my kid a public school education 'cause I didn't bring you homage in the form of coffee or clean underwear. No child left behind, even for want of a cuppa! JERKS, indeed.

Not a bad idea.

4littleones, the grading pens are very common. My son in a few of his grades needed them as they grade some of their papers together in the class. Go over the most missed items,etc, most likely it is not for the teachers grading.

Maybe there is a class assignment for art or something. I've never had a supply list with bandaids on it. The school nurse has bandaids for cuts and scratches, so the bandaids are obviously not being requested to accomodate injuries. If you dont want to ruin your future relationship with the soon to be teacher, wait til the end of the school year when all your childs unused supplies are sent home. If the bandaids don't make it home and there was never an assignment throughout the school year, ask for the bandaids back. The school is not allowed to just keep unused supplies ur child brings in without permision, thats stealing.