[silverleaf]

Perhaps we parents are supplying the school system with supplies for all - communal property to be used by those who supply and those who do not

D'oh. Of course we are. Many of us have figured out the crayons (brand name only) pencil cases, tissues, hand sanitizer, etc we are required to send to school- are put into a communal pile and doled out to all, including those who "couldn't afford" to contribute anything toward their free public education (including a $.50 box of crayons, brand name only please). My kid's school hall is already lined with spanking new backpacks filled with school supplies, all donated, for kids who will arrive wearing the latest designer sneakers. But God forbid I should send cupcakes!

[Mr Ramsbotham]

Amazing. I grew up in the late ‘50s to early ‘70s, and the only thing I was ever compelled to bring to school was a writing implement and a notebook. That’s really all you need to give a child a first-rate education, apart from a skilled, motivated teacher, a few books, and some good, old-fashioned discipline.

[Lurker]

Do what we do.

We buy all those supplies that they list, but then we send 1 (one) of each item to school with our son. We certainly don't send them all the first day.

We were asked once why we didn't just send 'everything' the way they 'asked' us to.

I responded that the school isn't a charity and if they want me to donate something to the needy, they should be honest enough to tell me. I see no need for my son to take 2 of everything to school with him the first week.

They don't ask us to do that anymore.

L