Guess What was on my Kid's School Shopping List

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Replies

  • HeinekenMan
    HeinekenMan Posts: 80 Member
    I'm not sure there's much I can say that hasn't already been said at this point in the conversation. But I'll offer my thoughts anyway.

    1. It's great that parents are vigilant about protecting their children and concerned about their nutrition and health. But candy is not evil. I'm going to guess that Oprah WInfrey, Michael Jordan, Bill Gates and Albert Einstein all ate candy now and then. They turned out just fine.

    2. If you're educating your kids about proper nutrition and moderation, they're going to develop good eating habits. They're not going to start eating bags of chocolate every night because the teacher gave them two gummy worms at school.

    3. If your kids brush their teeth twice a day, they're not going to have cavities. And a few pieces of candy isn't going to change that fact.

    4. Teachers SHOULD give positive reinforcement. It works. Studies will support this, and I know that it works wonders in my wife's classroom. It's not because kids just want stuff and won't do anything unless they get rewarded. It's because rewarding kids shows that you care about their SUCCESS. When kids know that the teacher cares, they focus and work harder. My wife has the highest scores on state tests in her department every year. She has been at the top at two different schools. It's not because she's extremely intelligent. It's not even because she's a better teacher. It's because she's likable. Students want to do well in her class. For some kids, she's like a second mother. For some, she's the only person in their lives who pays any attention to them and the only person who believes in their abilities and respects them. The rewards she gives create a pathway to mutual respect. Once that's established, the kids are inspired.

    5. If kids are doing well in school and part of it is because the teacher is giving them a little candy, outrage seems unnecessary.

    6. Teachers these days often buy all of their own teaching tools. I'm not just talking about pens and markers. I'm talking about 30 copies of a book that the school district won't buy, dozens of writing journals for the kids who don't have one, and, in some cases, $5-$10 a week for kids who need a big lunch because they won't have any dinner at home and kids who can't afford laundry detergent to clean their stinky clothes and kids who need money for shampoo or for a new pair of shoes. Teachers empty their pockets for kids all the time. Asking parents to provide a $3 bag of candy once or twice a year is a small request.
  • mycrazy8splus1
    mycrazy8splus1 Posts: 1,558 Member
    Oh. You're "that mom."

    Nothing to see here and nothing to say here, other than that I feel sorry for your kid, and your kid's teachers.

    What's "That Mom"????
    The definition is somewhat elastic, but generally "That Mom" is someone difficult to be around because she exudes that unpleasant combination of constant, usually unwarranted, worry about not being a good parent, and harsh judgment of other parents (to assuage the constant worry). Anything that happens that isn't absolutely optimal in her mind for her child elicits over-reaction, because they parent from a place of negativity and fear. Kid eats a cupcake at school = won't get into Vassar. That's hyperbole but you get me. That whole Mommy Wars garbage a few years back was a result of this mindset.

    Sad thing is, having a kid can be a total blast a great deal of the time if people would just stop freaking out about whether or not every single thing is absolutely perfect to completely ensure their child's total success. We're giving a bunch of kids anxiety issues by the time they reach second grade because...

    ...nevermind. People either already see what I mean or they don't. I'm not going to change anyone's mind.

    ^ Excellent definition.

    The one I was using was this:

    The mom who stresses every little detail, thinks sugar is going to kill her kids and finds a replacement for every treat possible (and often sends a note to birthday parties noting that little Johnny shouldn't be allowed to eat the cake), asks the pediatrician at every visit if her kid has the latest fad illness, is convinced that rough housing will result in future violent behavior, considers the educational benefit over every toy the kid has ever played with, etc. You can identify them by the eye rolling that goes on among the other parents anytime that they are present. Other indications are objections to holidays like Halloween, and buying anything to drop in kid's trick-or-treat bags but candy.

    Please understand that I have friends with kids with all sorts of real afflictions and a few real allergies, and I sympathize with them, what I'm talking about is the mom who seems to always be one step away from Munchausen syndrome. Having my kid at an expensive private school for a few years means that I've met several of them. Never again.

    Let kids be kids. Push them, encourage them, make sure they hear the word "no" often, get them active and into sports, hound them to brush their teeth, and for god's sake let them eat cake.

    that's a good definition as well!
  • A lot of kids already don't pay attention in school. The artificial dyes in the candies is just going to make it worse.

    3023453-doctor-facepalm_zps374012c5.png
  • BeachIron
    BeachIron Posts: 6,490 Member

    The mom who stresses every little detail, thinks sugar is going to kill her kids and finds a replacement for every treat possible (and often sends a note to birthday parties noting that little Johnny shouldn't be allowed to eat the cake), asks the pediatrician at every visit if her kid has the latest fad illness, is convinced that rough housing will result in future violent behavior, considers the educational benefit over every toy the kid has ever played with, etc. You can identify them by the eye rolling that goes on among the other parents anytime that they are present. Other indications are objections to holidays like Halloween, and buying anything to drop in kid's trick-or-treat bags but candy.

    Please understand that I have friends with kids with all sorts of real afflictions and a few real allergies, and I sympathize with them, what I'm talking about is the mom who seems to always be one step away from Munchausen syndrome. Having my kid at an expensive private school for a few years means that I've met several of them. Never again.

    Let kids be kids. Push them, encourage them, make sure they hear the word "no" often, get them active and into sports, hound them to brush their teeth, and for god's sake let them eat cake.

    YES!! We experienced the same thing at a posh private preschool too. The vast majority of parents fretted like this, and were some of the most joyless people I've ever met. Your kids are lucky to have you.:flowerforyou:

    And yours, you. :heart:

    I'm actually relieved to have my oldest in an "A" rated public school these days.
  • SStruthers13
    SStruthers13 Posts: 150 Member
    First of all, if your child is eating tons of junk it's your fault. My kids did not eat tons of junk because I said no. I'm not saying they didn't eat junk. I'm saying they didn't have a lot. I, as the responsible adult, made that decision for them, they were my kids, they didn't get what was bad for them. Candy is not a core subjects at school. Your kids do not need it at school.

    If you do not wish your child to have junk at school tell the teacher not to give it to them. I personally feel rewarding children for schoolwork with candy instead of praise and the satisfaction of achievement is training them to have unrealistic expectations as to what life is about. Perhaps speaking to the school principal instead of us, who know how bad candy is, is the best course of action.
  • _chiaroscuro
    _chiaroscuro Posts: 1,340 Member

    The mom who stresses every little detail, thinks sugar is going to kill her kids and finds a replacement for every treat possible (and often sends a note to birthday parties noting that little Johnny shouldn't be allowed to eat the cake), asks the pediatrician at every visit if her kid has the latest fad illness, is convinced that rough housing will result in future violent behavior, considers the educational benefit over every toy the kid has ever played with, etc. You can identify them by the eye rolling that goes on among the other parents anytime that they are present. Other indications are objections to holidays like Halloween, and buying anything to drop in kid's trick-or-treat bags but candy.

    Please understand that I have friends with kids with all sorts of real afflictions and a few real allergies, and I sympathize with them, what I'm talking about is the mom who seems to always be one step away from Munchausen syndrome. Having my kid at an expensive private school for a few years means that I've met several of them. Never again.

    Let kids be kids. Push them, encourage them, make sure they hear the word "no" often, get them active and into sports, hound them to brush their teeth, and for god's sake let them eat cake.

    YES!! We experienced the same thing at a posh private preschool too. The vast majority of parents fretted like this, and were some of the most joyless people I've ever met. Your kids are lucky to have you.:flowerforyou:

    And yours, you. :heart:

    I'm actually relieved to have my oldest in an "A" rated public school these days.
    Dawww thanks. Luckily we found a good one too. Racially, religiously and economically diverse, rigorous academics, and the place is like a big warm hug every time we walk in. Night and day from where we were.
  • My 3rd grade son switched this year from a very small private school to an average size public school. His school supply list was what I consider normal at private school. Nothing extravagant, basically what a kid would need. This year for public school he had to bring a ridiculous amount of pencils, paper, Kleenex, Clorox wipes, etc. I know there is no way my one kid will use all of the pencils he was required to bring - we are obviously helping out the kids who bring nothing.

    HOWEVER - I don't mind. I consider myself fortunate that we are able to supply our child with what he needs, and am willing and glad to help out the little kid sitting next to him whose parents either can't afford or won't get him what he needs. It's not the kid's fault, he has absolutely no control. Even though I am not responsible for those kids, I want my son to learn that being generous and taking care of others is our responsibility.

    It sounds preachy and self-righteous I know, but the system is not going to change, and people are still going to have kids and not take proper care of them or provide for them. If you saw a hungry kid and could afford to buy him a sandwich - wouldn't you? Why not make things a little easier for others when you can?

    As for the candy issue - I would not necessarily be in favor of handing out candy at school, and I would rather he get stickers or whatever. But it's not going to kill him, and cavities and obesity are parental responsibilities that should be managed with proper education AT HOME.
  • education_spending_zps1c88a2d0.jpeg

    I wonder what the graph looks like if we compared how many supplies parents send to school vs performance. I wonder if candy improves performance or maybe it improves self esteem, something else very important.

    Facts we know:

    Sugar causes cavities. (not poor dental hygiene like many people mistakenly believe)
    Teachers are underpaid (hence the need for parents to provide everything despite the fact that they already pay taxes)
    There are too many students in each class (which is why kids aren't doing as well even though classroom size is at an all time low)

    Any other facts we need be aware of as well informed parents?
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    education_spending_zps1c88a2d0.jpeg

    I wonder what the graph looks like if we compared how many supplies parents send to school vs performance. I wonder if candy improves performance or maybe it improves self esteem, something else very important.

    Facts we know:

    Sugar causes cavities. (not poor dental hygiene like many people mistakenly believe)
    Teachers are underpaid (hence the need for parents to provide everything despite the fact that they already pay taxes)
    There are too many students in each class (which is why kids aren't doing as well even though classroom size is at an all time low)

    Any other facts we need be aware of as well informed parents?

    I dont think you understand what a fact is.
  • Danilynn1975
    Danilynn1975 Posts: 294 Member
    School supply lists have gotten way out of hand.

    This year for my 6th grader they wanted:

    48 black Pentel brand only pens
    48 red Pentel brand only pens
    96 mechanical pencils Bic brand only
    8 two inch binders
    6 boxes of Kleenex brand only tissues
    15 packs wide rule paper
    3 packs manila paper
    6 three subject spiral notebooks
    4 packs of pocketed dividers
    12 pack of Crayola only brand colored pencils
    10 glue sticks Elmer's brand only
    2 boxes of Glad brand only 30 gallon trashbags
    3 boxes of Ziploc only brand freezer bags

    It was also mandatory to purchase a school t-shirt ($25)
    2 packs of dry erase markers Expo brand only

    Now on meet and greet night since she changes classes the teachers all had class "fees" ranging from $5 for her math class to $20 for her English class

    Then there was the band fees plus instrument costs. ($2100 total if you are curious)

    Then there was the backpack, and other stuff they wanted like germ-x.

    I also have a high school kid her class fees on open house meet and greet wiped out $150 in less than an hour.
    Then there was her school supplies. Some of the same stuff my 6th grader needed.

    My total back to school costs ran me excluding the band instrument: $800

    The school supply list expectation is getting way out of hand.

    I'm all for good deeds. But damn it, I can not afford to supply other people's kids with their stuff. There are organizations they can get help from. Grow up and take care of your own.

    As for the candy. that's a personal choice. But after what I spent getting supplies, I don't think I would be doing it.

    Because as we all know come Christmas break they are going to hit us with yet another expensive lengthy list of stuff meant not for our kid but for other kids too.

    It's insane.

    Then there was the note from the school regarding home packed lunches and what was prohibited. It was a really long list. It ended with saying they preferred the kids to buy their lunches from the school. Neither of my kids is particularly fond of the stuff the serve. Basically about all they are allowed is chicken or turkey lunch meat. They banned ham and other pork products. We are not Jewish, nor are we Muslim. No sweets, no grapes. Apples, pears, or bananas were the "encouraged fruit". Okay what the hell is wrong with grapes?????
  • Tiffa0909
    Tiffa0909 Posts: 191 Member
    I remember getting a list of supplies to bring the school when I was a child.

    Most of the things were for projects that they already had planned for each student and some were for general use in the classroom and those were shared by everyone.

    Yes , there was children who could not afford to bring any but that was part of the learning experience and learning how to share.

    I also remember that when I missed a class ,the parents of those kids were the ones that would make sure to pick up a extra copy of the work and give it to my mom so that I would not get behind on my school work. Or they would drop the notebooks so that I could copy the notes.
  • HeinekenMan
    HeinekenMan Posts: 80 Member
    A lot of kids already don't pay attention in school. The artificial dyes in the candies is just going to make it worse.

    3023453-doctor-facepalm_zps374012c5.png

    I ate candy all the time when I went to school. I also was in the top 5 percent of my graduating class with a GPA better than a 4.0.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    My dentist gave me sealants on my teeth when I was a kid, supposedly it's supposed to prevent cavities. Have you asked yours about that? Prevention's the best medicine, and if your kid's going to be eating a lot of sugary stuff at school (since he's a kid, and he will if they're offered), might not be a bad idea to check into it

    Yes look into the sealants I was 20 before my first cavity after the sealants wore off. Maybe they dont do that for kids anymore?

    Just tell the school your kid has an allergy to red dye #5. I find it a little disconcerting schools are using candy bribes. I just learned that schools here for high school are only opened 6hrs a day! That's nothing how do we expect to compete with the rest of the world?
  • education_spending_zps1c88a2d0.jpeg

    I wonder what the graph looks like if we compared how many supplies parents send to school vs performance. I wonder if candy improves performance or maybe it improves self esteem, something else very important.

    Facts we know:

    Sugar causes cavities. (not poor dental hygiene like many people mistakenly believe)
    Teachers are underpaid (hence the need for parents to provide everything despite the fact that they already pay taxes)
    There are too many students in each class (which is why kids aren't doing as well even though classroom size is at an all time low)

    Any other facts we need be aware of as well informed parents?

    I dont think you understand what a fact is.

    Please explain.
  • HeinekenMan
    HeinekenMan Posts: 80 Member
    School supply lists have gotten way out of hand.

    This year for my 6th grader they wanted:

    48 black Pentel brand only pens
    48 red Pentel brand only pens
    96 mechanical pencils Bic brand only
    8 two inch binders
    6 boxes of Kleenex brand only tissues
    15 packs wide rule paper
    3 packs manila paper
    6 three subject spiral notebooks
    4 packs of pocketed dividers
    12 pack of Crayola only brand colored pencils
    10 glue sticks Elmer's brand only
    2 boxes of Glad brand only 30 gallon trashbags
    3 boxes of Ziploc only brand freezer bags

    It was also mandatory to purchase a school t-shirt ($25)
    2 packs of dry erase markers Expo brand only

    Now on meet and greet night since she changes classes the teachers all had class "fees" ranging from $5 for her math class to $20 for her English class

    Then there was the band fees plus instrument costs. ($2100 total if you are curious)

    Then there was the backpack, and other stuff they wanted like germ-x.

    I also have a high school kid her class fees on open house meet and greet wiped out $150 in less than an hour.
    Then there was her school supplies. Some of the same stuff my 6th grader needed.

    My total back to school costs ran me excluding the band instrument: $800

    The school supply list expectation is getting way out of hand.

    I'm all for good deeds. But damn it, I can not afford to supply other people's kids with their stuff. There are organizations they can get help from. Grow up and take care of your own.

    As for the candy. that's a personal choice. But after what I spent getting supplies, I don't think I would be doing it.

    Because as we all know come Christmas break they are going to hit us with yet another expensive lengthy list of stuff meant not for our kid but for other kids too.

    It's insane.

    That is unusual. I would be very concerned about teachers asking for cash and the school requiring people to buy T-shirts. Is this a public school?

    I have two kids in grade school. Their teachers did not request anything. They only listed the supplies the kids would need. We bought every supply they needed for less than $25. The only other cost was for two back packs. Those were about $15 each.
  • A lot of kids already don't pay attention in school. The artificial dyes in the candies is just going to make it worse.

    3023453-doctor-facepalm_zps374012c5.png

    I ate candy all the time when I went to school. I also was in the top 5 percent of my graduating class with a GPA better than a 4.0.

    Not to diminish your scholastic achievement but 'better than a 4.0' just means your grades were wildly inflated and means nothing.
  • HeinekenMan
    HeinekenMan Posts: 80 Member
    Here's the thing...I don't care what the reward is - be it candy, stickers or whatever...I'm hung up on the fact that kids are being rewarded for doing what they SHOULD be doing anyways.

    And incentive for being good? I'm pretty sure keeping my name off of the chalkboard was incentive enough for me, cuz I knew if I got any check marks after my name (check marks were issued for each "bad" instance), there would be no recess for me. So what motivated me to behave? Wanting to spare myself from the embarassement of having to stay in at recess, or having my name on the chalkboard for the whole class to see.

    Then blame parents, not teachers. When kids grow up with no limits and no consequences, a teacher cannot magically change his/her behavior and life outlook overnight. Do you actually think teachers WANT to have to bribe kids to get them to behave?

    Kids who are raised with no consequences at home have very little real consequences at school. They are not embarrassed to have their name written on the board - they think it's funny and/or are proud of it. The number one threat for me as a kid was having a teacher call my mom. Nowadays, if you call a parent to report a child's misbehavior, you are almost just as likely to get chewed out by the parent for not being a "good enough" teacher to handle their brat of a child. You're pretty limited as to what you can take away at school. Rewards are a last but necessary resort, unfortunately.

    Oh, I do blame the parents too, don't get me wrong. I was just floored to see that teachers have to resort to a "rewards" program just to get kids to behave. I don't pretend to have all the answers, today's society is royally messed up. I can't believe what kids are allowed to get away with these days. My biggest pet peeve is when you go to a restaurant and see kids running around and being obnoxious and the parents are just oblivious and ignore them. Unless we're sitting at Chuck E. Cheese or McDonald's, get a handle on your kid and make them behave or leave! But I digress...

    For the record, I have a lot of respect for teachers. I know I couldn't do it. I don't for one second think it's an easy job. It's just unfortunate that they have to resort to rewards programs to get kids to learn.

    You are surprised that teachers have to reward kids to get them to work? Do you have a job? If so, do you get a paycheck? Do you get pats on the back and weekends off, vacation time, holiday parties, etc? According to sociologist Max Weber, considered the grandfather of organization theory, people are motivated by many things, and many of those things are rewards.
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    education_spending_zps1c88a2d0.jpeg

    I wonder what the graph looks like if we compared how many supplies parents send to school vs performance. I wonder if candy improves performance or maybe it improves self esteem, something else very important.

    Facts we know:

    Sugar causes cavities. (not poor dental hygiene like many people mistakenly believe)
    Teachers are underpaid (hence the need for parents to provide everything despite the fact that they already pay taxes)
    There are too many students in each class (which is why kids aren't doing as well even though classroom size is at an all time low)

    Any other facts we need be aware of as well informed parents?

    I dont think you understand what a fact is.

    Please explain.

    Well, the second two are opinions, not facts. The first one is simply inaccurate. Bacteria consume simple sugars in your mouth and produce an acid that erodes tooth enamel. So sugar indirectly encourages cavities. Also, your dental hygiene plays a large role in tooth decay. For example, using a toothpaste with fluoride causes your enamel to harden, making it less susceptible to decay.
  • Danilynn1975
    Danilynn1975 Posts: 294 Member
    School supply lists have gotten way out of hand.

    This year for my 6th grader they wanted:

    48 black Pentel brand only pens
    48 red Pentel brand only pens
    96 mechanical pencils Bic brand only
    8 two inch binders
    6 boxes of Kleenex brand only tissues
    15 packs wide rule paper
    3 packs manila paper
    6 three subject spiral notebooks
    4 packs of pocketed dividers
    12 pack of Crayola only brand colored pencils
    10 glue sticks Elmer's brand only
    2 boxes of Glad brand only 30 gallon trashbags
    3 boxes of Ziploc only brand freezer bags

    It was also mandatory to purchase a school t-shirt ($25)
    2 packs of dry erase markers Expo brand only

    Now on meet and greet night since she changes classes the teachers all had class "fees" ranging from $5 for her math class to $20 for her English class

    Then there was the band fees plus instrument costs. ($2100 total if you are curious)

    Then there was the backpack, and other stuff they wanted like germ-x.

    I also have a high school kid her class fees on open house meet and greet wiped out $150 in less than an hour.
    Then there was her school supplies. Some of the same stuff my 6th grader needed.

    My total back to school costs ran me excluding the band instrument: $800

    The school supply list expectation is getting way out of hand.

    I'm all for good deeds. But damn it, I can not afford to supply other people's kids with their stuff. There are organizations they can get help from. Grow up and take care of your own.

    As for the candy. that's a personal choice. But after what I spent getting supplies, I don't think I would be doing it.

    Because as we all know come Christmas break they are going to hit us with yet another expensive lengthy list of stuff meant not for our kid but for other kids too.

    It's insane.

    That is unusual. I would be very concerned about teachers asking for cash and the school requiring people to buy T-shirts. Is this a public school?

    I have two kids in grade school. Their teachers did not request anything. They only listed the supplies the kids would need. We bought every supply they needed for less than $25. The only other cost was for two back packs. Those were about $15 each.

    Yes it is. My state has a budget shortfall this year big time. So I guess we are having to make it up.

    I was told the fees were to cover "printing costs and janitorial supplies, sanitary supplies like soap and toilet paper and also to cover teacher out of pocket expenses"

    What really irked me was the way they got snotty when I asked about the fees. I expected them for band but not for a math class.

    Oh and both kids had to have a TI-84. I have a TI-83 but was not allowed to let my 6th grader use that one. Those run 120 each!!!!
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    A lot of kids already don't pay attention in school. The artificial dyes in the candies is just going to make it worse.

    3023453-doctor-facepalm_zps374012c5.png

    I ate candy all the time when I went to school. I also was in the top 5 percent of my graduating class with a GPA better than a 4.0.

    Not to diminish your scholastic achievement but 'better than a 4.0' just means your grades were wildly inflated and means nothing.

    I believe to get above a 4.0gpa, you have to have Honors/AP courses that are more heavily weighted than their standard counterparts. And not all schools offer that additional bonus GPA, so yeah, doesn't really mean much.
  • HeinekenMan
    HeinekenMan Posts: 80 Member
    A lot of kids already don't pay attention in school. The artificial dyes in the candies is just going to make it worse.

    3023453-doctor-facepalm_zps374012c5.png

    I ate candy all the time when I went to school. I also was in the top 5 percent of my graduating class with a GPA better than a 4.0.

    Not to diminish your scholastic achievement but 'better than a 4.0' just means your grades were wildly inflated and means nothing.

    I guess ignorance is bliss. Because there's no way in hell that you could know a single damn thing about my education.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,022 Member
    The teacher asked for a bag of candy. Of all things, right?

    My kid's gotten so many cavities since starting school last year, I'm tempted to send the school his dental bills. All the sugary snacks and gooey treats at birthday parties are ridiculous. The candy will be used as incentives for the children, and while I can understand how useful that may be to a teacher, there's got to be a better way.
    My DD's eats all of those too..................and dental hygiene is fine. We ate candy as kids, and probably no different than today's kids.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • MyaPapaya75
    MyaPapaya75 Posts: 3,143 Member
    that's candy is for the teacher lol
  • education_spending_zps1c88a2d0.jpeg

    I wonder what the graph looks like if we compared how many supplies parents send to school vs performance. I wonder if candy improves performance or maybe it improves self esteem, something else very important.

    Facts we know:

    Sugar causes cavities. (not poor dental hygiene like many people mistakenly believe)
    Teachers are underpaid (hence the need for parents to provide everything despite the fact that they already pay taxes)
    There are too many students in each class (which is why kids aren't doing as well even though classroom size is at an all time low)

    Any other facts we need be aware of as well informed parents?

    I dont think you understand what a fact is.

    Please explain.

    Well, the second two are opinions, not facts. The first one is simply inaccurate. Bacteria consume simple sugars in your mouth and produce an acid that erodes tooth enamel. So sugar indirectly encourages cavities. Also, your dental hygiene plays a large role in tooth decay. For example, using a toothpaste with fluoride causes your enamel to harden, making it less susceptible to decay.

    I got over a 4.0 is school and I've never heard of these bacteria of which you speak. And flouride is poisonous if you consume more than 450 ml in a one week timeframe. No way I'm putting that in my mouth. Also, toothbrushes are just a fad.

    All facts.
  • odusgolp
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    I'm just glad dude finally quit talking about all the pencils he was stealing from the Golf Course...



    Carry on.
  • A lot of kids already don't pay attention in school. The artificial dyes in the candies is just going to make it worse.

    3023453-doctor-facepalm_zps374012c5.png

    I ate candy all the time when I went to school. I also was in the top 5 percent of my graduating class with a GPA better than a 4.0.

    Not to diminish your scholastic achievement but 'better than a 4.0' just means your grades were wildly inflated and means nothing.

    I guess ignorance is bliss. Because there's no way in hell that you could know a single damn thing about my education.

    No way in hell? I beg to differ, sir. Oh, there's a way. It might be improbable but it exists. I could know you. Maybe I was one of your teachers or an uncle. Never use absolutes, never.
  • sandifield
    sandifield Posts: 22 Member
    Our boy is in what they call An Apple School again this year, No candies, chips, chocolate, pop, and such even when they celebrate a birthday its with healthy foods, Christmas, Halloween, Easter parties are no junk either, If a Child does being junk to school it is taken from them and replaced with fruit... Our kids get incentives with lil stickers, toys, extra recesses, and wotk toward tickets, at end of month they draw for lil gifts, the better.. you get tickets for listening, helping, getting work done, remember in homework and such.. and they get Certificates too .. Never would they bribe a child with candy...
  • HeinekenMan
    HeinekenMan Posts: 80 Member
    School supply lists have gotten way out of hand.

    This year for my 6th grader they wanted:

    48 black Pentel brand only pens
    48 red Pentel brand only pens
    96 mechanical pencils Bic brand only
    8 two inch binders
    6 boxes of Kleenex brand only tissues
    15 packs wide rule paper
    3 packs manila paper
    6 three subject spiral notebooks
    4 packs of pocketed dividers
    12 pack of Crayola only brand colored pencils
    10 glue sticks Elmer's brand only
    2 boxes of Glad brand only 30 gallon trashbags
    3 boxes of Ziploc only brand freezer bags

    It was also mandatory to purchase a school t-shirt ($25)
    2 packs of dry erase markers Expo brand only

    Now on meet and greet night since she changes classes the teachers all had class "fees" ranging from $5 for her math class to $20 for her English class

    Then there was the band fees plus instrument costs. ($2100 total if you are curious)

    Then there was the backpack, and other stuff they wanted like germ-x.

    I also have a high school kid her class fees on open house meet and greet wiped out $150 in less than an hour.
    Then there was her school supplies. Some of the same stuff my 6th grader needed.

    My total back to school costs ran me excluding the band instrument: $800

    The school supply list expectation is getting way out of hand.

    I'm all for good deeds. But damn it, I can not afford to supply other people's kids with their stuff. There are organizations they can get help from. Grow up and take care of your own.

    As for the candy. that's a personal choice. But after what I spent getting supplies, I don't think I would be doing it.

    Because as we all know come Christmas break they are going to hit us with yet another expensive lengthy list of stuff meant not for our kid but for other kids too.

    It's insane.

    That is unusual. I would be very concerned about teachers asking for cash and the school requiring people to buy T-shirts. Is this a public school?

    I have two kids in grade school. Their teachers did not request anything. They only listed the supplies the kids would need. We bought every supply they needed for less than $25. The only other cost was for two back packs. Those were about $15 each.

    Yes it is. My state has a budget shortfall this year big time. So I guess we are having to make it up.

    I was told the fees were to cover "printing costs and janitorial supplies, sanitary supplies like soap and toilet paper and also to cover teacher out of pocket expenses"

    What really irked me was the way they got snotty when I asked about the fees. I expected them for band but not for a math class.

    Oh and both kids had to have a TI-84. I have a TI-83 but was not allowed to let my 6th grader use that one. Those run 120 each!!!!

    Wow. This is the first I've heard of this. i wish you were in our school district. It's very inexpensive.
  • sharonfoustmills
    sharonfoustmills Posts: 519 Member
    It is psychologically damaging to reward children with food, candy, sweets. Find a good reliable report on this and send it to the school- it won't be hard to find, it is very well proven that it causes dysfunctional eating habits that last a lifetime if not intentionally changed (and that can be quite difficult to do).
  • HeinekenMan
    HeinekenMan Posts: 80 Member
    A lot of kids already don't pay attention in school. The artificial dyes in the candies is just going to make it worse.

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    I ate candy all the time when I went to school. I also was in the top 5 percent of my graduating class with a GPA better than a 4.0.

    Not to diminish your scholastic achievement but 'better than a 4.0' just means your grades were wildly inflated and means nothing.

    I guess ignorance is bliss. Because there's no way in hell that you could know a single damn thing about my education.

    No way in hell? I beg to differ, sir. Oh, there's a way. It might be improbable but it exists. I could know you. Maybe I was one of your teachers or an uncle. Never use absolutes, never.

    We'll round off the1 in 100 million odds to zero.