Dee, I understand where you are coming from. My son's list includes the basic items-- but we also must provide Ziploc bags (quart size), Fiskar scissors, Elmers glue, dry erase markers, and other items including Purell.
The brands I listed are specific and REQUIRED. As far as the Fiskar scissors--we are even given the model number they MUST have. And the dry erase markers--well there isn't a white board in the room!!--not one I saw. And while I would by Fiskars for me, not for my son who lost 2 pairs last year in kindergarten--each time I was senta note to buy a new pair for the next day.
I understand that teachers aren't paid well, which is wrong! But I also know teachers get to use what they spend in their classrooms as a tax deduction. The money I spend and donate is not a deduction for me. I also know I spend LOTS on tax money for my child's education.
I have no issues giving donations and helping in the classroom--I am happy to do so. But the demand on parents is getting unreal. My son came home on the second day of school with the Entertainment Book fundraiser. We sold 6 @$20/each. There will be 2 or 3 more fundraisers this year. I also received the envelope to send $10 back to the class for the holiday parties, which I will also get a list of required items to send at the time of the party. I will buy off of the teacher wish list at the book fair. School pics are on Tuesday, we got the flyer on Friday due back on Monday with my $25 for the small package. And we will have pics in February too. And finally in the backpack this week we received the "snack list" . Approx once a month each child is assigned a snack day and I will send snacks for the entire class.
And my final vent-- Teacher Appriecation Week. I would prefer to buy the teacher a gift of my choosing. The PTA,last year, assigned a different theme each day.... flower day, sweet day, relaxation day, candle day, etc. We were also told to send the same present for the PE, art, music, computer teachers, librarians and lunch ladies--- what in the heck--- beyond the money--- why would the PE teacher want a candle from each kid in the school-- 400 candles would be insane!!!!
I don't mind hellping or giving--it is not the teachers job to buy everything--but my tax money should cover that basic stuff like soap!
-wendi