Tissues, batteries, hand sanitizer, wipes, paper towels are all "optional items". They are not required but are "extremely helpful".

One of our kindergarten teachers really piles it on. She wants 2 boxes of Crayola crayons (24 ct), several sticks of Elmer's glue, Fiskar scissors, contruction paper, so many folders, so many pencils. Take hers and cut it in 1/2 and that is what most teachers put on their lists.

That is one of the reasons that I started the supply baskets for attendance prizes when I was prez. My kids teachers where constantly asking for things like glue, crayons, and pencils. Along with craft prizes and they are usually begging for the "optional" things. So that is what the supply baskets are filled up with.

Personally I think our PTO should do more. I even thought that when I was prez, but the mulch kept me so tied up that is about all I had time for.

While reading through another thread I got to thinking of what basic school supplies students are required to bring to school -i.e purchase on their own. We get a supply list sent home for each grade. Basically notebooks, pens, pencils, graph paper (if needed), folders and binders. For 7&8 grade, a calculator is required.

I am sure some schools require a lot more than that. I know my niece's school requires them to bring their own tissues!? (One day it might be your own t.p [img]tongue.gif[/img] sorry could not resist that one)

So what does your school require of you, as parent or guardian, to purchase? [img]smile.gif[/img]

Tim - Hope I opened this thread in the correct topic.... free for all? If not you can move me.