School Supplies AND School Fees?! Why?!

It's August.  Both teachers and parents are getting ready for Back to School.
Both are spending extraordinary amounts of money for the big event on school supplies. 

"Why are parents charged school fees or workbook fees on top of having to buy school supplies?" many parents ask.

When I left Massachusetts and moved to Ohio, I was surprised with a bill called school fees when my daughter started 2nd grade here.  I had just spent a lot of money buying new clothes, shoes, school supplies, and things like tissues, paper towels, and gallon storage bags.  We never provided such an odd assortment in MA. 

After finding a teaching job here, I learned why this is.  Because of the tight budgets in local school districts, many districts are stretched tighter than ever.  In Ohio school districts are allowed to charge parents for consumable items - things their child will use in the course of the year.  Examples of such items are workbooks, books to read (novels, picture books, etc.) that will be sent home at the end of the year, construction paper, glue, tape, and other supplies.  That way districts only have to budget for teacher supplies and instructional materials. 

Parents, thank you for supporting your schools in every way possible.  We know school is expensive, and we appreciate all you do to make it the best for your child. 

Other ways teachers get supplies are through donations.  Some families donate books their children have outgrown.  In our area we have a wonderful organization called Crayons to Computers.  http://www.crayons2computers.org/  This organization collects donations that can be used in classrooms in low socio-economic areas.  The teachers in qualifying districts can go "shop" for free materials.  As you clean out your basement if there are items you think a teacher can use: file folders, hole punchers, folders, notebooks, binders, computer accessories, desk chair, books, craft supplies, and much more, they will gladly take your donations.  You can also volunteer there for a teacher.  Parents can work a 3 hour shift and earn a shopping certificate for teachers who work in school districts that don't qualify so they will be able to shop also. 

To save money on school supplies, watch the ads.  Staples has penny sales.  Walmart and Target have great sales on supplies also.  Good luck and have a great beginning of the school year!