This week's question:

 A new State law that took effect Sept. 1 limits drivers under 18 to only one non-family member under age 21 as a passenger. "Do you feel the new law will help reduce the incidence of young drivers involved in crashes?"  Take the NCNow Survey

Results will be posted Monday, Sept. 13

Last week's issue:

New Yorkers plan to spend up to $192 million for back-to-school supplies this year, with 64 percent of this spending ($123 million) driven by school supply lists from their children’s schools, according to estimates in a report released recently by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Last week's question:

"Do you feel buying school supplies to accommodate lists from children’s schools has become too expensive?" 

70% -- Yes

20.3% -- No

9.7% -- It depends

Total responses: 390

Total comments: 163

Here are your comments:

1. It seems to me that the teachers are doing their best to keep things to a minimum. Fri, Sep 3, 2010 12:21 PM

2. we are supplying plastic bags, kleenex...way too much if you ask me, another thing I don’t agree on is having exact brands! when it comes to a pencil....a pencil is a pencil!!! Fri, Sep 3, 2010 12:07 PM

3. Parents need to step up and purchase supplies for their children. Many times teachers purchase supplies for children who's parents don't. Supplies are necessary, and it should not be the job of teachers or the schools to purchase them. Fri, Sep 3, 2010 11:53 AM

4. Very much so. Considering how elementary school kids are being asked to buy numerous boxes of pencils, crayons, paper products, etc. Why should I as a hard working parent be asked to buy extra supplies for the "economically challenged?" Why else are these kids being asked to buy 3-4 BOXES of crayons/pencils. Fri, Sep 3, 2010 11:19 AM

5. I believe that students in this area need to get the best education possible, and if these supplies are what their teachers require then so be it. If you read the comments for these surveys the spelling, grammar and punctuation are atrocious. Maybe if more of the adults got a good education they wouldn't sound so ridiculous. Fri, Sep 3, 2010 10:37 AM

6. I am not sure how parents are supposed to get students ready for school. Calculators costing as much as 100, book covers a specified color, are examples of basic school needs. Why can’t schools have school calculators to use in class and what happened to paper book covers just those 2 suggestions could have cut the cost for 2 students $126. Also kindergarten students have to have physicals and dentist appointments before they may attend school. I know why people home teach!! Fri, Sep 3, 2010 10:29 AM

7. then find out they really didn't need EVERYTHING on the list...so just tell us the basic supplies they will need. Fri, Sep 3, 2010 10:00 AM

8. WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL SUPPLY? I REMEMBER WHEN SCHOOL SUPPLIED TISSUE AND SOAP AND SNACK PLATES. MY GRANDSON HAD TO TAKE PLASTIC BAGGIES LAST YEAR AND NEVER BROUGHT ANYTHING HOME IN ONE. ALSO THE AMOUNT THEY HAVE TO HAVE IS REDICULOUS. Fri, Sep 3, 2010 9:29 AM

9. You are not FORCED to buy all of the supplies and usually most of it is found inexpensively at Walmart or the dollar store. There are programs available if you can't afford it. Fri, Sep 3, 2010 9:29 AM

10. It sound's like from the math test results they need more than school supplies, ie. They need to be taught something, and discipline has to return to the classroom so the teachers can teach, and that starts at home rich or poor. Fri, Sep 3, 2010 8:33 AM

11. For the taxes I pay to schools, they should buy me books. Fri, Sep 3, 2010 8:06 AM

12. Yes, I have 2 kids and it has become unreal. When they reach 9th grade you HAVE to purchase a graphing calculator - they cost $100. That's just one item. Then they all have colored coded binders that they need for each subject. It's not only the cost of the supplies - you then have to find a backpack big enough to stuff all this in and that's not even the worse part - think of all these kids having to lug these heavy backpacks around daily!!! I can't even lift them myself. I really don't think that the school districts/teachers think of it as a big picture. They can come up with a better/cheaper system. Fri, Sep 3, 2010 6:19 AM

13. It has gotten crazy to see the specific lists of items that teachers require of students...I've renamed it "The Great School Shopping Scavenger Hunt!" Seriously right down to naming brands of items that have to be purchased. Thu, Sep 2, 2010 11:46 PM

14. I feel that it is way too expensive!!! Where is our tax money going? Do this schools even supply toilet paper anymore, what’s wrong with this system Thu, Sep 2, 2010 10:15 PM

15. several classes in the Harrisville district want 3" binders, These are $9.99 each, it cost $30.00 just for these, what happened to the 10 cent paper folders? Thu, Sep 2, 2010 10:03 PM

16. The schools should take the money they pay for teachers’ healthcare, let them pay their own as I do, and put it towards school supplies. Lunch is expensive enough. Thu, Sep 2, 2010 9:09 PM

17. If the kids get a proper education it's all worth it. I feel those same kids shouldn't be allowed to quit school at 16, Thu, Sep 2, 2010 8:06 PM

18. the amount parents have to spend to supply ALL of the students is outrageous! And teachers holding students grades hostage until parents purchase what's on their lists is criminal! What exactly do we pay school taxes for? Thu, Sep 2, 2010 7:58 PM

19. I have four kids in high school. For just one kid, I spent over $50 in binders. I still need to buy paper, pens, pencils, folders tab dividers & highlighters. It's going to cost me approximately $75 per child to start school this year. Thu, Sep 2, 2010 6:08 PM

20. Yes, when it includes everything under the Sun. Most of which that will be for general classroom supplies for everyone.

Stick to the basics, just what is needed by the student. Not a teacher wish list of student & classroom supplies. Thu, Sep 2, 2010 5:52 PM

21. Schools provide books, workbooks, desks, chairs, technology in the form of computers and SmartBoards, and most importantly, teachers who are trained to teach our children, leading them forward into the future. What's a few pencils, erasers and binders in the scheme of things? I looked at quite a few of the supply lists in Walmart and NONE of them were making outrageous demands or asking for unnecessary "fluff". If you can't part with a few dollars to send your child to school prepared, perhaps you shouldn't have had children. Thu, Sep 2, 2010 10:35 AM

22. Teachers are only asking for items that students need in order to succeed. If you have complaints about the supply list then maybe you need to complain to Albany. Teachers spend their own money in order for your children to do projects, have parties, and sometimes even have snacks! The school can only do so much.... Thu, Sep 2, 2010 8:49 AM

23. The teacher's are requesting way to many items and certain brand names items. Scientific calculator's for high school's for example are over $100, many teacher's require a certain notebook, 5 subjects with divider's when you can get one subject notebooks for a 1//4 of the price....

You buy markers, colors, tissues, hand sanitizer, scissors etc. for grade school children and they are now asking for certain numbers and brands which makes it very expensive with a large family on a small income. Thu, Sep 2, 2010 8:43 AM

24. To many of our teachers or administration have

had everything they always wanted. Do not

need all of those materials to teach. Thu, Sep 2, 2010 7:54 AM

25. It has become ridiculous. Thu, Sep 2, 2010 6:58 AM

26. It is no wonder that more and more parents are home schooling or contemplating it. We had four children in school, now it is three grandchildren and one soon entering...we can't believe the expense to send these grandchildren to school! We could never have done it with four and would of found an alternative. We thought lottery monies was suppose to go toward education, we know lottery sales are up what is happening to funding for schools...all we hear are cuts. Something needs to change and quickly or we are going to lose more students, at least in these rural areas. Thu, Sep 2, 2010 5:49 AM

27. school taxes should cover students’ needs Thu, Sep 2, 2010 5:03 AM

28. It wouldn't be so bad if they didn't have to buy a new calculator etc. for every new year. When I went to school we were required to bring pencils & paper. If my parents were given a list I'm sure they would have bought other items but most of our items were bought out of common sense. Thu, Sep 2, 2010 1:17 AM

29. No Teachers know best. Spend spend spend. Oh sorry you don’t make as much as them. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 11:02 PM

30. However, only if you are the "middle class." Upper class has enough money so they don't have to worry. Lower class is helped out by the various agencies so they don't need to worry. So once again, the hard working blue collar workers get screwed (again). And, then, of course, the teachers don't need to worry about anything as they have a high salary and full benefits. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 10:26 PM

31. Parents don't seem to think twice about spending an excessive amount of money on games, four wheelers, etc. Notebooks, pencils, pens and a decent calculator seem like very small things to buy when you consider the importance of an education. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 10:23 PM

32. schools should only have students buy paper, folders, writing utensils, and notebook/binder Wed, Sep 1, 2010 8:30 PM

33. certainly do! for kindergarten i had to buy a rest matt 40.00 , art smock 24.00 , 3 boxes of tissues 8.00 , 2 Clorox wipes 9.00 , 1 large hand sanitizer 5.00 , crayons 2.49 , box of markers for the class 7.00, pencil box 3.00, pencils 1.00 , erasers 1.79, scissors 4.50, snack 1 time a month 24.00, This is just kindergarten............. NOW come on we pay school taxes why do we have to provide wipes, snack, tissues, hand sanitizer .......... Wed, Sep 1, 2010 8:28 PM

34. It made more sense and was more economical if students began the year with basic supplies, then added more as the year went on. Not all notebooks get 100% used every year, and therefore can be "re-used" until there is no more room. Sure, it's great to show up with the best of everything, along with the latest book-bags. I guess, if you can spend the money, go ahead. But, not everyone should be compelled to follow teacher's wish-lists that they put out every summer. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 8:15 PM

35. It is your responsibility as a parent to provide what your child needs for school. But, hopefully, the schools will take into consideration the costs before they ask for too many supplies. I am sure some would like the state to provide everything for their child including their clothes. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 7:15 PM

36. I think the list have gotten ridiculous. When you have a family of 4 to buy clothes for and school supplies it's just to much. I think a lot of these things required shouldn’t be and the children do not need. Expensive, yes. necessary no. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 6:15 PM

37. Residents pay school taxes, so school administrators should have to operate within the restraints of their school budget!! Wed, Sep 1, 2010 5:43 PM

38. The only people who have a problem with this is the ones on welfare. As usual they think everybody else should pay their way. A lot of them use their precious welfare money to buy cigarrettes, drugs ,alcohol. Then they cry poor-mouth. makes me sick! Wed, Sep 1, 2010 4:32 PM

39. I think many of the teachers ask for more than is necessary. A child should not have to spend $100 for 8th grade school supplies................. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 4:18 PM

40. I do not think all those binder requirements are necessary, for each class a ringed notebook would do just fine at a lesser cost beside the fact they all do not fit in there backpacks and get badly broken by the years end opposed to a ringed note book Wed, Sep 1, 2010 3:33 PM

41. Yes. They are even writing down supplies the child needs for home now. Half the time, the child doesn't even use what they are told to buy on the list. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 3:16 PM

42. FOR THE AMOUNT WE PAY IN TAXES THEY SHOULD SUPPLY. ALSO THEY DON'T EVEN GET TEXTBOOKS TO TAKE HOME ANYMORE. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 3:04 PM

43. not if you shop at Walmart Wed, Sep 1, 2010 2:47 PM

44. Education should be a priority, if people cannot afford what is on the lists there are programs to help. Our children are falling behind the rest of the world when it comes to education, LAZY PARENTS are to blame. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 2:33 PM

45. How can poor or middle income families afford what is expected if they have more than one child? Wed, Sep 1, 2010 2:31 PM

46. From want I understand , the state of New York gives parents $200.00 for clothes & supplies, if you are getting help already. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 1:53 PM

47. It truly depends on the amount of kids you have. We have four kids and that becomes quite costly. I think it is a combination of things as well. This cost coupled with graphic calculators that total over a $100.00 each. and school pictures being all due in the same month, I personally, feel is too much for families. I think the school should supply the calculators (my daughters was stolen and there was nothing they could do about it) and School pictures should be after Christmas. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 1:45 PM

48. I find some of the needs a bit over the top for high school, like expensive scientific calculators. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 1:08 PM

49. Would you prefer the school buy them and add it to our tax bill ? Or would you prefer our children work with cheaper, inferior items - the old saying "you get what you pay for" is true Wed, Sep 1, 2010 1:03 PM

50. Yes...I have 2 kids and it is very expensive Wed, Sep 1, 2010 11:55 AM

51. As school supplies are required for school, they should be able to be written off at the end of the year as a tax deduction. This should be covered by our school taxes. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 11:38 AM

52. The worse the economy gets, the less the schools can provide and the more the parents are taking a hit! Some definitely cannot afford to supply all this garbage. Teachers need to reevaluate their demands. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 11:01 AM

53. It is not the school's job to provide for my child. They are doing the best they can, and any tools I can help provide for my child to achieve, I will. Everyone needs to work together. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 10:38 AM

54. Obviously a liberal ploy to keep political cronies in the pen and pencil business in the dough! Wed, Sep 1, 2010 10:37 AM

55. Just one of the costs of having kids Wed, Sep 1, 2010 10:12 AM

56. I don't mind buying the supplies that they need like paper, pens, pencils, note books, but when you have to supply tissues and cleaning supplies that is way to much. What do we pay taxes for? Wed, Sep 1, 2010 10:07 AM

57. Yes, can't believe the cost that is involved. My grandchildren, who are in high school have very, very expensive supplies. Can't imagine how unemployed parents manage. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 8:43 AM

58. I don't mind buying my child school supplies such as paper, pencils, pens, binders, etc...but, I don't like some of the additional things that some teachers add. For example, tennis balls for the chairs? I don't believe that's a necessity that teachers should be requiring. I DO, however, understand the tissues and antibacterial wipes. My child is in elementary school and I think it's important to help stop the spread of colds and viruses! Wed, Sep 1, 2010 8:42 AM

59. Students used to have to buy their own books. Many bought used books from students in the next class up. They respected them and took care of them. They didn't throw away and purposely break pens and pencils. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 7:21 AM

60. We used to take a pencil to school. Now parents have to supply practically everything that used to be provided by the schools. Before you know it, we'll be sending our kids to school with jugs of fuel oil for the school furnaces. Wed, Sep 1, 2010 7:19 AM

61. The desire for convenience to the teacher by having a specific color notebook for each subject, and/or certain styles of notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, etc., is completely out of order. If a student has paper and something to write with, then that is sufficient. Make the student responsible for organization, don't punish the parents by requiring costly supplies to do the work for them. Strange I made it through 12 years of school and a two-year college without having to purchase dictated types of paper and writing equipment. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 10:54 PM

62. This seems like it might be yet another opportunity for people to complain about the local school districts. I'm sure the schools are going to receive the blame for requesting parents to send in some supplies, when in reality, the lists aren't so different from those I had when I was in elementary school twenty-five years ago. It would be great if schools and teachers didn't have to request that parents send in anything. Being able to provide all necessary items would be heaven, but we all know that will never happen. Just as an additional note, there is a huge amount of waste that occurs at the end of the school year; supplies that could be used in the following school year are tossed out. I have seen unopened packs of loose-leaf paper, unused binders, working calculators, brand new packs of pens/pencils/highlighters, and notebooks with only a few used pages end up in the trash can. Even when encouraged to keep the supplies, kids will still toss them out. I'm sure many parents would be appalled at what gets discarded. Families could save quite a bit of money if supplies were reused/recycled. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 9:35 PM

63. I am a single mom of 2 boys, grades 6th and 9th, I spend a little over a hundred dollars between the two of them and then when they actually get to school they end up using about 75% of the things I bought. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 8:30 PM

64. No -- whatever is necessary to give our children what is needed. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 8:12 PM

65. I can't tell you how many times the "required" items from a school list have come home at the end of the school year in June completely untouched or unopened. High school is not as bad as middle school though. The required school supplies in the Potsdam middle school are outrageous. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 8:11 PM

66. the price of school supplies and demands from the schools are outrageous. When I was in elementary school 20 years ago I got a couple of note books, some pencils new crayons and pens (if we were allowed to have them). Even in high school I got folders notebooks, pens and pencils, none of the graphing calculators, usb drives. Yes things are expensive. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 8:02 PM

67. Yes, but I don't have a child, so I really don't have an idea of how much they are expected to purchase. I see all the bins of discounted stuff in WalMart, so maybe it isn't that expensive. Just doesn't seem right. We pay a fortune in school taxes. How come it doesn't cover required school supplies? I remember having to get some stuff for personal use, but it seems like all the kids have to now get stuff that the schools used to supply?? I do however, remember Mom and Dad having to purchase the school gym class uniform. I was a very pudgy kid. Why is actually quite important, but this is not the venue to pursue it. Needless to say, I should have gotten help. Anyway. My folks couldn't afford to purchase the scarlet colored pretty uniform that Carthage Central Jr-Sr school required. So, instead they found a cheaper one for me to squeeze into. It was a deep purple color. So, I stood out like a sore thumb. I was the only kid in gym class that didn't have the scarlet jump suit. I was chubby, and looked like a gigantic grape in a sea of red. yea, I'm a bit bitter. To this day, I still feel awkward and out of place. Maybe that's because I didn't get to hang out with my friends after school. I was bussed allllllll the way from Black River, so my evenings were spent studying, not socializing. I was a pudgy geek. OK, so I got a bit OT. Sorry, but this brought back some memories, and talking about them helped a lot. thanks to all for your patience. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 7:50 PM

68. If you have more than one child it just is too much. What's wrong with one notebook and loose leaf paper. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 7:44 PM

69. all depends on the school and the grade Tue, Aug 31, 2010 7:05 PM

70. I have found in the recent years the teachers have become more demanding (name brand/expensive supplies) on what the children must have. Including supplies for the classroom which should be supplied from the school. I have four children, two elementary and two high schoolers to buy for. It isn't easy nor cheap especially when you have clothing and shoes to buy as well. It is getting ridiculous!!

Proud Mother of Four♥ Tue, Aug 31, 2010 7:02 PM

71. If you have the $$ it's not a big issue. If you're un-employed what do you do? Feed the kids and get them some new sneakers and a t-shirt for school at Walmart OR buy them some notebooks that some teacher says they MUST have for that classroom? Ridiculous supply lists for parents to adhere to, better idea is to use what you have and call it good like we all have to do in our daily lives at home! Tue, Aug 31, 2010 7:00 PM

72. Why can't they let the students use what they have? If the teachers had to buy all the stuff they tell the parents to buy the lists would be "pen, pencil, paper" the older generation made it through school with the basics, the younger generation can too. Think of it, if they have to buy less, they'd carry less, and there would be less waste! What a concept. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 5:56 PM

73. all we needed back in the day is pencils paper or note books and crayons now, anything other than that the school supplied, it's getting to be all bull crap with all they need today, Tue, Aug 31, 2010 5:48 PM

74. Thank goodness they said the $99.98 calculator was only recommended and not on the mandatory list. We got our list less than 2 weeks before school started. We could have been buying bargains over the summer if we had known what to buy. Too often what we get ahead trying to plan what may be on the list, isn't. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 5:25 PM

75. Get back to the basics Tue, Aug 31, 2010 4:11 PM

76. These stats HAVE to be way off! There is no way only 36% of the back-to-school shopping is non-supplies... that includes shoes, clothes, new phones, and everything else kids love to show off on the first days... anyhow if students didn’t bring supplies then the parents would just be spreading the tab to the taxpayer, Tue, Aug 31, 2010 3:59 PM

77. School supplies have become too expensive. The problem is each teacher has their own whims and preferences. They don't care what the other teachers have on their lists. The teachers should get together and consolidate the lists! Tue, Aug 31, 2010 3:14 PM

78. A lot of the items teachers request seem unimportant. Why should we have to supply Clorox wipes? Doesn't the school pay custodians to clean? And what are taxes going to...they can't even have a box of Kleenex on hand? Tue, Aug 31, 2010 2:42 PM

79. As long as materials are used in classroom activities and lessons then no. However too many times materials are not used and wasted. Lists do give parents some idea of what to buy and help keep costs down if they are given out prior to school starting. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 2:33 PM

80. I feel it is and I don't have any children in school. I listen to parents talk and they state that they have to buy large quantities of santizer and other items to help out other students. What if the parents cannot afford to due that? Tue, Aug 31, 2010 2:11 PM

81. We used to buy from the lists, then found that many of those items never got used....send the kids to school with a pencil and tablet, then buy what's needed as needed. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 2:02 PM

82. haha-wait ‘til you buy books for college!!! Tue, Aug 31, 2010 1:53 PM

83. My kid is in 5th grade, the list sent home is absolutely ridiculous, especially since we are now a 1 income home instead of 2, last year we bought everything on the list and he didn't use half of the stuff, this year we are going to buy the BARE essentials and if the "stuff" the teacher claims he needs actually comes in to play we will get it then, between school clothes, supplies, etc. it is just too much- where do all of my school taxes go exactly? Tue, Aug 31, 2010 1:45 PM

84. All this stuff should be supplied by the schools. I don't have no money for this crap after I get beer and smokes. The state only gives me so much, you knows. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 1:05 PM

85. It has become ridiculous how the schools are demanding certain types of note paper, specific pencils, etc be bought...especially in this economic downfall...people are out looking for specials and sales, and cannot afford to be spending $50-100 per child. Years ago people sent their kids to school with pencils, looseleaf paper, clipboards and folders - the focus for schools should be on education, and not papers and pens. Also, what are taxes paying for..it is my understanding one mother had to provide chalkboard erasers last year, not counting the tissues, etc that had to be bought Tue, Aug 31, 2010 1:01 PM

86. It has to go back to a needs assessment for the child's family or a sliding scale of some sort based on income and needs to also be KEPT PRIVATE!

It seems to be a case of everyone gets the stuff, which isn't fiscally responsible. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 12:25 PM

87. People compain every week that they have to go in to a store to purchase extra stuff that is requested by the teacher. Getting a little ridiculouse. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 12:11 PM

88. People complain every week that they have to go in to a store to purchase extra stuff that is requested by the teacher. Getting a little ridiculouse. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 12:11 PM

89. With 3 kids in high school, we spend just as much on school supplies as we do school clothes. My big gripe is the scientific graphing calculators that they request, at the tune of over $100.00 each. As well as school planners. I can get a planner for less than $2.00 but yet It is mandatory to buy the schools for $6.00 each! Funny thing is I graduated from high school and college and we used graphing paper and pencils and didn't have planners! The schools should rent these high priced calculators and supply the kids the planners for free since it is their idea to mandate the purchase. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 12:02 PM

90. Why don't the schools purchase these on state contract and then sell to the students? Would this not be cheaper for the children? Tue, Aug 31, 2010 11:39 AM

91. the teachers seem to have no concept on how much these items cost. 2" notebooks are at least $5 each and some teachers want 5. get a clue. what happened to schools supplying some teaching materials? must have gone to administrative salaries! think of your students and families and can they afford all of this and is it really necessary ? Tue, Aug 31, 2010 11:17 AM

92. Not only is it to expensive but often the kids never use everything purchased. I also object to the number of 3 ring binders required - my son was supposed to be able to carry binders that added up to 22 inches! Try to fit that in a backpack! Tue, Aug 31, 2010 11:04 AM

93. WITH THE ECONOMY THE WAY IT IS IT IS REDICULES TO PAY FOR ALL THE KLEENEX, CUPS, GLUE, CRAYONS AND SO ON .WHY DO WE PAY TAXES FOR THE SCHOOL AND WE END UP PAYING MORE Tue, Aug 31, 2010 10:54 AM

94. With the cutbacks in education funding, teachers are not receiving nearly enough to supply everything for students. Parents do not want an increase in taxes, so therefore must deal with an increase in what they need to purchase. As far as technology goes, if we do not keep up with technology then our nation will fall further and further behind other countries. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 10:37 AM

95. To purchase school clothes is a huge expense in itself, let alone the supplies. If the teachers would contribute to their health insurance then their would be funds in the budget so the school could purchase some supplies. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 10:37 AM

96. If people choose to have children then they should be prepared for the expenses of the privilege of being a parent! Tue, Aug 31, 2010 10:33 AM

97. How much are you willing to spend to have your children receive a better education????? A littile money now for the biggest payday in the future. People that say yes: your kids are doomed for a life of welfare and government dependency. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 9:55 AM

98. Definitely! I never minded helping out with the routine supplies - crayons, pencils, paper, etc., but now the little tykes in Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st grade, etc. are even asked to bring in wet wipes - totally ridiculous! It causes hardship on a lot of families with several children in school. My daughter only has one child and the list is now so long that I have to help buy things so my granddaughter will have everything she needs! My daughter has a job, but lives paycheck to paycheck like almost everyone else. It's very difficult not to have the extra money to buy things that are "required" for your child. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 9:41 AM

99. Not after paying my child’s college tuition bill. This was nothing! I do thank Walmart for having school supplies so inexpensive! Time for school to start! Tue, Aug 31, 2010 9:36 AM

100. Some items are pretty basic and therefore pretty inexpensive. The calculators that are required for some grades are very pricey. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 9:36 AM

101. Who is going to buy the things they need???? New York State! New York State Taxpayers! The Federal Government!!!!!! In some cases it is more important for parents to buy cigarettes, booze, junk food and even illegal drugs instead of school supplies for their children. Free breakfast, free lunch and now Free School Supplies! Making ends meet sometimes is very hard but schools and teachers try and help out as much as they can but some parents have to stop having they hands held and be responsible for their children and their needs......The amount of money some elementary teachers spent for their students is unbelievable thanks to budget cuts. Thanks you Teacher......how many times do you here that!!!!!! Tue, Aug 31, 2010 9:32 AM

102. AS A TAX PAYER, I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHERE ALL THIS TAX MONEY GOES. EACH YEAR THE LISTS GET LONGER AND MORE SUPPLIES ARE NEEDED. EACH TEACHER HAS THIER OWN LISTS OF SUPPLIES THAT THEY WANT. EXAMLE: CERTIAN SIZE NOTEBOOKS, DIFFRENT COLORED PENS. LAST YEAR I HAD TO GET MY CHILD A 129.00 CALCULATOR, THAT

WAS USES VERY LITTLE. ALSO HAD TO BUY A FRENCH WORKBOOK. IT IS GETTING OUT OF HAND. I ONLY HAVE ONE CHILD TO BUY FOR. WHAT ABOUT THE PARENTS THAT HAVE TO BUY FOR SEVERAL CHILDREN? WHAT'S NEXT? BUYING ALL OF THE BOOK> Tue, Aug 31, 2010 9:25 AM

103. THERE HAS TO BE SOME KIND OF GUIDELINES. EVERY CHILD CAN'T JUST BRING TO SCHOOL ANYTHING A PARENT DECIDES TO SEND. THE SCHOOLS KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO PROPERLY EQUIP AND TEACH A CHILD. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 9:02 AM

104. We all end up with an endless "supply" of materials in a cabinet in the house after the kids go to school. Each teacher seems to have a preference for a different pencil than that last one, so you end up with duplicates of duplicates. Perhaps a general list versus having to pick up such a ridiculous amount of supplies that creates nothing but clutter. I'll never use up all these left over supplies in my lifetime. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 8:53 AM

105. When it involves buying supplies for the whole class, YES Tue, Aug 31, 2010 8:35 AM

106. I only have one child and I've already spent over $20.00 and that's buying the cheapest items I can find, and still haven't gotten everything on the list yet. I feel bad for parents with 2 or more children. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 8:11 AM

107. Most stores will have sales and you can get most stuff from lists then. Not a big deal. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 8:08 AM

108. Our high school taxes should pay for these supplies, since we already pay for athletic fields and improvements costing hundreds of thousands. I feel for the very low income families who can't afford it. Some classes require expensive calculators, who can afford that. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 8:00 AM

109. It has become outrageous. In the Ogdensburg District parents are expected to supply ten times was it actually needed thus supplying the entire class .It is ridiculous and way too expensive. No 2nd grader is going to need 10 glue sticks! Tue, Aug 31, 2010 7:46 AM

110. I do not care as I do not have children to worry about. If you cannot afford it then quit having children that you really do not want with the exception of increased welfare money. Drive through the beautiful town of Norfolk and see all the nice families with 10 or more children. Be careful as the town may want to tax you for driving through this cesspool. Taxes in this dump are higher than Massena. Go figure. Tue, Aug 31, 2010 7:27 AM

111. I pay taxes to support our school, folks who don’t own who have children go to school should contribute (at least) by getting school supplies. I appreciate that many cannot afford school supplies and lunches for their children but when those folks are smoking cigarettes/drugs and drinking better beer than me, well I cant help but feel they need to step up and take SOME responsibility, Tue, Aug 31, 2010 7:25 AM

112. When I was young I didn’t need half the stuff they are making the kids get today... flash drives.. etc... I took 4 kids school shopping at Walmart and just buying the basics for 4 lists, all separate things was over $200... Gee..with that money, I could have bought some extra food for the house..paid some bills...... Tue, Aug 31, 2010 7:23 AM

113. My children's lists were actually smaller this year and I still spent $135. on it!! Crazy!! Tue, Aug 31, 2010 6:31 AM

114. The teachers are spending just as much as I am out of their own pockets. I can either spend more on school taxes to supply our schools with the things they need to operate or I can get a supply list from my child's teacher and buy things directly. It really makes more sense to do that because then only people who have children actively in school are paying for those supplies. Do I like to spend the money? Of course not -- I'm as broke as the next person, especially these days. But why should the burden fall on my child's teacher? I chose to have a child....nobody said it would be cheap or easy!! Tue, Aug 31, 2010 12:39 AM

115. It sure has!! Some of the lists these teachers have for supplies are unbelievable. Certain things are necessary but I saw on one list this year that they want each child to bring in a box of Clorox wipes! Come on!! Also, do not tell the parents that they need a specific brand of pencils or notebooks.. Some parents shop at the dollar store so they can save money and they do not have the name brand products there. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 11:51 PM

116. If the school pays for them, taxes go up and people complain. If they don't pay for them, parents complain. It's a no win situation! I think people just need to complain about something! Mon, Aug 30, 2010 10:30 PM

117. Come on. This forum COULD be informative and provacative, and you waste it week after week. Your responses to this question will be 200 people whining about their sorry lives and how the cost of a pencil is squeezing them. And, last week's question was just absurd - and 42% of my peers, evidently, are also absurd. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 10:07 PM

118. hEY, thats the cost of sending your kid to school, a person shouldn't expect the taxpayer to fork up the goods, as well as sports, i think the parents should pay for their kid to play, why saddle the taxpayer with the cost Mon, Aug 30, 2010 9:32 PM

119. We cannot buy the scissors that are on sale at Walmart but must have Fiskars! We must buy not one glue stick but three to share with the rest of the class! We cannot buy the 1 and half inch binder that is on sale but must have the more expensive 2 inch- It has got out of hand! Mon, Aug 30, 2010 9:05 PM

120. what happened to school taxes covering these items? Mon, Aug 30, 2010 9:04 PM

121. Some things are essential, others not so much, but the schools aren’t the only ones having to pinch pennies and make ends meet. And some schools have parent groups that fundraise and help buy items that are not in the school budget....maybe people should volunteer their time more if they want people to help out the schools and their budget crisis and put some of their own money back in their pockets. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 8:26 PM

122. The is county's unemployment is sky high as well as folks who have lost manufacturing or blue collar jobs that just don't have the extra dollars to spend. I know many teachers who dig deep and help out, but we taxpayers are tapped out too. I don't think there is n easy answer on this one.

Maybe it is time for Charter schools: no tenure, no meddling school boards. Time for a change! Mon, Aug 30, 2010 8:14 PM

123. Lists are way too specific........ Mon, Aug 30, 2010 7:25 PM

124. not only do you have to buy supplies for home school but if your child goes to BOCES you can add another 250-300 dollars for supplies depending on the courses! Mon, Aug 30, 2010 7:17 PM

125. Pens, pencils, and paper I get. The rest of the crap, I don't understand. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 6:56 PM

126. I spent about $100 this year on my one daughter who is a high school students. Last year, I paid about $200 because she had to have a scientific calculator. I don't know what I would do though if I had more than one child.

On the other side, I am a high school teacher. When I make the supply list for my courses I try to be aware of the cost. It is difficult because some families won't buy the necessary items then I end up buying them. I can't afford it either. It isn't fair to expect me to supply my students with pens, index cards, etc... when they show up without them. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 6:17 PM

127. It depends on when/where you purchase those school supplies - with the deals going on through the year, you can stock up on cheap (yet quality) supplies and it won't kill the budget ... but those complaining about school supplies costs are often the ones spending LOTS of money on new Abercrombie/Aeropostale clothes and not saving money by shopping JC Penney/Walmart/KMart where you can still get good clothes for less $$ Mon, Aug 30, 2010 5:13 PM

128. If you can afford a cell phone and ipod for your kid, then I hardly think school supplies are a problem. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 5:05 PM

129. yes,yes,when u have4-6 to buy for not to say anything about clothes, lunch money, etc. etc then there is money wanted, for who knows what no end to it Mon, Aug 30, 2010 4:54 PM

130. Not really too expensive but I shouldn't have to supply the whole class. One pack of pencils or gluestix. Not 8. Also, if my child needs a tissue I will send in a pocket pack of tissues. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 4:52 PM

131. Especially when they may use one sheet from a notebook, and be done with it. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 4:49 PM

132. There are many family that are on tight budgets. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 4:35 PM

133. Yes!!!!!!!! Mon, Aug 30, 2010 4:05 PM

134. Why do we pay taxes? The list gets longer and more expensive every year. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 4:03 PM

135. The teacher puts together a lesson plan, and whatever the child needs for that plan is on it. When you sit down and look at what you have to buy and realize that this is supposed to last the entire year, it really isn't not that much. I will buy whatever is on the list, its not that big of a price when it comes to your child's education. I have been doing this survey for a couple of years now and I think this is one of the dumber questions. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 3:44 PM

136. I just spent $90 on binders for two of my children. In addition to that, I have all the rest of their supplies to purchase along with the supplies for my other two children. Unreal!! Then, the first two weeks of schooI, there will be notes coming home for money that they need for other things that the teachers deem to be of the utmost importance to educate our children. I hope that the superintendent and teachers all enjoy their raises. I know that no raise of mine is ever enough to keep up with what the school demands, that includes the taxes!! Mon, Aug 30, 2010 3:40 PM

137. I think some of the items on the kids lists is a bit out of control. Some of those things kids won't even use but once - if at all. Like an entire box of black sharpies? No. Def. not. But the basic items like crayons, markers, notebooks etc. are about the same price they were years back and you do use them. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 3:33 PM

138. I will pay whatever is necessary to ensure a great education for my family. We should never put a price tag on an education or educational materials. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 3:07 PM

139. Especially the graphic calculators. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 3:00 PM

140. Yes why do parents need to buy all the school supplies and yet taxes keep going up Mon, Aug 30, 2010 2:41 PM

141. what happened to the school taxes, that’s what there for Mon, Aug 30, 2010 2:41 PM

142. I spent $35 on my daughter. It isn’t that bad. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 2:17 PM

143. YES WHY DO WE PAY SCHOOL TAXES IF SCHOOL SUPPLIES COST SO MUCH JUST FOE PRE K THE LIST IS ENDLESS AND IT COSTS ABOUT $75.00.NOW WOULDNT IT BE BETTER IF EVERYONE JUST MADE DONATIONS Mon, Aug 30, 2010 2:11 PM

144. My 8th grader needed a $100 calculator...yes I would say too EXPENSIVE Mon, Aug 30, 2010 1:39 PM

145. We are covering expenses for those who can't afford supplies. The schools are passing on an added revenue requirement that taxes won't cover. A community supply closet if you will. With eight children, it is a ridiculous amount of money to buy the required school supplies. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 1:18 PM

146. WHEN I WAS A YOUNG CHILD GOING TO A PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, WE TOOK OUR SPELLING TESTS ON 1/4 OF A SHEET OF PAPER. WE SPARINGLY USED PAPER AND WERE ALWAYS TAUGHT THE LESSONS OF NOT WASTING ANY OF OUR SUPPLIES BECAUSE OUR PARENTS HAD TO SPEND PRECIOUS MONEY TO BUY THEM FOR US. ARE THE CHILDREN OF TODAY GETTING THAT KIND OF LESSON? ARE THE TEACHERS AND PARENTS ENCOURAGING LESS WASTE AND MORE RESPECT FOR THE BOOKS AND SUPPLIES THAT THEY HAVE? IT WOULD NOT HURT FOR ALL STUDENTS TO KNOW THAT EVERYTHING THEY USE COSTS MONEY AND THEY SHOULD VALUE AND APPRECIATE WHAT THEY HAVE! Mon, Aug 30, 2010 1:10 PM

147. Depends on the actual need of the item... my list had tennis balls... really? Mon, Aug 30, 2010 1:09 PM

148. there should be parameters about designer supplies. too much emphasis is put on the fashion of the supply instead of it's use - the same as school clothing. education has become a fashion show for some Mon, Aug 30, 2010 12:57 PM

149. Why so many different binders ? AND expensive calculators ? Mon, Aug 30, 2010 12:55 PM

150. I think the number of some of the supplies that you are now required to purchase teaches waste to the young minds of the world. We had to purchase 8 packages of 24 count crayons for our kindergartner this year. That basically amounts to a pack a month. That just seems like waste to me. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 12:54 PM

151. I don't feel we should be supplying copy paper, toilet paper,or kleenex. These are supplies our taxes should be for.

Supplies we provide should be solely for the use of our child not put in the cupboard for the whole class to use. If those types of supplies are needed it should be on a list of "If you wish to donate these items". Mon, Aug 30, 2010 12:49 PM

152. Just spent $110 on two kids... not counting school clothes and sneaker... with the taxes I pay it should be covered... Mon, Aug 30, 2010 12:41 PM

153. My daughter starts a HALF day UPK at school this year and her list in UNREAL! Maybe if she was in a FULL day, but she's not.. Everything cost's too much money (Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, CUPS!) I know it's because of the budget but really, it's not fair to us parents who ALSO have clothes, shoes, book bag and other NECESSITIES for school. I'm worried she's not going to have everything she needs because WE CANT AFFORD IT!! Mon, Aug 30, 2010 12:05 PM

154. What happened to the days when the schools supplied the supplies?? Getting kids ready to go back to school has become a major expense. And god forbid if you have more than one child. In this economy not all families could afford the ridiculous list of supplies the schools are requiring now-a-days. And then the expense of clothing them too! It just goes on and on. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 11:57 AM

155. yes I do, I feel that most of the items are not necessary, especially the supplies we needed to buy for the elementary for my stepsons. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 11:55 AM

156. It is ridiculous. Some kids can't afford it so the rest of us have to contribute to that cause as well. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 11:52 AM

157. Why should we have to buy the red pens and dry erase markers for the teachers?? Also, I don't believe 7 year olds should have POINTED scissors, specifically! I also feel children don't need crayons, markers, AND colored pencils (all the specific numbers ex- 65 crayons!) Mon, Aug 30, 2010 11:51 AM

158. Yes I do, and alot of the supplies are really unnecessary or can be reused. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 11:46 AM

159. whatever happened to pens, pencils and paper Mon, Aug 30, 2010 11:29 AM

160. In this economy we need to be teaching our children that some of the newer, more progressive items on the lists are not necessities for learning. A child can get a great education with the basics-such as a few pencils, a few pens, some paper, crayons, and textbooks. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 11:26 AM

161. The requirements of the teachers has gotten out of control. If so many "tools" are necessary, the State should start footing the bill. Yes, the taxpayers! Some folks have no problem purchasing all that is required but others simply cannot afford so much every year. I have no problem kicking in my fair share to make sure ALL the kids get what they need. Isn't there already some agency helping those under a certain level of income? I've seen "school fairs" on the news recently and wonder if our local schools have something similar. They offer information for parents on support services for daycare and many other needs including supplies. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 11:24 AM

162. The prices of some of the "required" items for school now are ridiculous! Even when shopping at Walmart or Dollar General, it runs into hundreds of dollars now...PER CHILD!! If the schools are going to be that specific and that fussy about what supplies are "needed", then perhaps the schools should kick in and pay for some of it. I pay over $2000 a year in school taxes alone (not to mention all of the other property taxes) which come with the "privilege" of being a NYS Resident and homeowner. Enough already! Mon, Aug 30, 2010 11:20 AM

163. I think it allows the burden to be put more on the students than the entire community, whom some do not have students in school. And I have 4 kids in elementary, or will be soon. So, I do get hit with the cost of stocking up for all of them. But it's my kids who use it, so I'm ok with it. Mon, Aug 30, 2010 11:16 AM