In our town it depends on the elementary school you go to. There are
5 elementary schools and the one my girls go to is located in the
poorest section of town so we don’t have a list. The teachers send
out a “wishlist” once school starts with things like kleenex, purell,
etc, and any parent wanting to contribute can, but those that cannot,
it is ok. I try to get things like kleenex on sale and send some in.
Pencils and erasers too. But the other 4 schools in town have
required “lists”. If the parents in our school didn’t contribute, you
know who pays for it, the teachers. And they don’t get enough money
to do that! Our town will be 3.5million overbudget next year and we
will have to approve an override for taxes or basic school and police/
fire services will be cut. i’ve been pretty active with the town and
the reason costs are going up here in ma is that electricity, heating
the schools and paying the employees’ medical costs are going up. it
is happening everywhere. i have to pay $12,000 per year for our
family for health care!!! That is crazy! But necessary.
Jennifer