Are School Supply Lists Affordable?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "unemployment rates were higher in June than a year earlier in all 372 metropolitan areas". With school getting ready to begin in many states across the country, parents are struggling with more than just the chore of getting food on the table for their families each evening. Now, they are faced with the additional expenses related to public education. Parents are often pressured to spend hundreds of dollars per child on school uniforms and school clothing. While many parents may spend less on back to school clothing shopping due to unemployment, school supply lists are often unable to be ignored or cut down. In fact, many schools require students to come prepared with items off of lengthy school supply lists.

This brings up the question: Are school supply lists are affordable?

The average school supply list in 1980 included the following:

• One pack of crayons
• One pack of pencils
• Three notebooks of paper
• One pair of scissors
• One box of tissues

Today's average school supply list is much more extensive, with teachers requesting up to four packs of crayons, an average of three packs of pencils, specific brands of scissors, three boxes of tissues, colored pencils, rulers, dry erase markers and more. In addition, many schools are asking for items such as Clorox wipes and other classroom items once bought for classrooms by the school systems of each city.

So, what can parents who can't afford these lengthy school supply requirements do this year to ensure their children are prepared for learning?

1)Talk to your child's school. Ask them if they offer any programs (perhaps via a Family Resource Center) for families who can't afford school supplies.
2)Research churches offering supplies. Many times, churches in the area will realize there is a great need for school supplies and organize events offering them for no charge to families.
3)Contact local businesses. If you know someone who works in an office, ask them if they ever have extra pencils or pens they'd like to donate to your children.
4)Look for sales. If you must purchase the supplies yourself, be sure to shop around (online or via sales flyers) to determine who has the best deal and who will give you the most for your money.

Remember, don't buy anything "extra" your child may not personally need in the classroom, if you're really strapped for cash. Often teachers make requests for thing the whole class can use. If you can afford to contribute, it's great to send these things in. But, if you can't there's no reason to feel guilty about it!