Re: School Supplies

[Earth_First]

In response to LBN: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=4030690&mesg_id=4030690

My wife and I would like to extend our help to any DU'er who has faced economic hardship recently as their children are preparing to head back to school. I couldn't believe this article when I read it; and then I came to the realization that yes, it is happening.

If you need help acquiring the supplies for your children to return to school this year; we would like to help. If need be; PM us and the request can remain completely confidential...

[panader0]

1. But my daughter's tuition is 40 grand a year!

(Kidding, she's a senior and will have a scholorship) That's a very nice gesture by the way. What gets me is how much money is required by a public high school--Extra fees for science classes, shop, sports, even books. I always thought my taxes paid for that stuff. Several schools around here are phasing out art and sports because of budget short-falls.

[Oregone]

5. Most of sports funding has been phased out of where I used to live

It was pay-to-play. $110 dollars a head, per sport. If there wasn't enough kids to pay the meager salaries of the coach and cover any additional expense, the sport didn't happen. Most of the sports were self-sustaining, depending entirely on fund-raising to provide travel and gear funding.

[2Design]

9. taxes used to pay for that - now they pay for higher super salaries

retirement benefits and other outside expenses that they never paid for before - ALSO there used to be federal funding for schools

[alstephenson]

2. K & R

A very nice gesture on your part. Kudos.

[greenbriar]

3. how about teacher supplies

I go through thousands of pencils/pens

glue sticks and colored pencils


I teach in a high poverty school


it is easier for me to just have things in my classroom then to get angry at students for not having things...


especially when you learned that they fled their home the night before to help parents avoid forclosure/eviction or jail

[tabbycat31]

4. I had a teacher in 5th grade

that made us give her our shoe if we had to borrow a pen/pencil from her. We could only get the shoe back if we gave back the pen/pencil.

[Oregone]

6. Easy solution

Have them make glue as a science project (from dead pets) and make writing utensils/paint from earthy materials. See, school funding is over-rated.



Don't worry. We will fix everything with charter schools, vouchers, constant testing, and Bill Gates pilot projects!

[Solly Mack]

8. PM with shipping info and a list of things (crayons, pencils, glue sticks, safe scissors, etc..)

and I'll send you a box of stuff.

Number 2 pencils? Huskies? Black/blue ink pens?

Bona fide offer.

I'm in Germany so it will take about 10 days. Let me know and I shop on Thursday and ship on Friday.

[2Design]

10. not to put you off - but staples and office max have lots of great

sales right now where prices are very low - like folders for 1cent each for 20 - some guy showed up with 10 kids and each kid got their 20 limit for 20 cents

pens where you buy one box and get two more for free - so for 1.50 you have three boxes of pens

I don't have money to give but usually get all my supplies in this time period each year - there are about four or five weeks and the sales get better each week

last year staples had the folders for free - limit 10 but it was not advertised - if you went by and looked at the shelf you saw it

[LWolf]

13. We are fortunate

to have FAN (family action network.) Our FAN rep supplies any students who can't afford basic supplies, shoes, winter jackets, etc..

She also supplies me with basics if I run out before the end of the year.

[barbtries]

7. what a generous gesture

i can handle it now, but there have been times...kudos.

[justabob]

11. you are very kind

So many are having such a hard time right now. Thank you so much for your offer. Cheers to you and your wife.

[4_TN_TITANS]

12. True democratic spirit...

Is this why I hang out with y'all?