Hello all, Well, much of my school's staff is up in arms about the ACLU and how we're to word our class supply lists. I currently word mine as "This is a suggested supply list for Room 15", but now I'm being told that that is not legally appropriate." I understand we can't ASK families to bring in supplies if we're a public school. I get that. I just am curious what other teachers are doing with regards to ACLU's recent plunge into the news and how that's affecting how you word your supply lists. Thanks so much!
I had to look this up to know what you're referring to. My reaction is mixed...I don't think there should be fees associated with public school, and it's wrong for a teacher to affect a student's grade or belittle him/her because s/he doesn't have the "required" materials, like the "right" notebook paper. But there is a line between those issues and the usual issuing of a recommended supply list. Ted, it would seem to me that the word "suggested" is pretty clear. You aren't forcing the kids to buy certain items, nor would I imagine that you punish them for being unable or unwilling to buy the materials. Like most issues with the ACLU, they have gone way too far in one direction by making school supply lists a problem.
Myrisophilist, I agree with all you said. I guess I would hope that if our district is this concerned, they would provide a TEMPLATE of sorts on the wording they'd want and we teachers would simply add our items to the template. Feels like it's getting harder and harder to just teach the kids, anymore.
We haven't been told to change our wording. Mine says: Third*graders in 3-Czacza should bring the following supplies on the first day of school. Some of the items will be shared, so only put your child’s name on the items marked with an asterisk (*).
Could you say something that is not too pushy like.. Supplies that might be helpful for our class Supplies wishlist Supplies you are not legally required to purchase :lol: It seems so silly to me! Most parents are happy to buy their children what they need for the classroom. Dollar tree sells school supplies! Walmart has almost everything for under a dollar right now. There are programs that help students in hard financial situations. I don't get it.
Czacza - you're fortunate. If I worded mine like that, I would probably be asked to remove it from my window and website. *sigh* Magistra44 - LOL I like your last suggestion. Maybe something like: "The party of the first part (your teacher) asks the party of the second part (you, from this point further referred to as "the student") to supply the following items, provided that all requirements can be met financially. No physical harm or duress will befall any said second part party should they not be willing or able to comply with the aforementioned requests. Void where prohibited. Some side effects may occur. E. pluribus unum."
Actually, depending on where you live, most parents are NOT happy to buy their children what they need. I'm a member of a Mom board with parents from all over. This time of the year I always see lots of indignation about buying paper and pencils.
If my school provided kids with everything, I wouldn't ask for supplies! I'm providing a notebook and folder this year.
We were told by our P last year that we are not allowed to ask students for ANY supplies beyond what is on the general list the district publishes for distribution at Staples, etc. Problem is, most of us don't use what is on the list and they won't change it! Grrrrrr.....
In my syllabus I say: For this course, students are expected to bring to class everyday ... I only ask for a 1 Subject notebook (or a section in a binder), a folder, pens and a highlighter. I don't ask for or expect any of the extra frills many teachers want (such as tissues) because my students cannot afford it. I just have to buy it myself.
Your results may vary, batteries not included. I never knew the ACLU was involved in these type of situations. As a parent, I never had an issue with buying notebooks, paper, pencils, etc for my kids. When we were in a financial bind one year, there was assistance for us so that the kids went to school on day one with their materials. I didn't understand until I was a teacher why they asked for baby wipes, paper towels, etc
Wow, this is so not on in Virginia. Around here, there are big kiosks in all of the local Walmarts and Targets that have all of the lists for all of the grades in all of the schools in that area starting in early August. As a HS teacher, I don't talk about supplies until fist day of school, but then it is "you are required to have a binder, 13 dividers and a writing utensil." No "if it pleases you for me to suggest that you might...." I'm so sorry for the teacher affected by this!
