School Supply WTF

[meltoine]

DS1's teacher is obnoxiously specific about the supplies she wants. Two of them flat-out don't exist. I tried to get into the website that lets me e-mail her directly, but I'm getting an error message about my e-mail not being properly linked to a student, so I can't log in. 

Maybe I'm just really stupid and bad at shopping, but I can't find an 8-pack of Crayola washable paint anywhere. 4-packs, 6-packs, and 10-packs abound, but there is no such thing as an 8-pack. 

[cricketwife]

That does sound frustrating but depending on the issues, I might cut her some slack. Perhaps it was a typo? Perhaps she submitted her list to someone else who got something wrong. And if she wasn't "obnoxiously specific" about what she wanted, she would probably have to field a thousand questions from parents like, "should I buy the 6 pack or 8 pack?" Should I buy blue or black pens? Etc.

And my unsolicitated advice is that if your email about the supply list is your first communication with her, I would keep it super friendly

[Deleted]

Watercolors?
www.amazon.com/Crayola-Washable-Watercolors-count-53-0525/dp/B000HHKAE2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1405635224&sr=8-3&keywords=crayola+washable+paint+watercolors

The tempras indeed do not come in 8's.

[greencrayon]

Maybe she meant an 8 oz pack? Or an 18 pack?

[mainelyfoolish]

I'd buy a 10 pack. If she doesn't like the extra two colors, she can throw them away.

[redheadk]

I'm guessing you've never worked with small children...

ETA: Does it just say paint? She probably wants the watercolors linked above. If not, sometimes companies stop making things. We had to make our list from a certain website even though parents didn't have to buy from it (or even know about the website) and it was a teacher catalog website so the products were often different. I tried to check it against amazon or walmart but it doesn't always work out because some things are only widely available during BTS time.

[meltoine]

Jul 17, 2014 17:11:25 GMT -5 cricketwife said:

That does sound frustrating but depending on the issues, I might cut her some slack. Perhaps it was a typo? Perhaps she submitted her list to someone else who got something wrong. And if she wasn't "obnoxiously specific" about what she wanted, she would probably have to field a thousand questions from parents like, "should I buy the 6 pack or 8 pack?" Should I buy blue or black pens? Etc.

And my unsolicitated advice is that if your email about the supply list is your first communication with her, I would keep it super friendly

I get being specific about the number of paints/markers/crayons. But being specific about the type of box the crayons come in? (Must be the "tuck" box, which coincidently none of the stores around here sell, so I have to buy it on Amazon and it's 2x the price of the regular box with the same number of crayons). Or specifying a 7oz bottle of foaming hand sanitizer, but not the brand, so I have to search for which brand makes a 7oz bottle? (None so far, that I can find). 

I will be very nice about it if I can get into the system to e-mail her. But I needed to vent my frustration somewhere else first so I can be nicer to her. Thanks for letting me vent here

[mainelyfoolish]

It's also possible that companies change their packaging but the teacher reuses a supply list from years ago, not realizing that some of the specified sizes or quantities are no longer available.

[meltoine]

Jul 17, 2014 17:21:45 GMT -5 redheadk said:

I'm guessing you've never worked with small children...

ETA: Does it just say paint? She probably wants the watercolors linked above. If not, sometimes companies stop making things. We had to make our list from a certain website even though parents didn't have to buy from it (or even know about the website) and it was a teacher catalog website so the products were often different. I tried to check it against amazon or walmart but it doesn't always work out because some things are only widely available during BTS time.

It says "1-Crayola washable paint set, 8 count"

I found this: www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=25196&gclid=CPPg8Netzb8CFTJp7AodgRcAyQ

But no way in hell am I paying $12.79 for paint plus another $7.98 in shipping for the damned paint. If it existed in a store I'd pay the $12.79, but I'm not spending $21 on paint. 

[redheadk]

I wouldn't spend $21 on paint. I'm guess she means the watercolors since those are commonly used in preschool classes and also typically come in the 8-count set.

If you are unsure, just don't buy it yet and ask her on the first day or meet the teacher or whatever then send it in late. NBD.

ETA: For the hand sanitizer, she probably just doesn't want the tiny travel ones or the giant tubs of hand sanitizer. Just get a normal sized foaming sanitizer.

[redheadk]

www.walmart.com/ip/Germ-X-Advanced-Protection-Fresh-Scent-Foaming-Hand-Sanitizer-7-fl-oz/10413374

This one is 7oz if you are okay with buying from walmart.

[redheadbaker]

I don't even have a kid in school yet but I don't see what's obnoxious about this.

[meltoine]

I appreciate everyone who is saying to just get the similar thing, but every other school supply thread on here is full of teachers explaining why they ask for specific things and how much of a PITA it is when parents send in things that are similar but not exactly what they asked for. I get that too - they want everyone to have the same things so no one fights, it all fits in the cubbies, etc. Makes total sense. I'm just frustrated that I'm having a hard time finding what she's asking for.

[meltoine]

Jul 17, 2014 17:34:28 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

I don't even have a kid in school yet but I don't see what's obnoxious about this.

It's obnoxious because I spent my afternoon hauling two kids in and out of four stores looking for this stuff that doesn't exist. 

[redheadk]

Jul 17, 2014 17:46:46 GMT -5 meltoine said:

Jul 17, 2014 17:34:28 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

I don't even have a kid in school yet but I don't see what's obnoxious about this.

It's obnoxious because I spent my afternoon hauling two kids in and out of four stores looking for this stuff that doesn't exist. 

That sounds really not fun. I'd be annoyed to if I had spent my afternoon like that!

[meltoine]

Jul 17, 2014 17:34:25 GMT -5 redheadk said:

www.walmart.com/ip/Germ-X-Advanced-Protection-Fresh-Scent-Foaming-Hand-Sanitizer-7-fl-oz/10413374

This one is 7oz if you are okay with buying from walmart.

Thank you.

[cinco]

I would just buy the 10 count and not give it another thought. I try to get exactly what is asked for, but have made substitutions in the past.

[curbsideprophet]

Posts like this scare me for the future. Sorry you are having such a hard time trying to find the items she requested.

[Deleted]

Jul 17, 2014 17:46:08 GMT -5 meltoine said:

I appreciate everyone who is saying to just get the similar thing, but every other school supply thread on here is full of teachers explaining why they ask for specific things and how much of a PITA it is when parents send in things that are similar but not exactly what they asked for. I get that too - they want everyone to have the same things so no one fights, it all fits in the cubbies, etc. Makes total sense. I'm just frustrated that I'm having a hard time finding what she's asking for.

Eh..as a teacher I like same for sanity's sake but I'm also about saving yours. 
I'm telling you get the closest you can find and call it a day. 
I type those lists because some parents can't even remember crayons are necessary and the next has way tooo muuuccchh time on their hands so they're analyzing whether or not I want indigo or cerculean. Just bring me some damn crayons! I'm also just copying stuff off a list that comes out of the office because I have to. Even I'm fully aware sometimes that stuff doesn't exist.
The teacher will rearrange as necessary. At my school 99% of that stuff ends up all dumped in the same bin anyways. 
Your teacher at the end of the day will be happy to have anything at all. I promise. I have kids that can't even find a pen muchless a Bic ballpoint with pink glitter, retractrable only, 8 pack and green on the outside.  

I find the posts you are referencing cringeworthy at times and quiet honestly put them in my "only on the internet" file.  

[Redpoppy]

Ours asked for an 8 pack of washable Crayola markers. Great, but the new line of their washables are a ten pack. I just bought those. They also want an 8 count box of Crayola crayons which I did find at Walmart (no go at Target for classic colors) but was annoyed because the 24 count boxes are cheaper.

I had to go to Amazon for pink carnation erasers, though I think Staples may have had them.

[badgergrl]

I guess the teachers at my kids school will not like me. I will go to one store, target. I will buy what is on the list, or the closest I can find. Before making said list the teacher should go yo a normal store and make sure the stuff on this list is available. If the don't then they shouldn't bitch if they get a 10 pack or whatever- it's their own fault.

Also if the teacher wants watercolor paint, they should say water color paint.

[iheartbanjos]

I would do the best I could and error and the side of purchasing larger quantities.

[countthestars]

There should be a teacher registry at Target / Staples / walmart so parents can just go buy one of each thing teacher wants. I get making it easier on the teacher, but it would be nice to make it easy on the parents as well.

[spk926]

Jul 17, 2014 20:34:43 GMT -5 badgergrl said:

I guess the teachers at my kids school will not like me. I will go to one store, target. I will buy what is on the list, or the closest I can find. Before making said list the teacher should go yo a normal store and make sure the stuff on this list is available. If the don't then they shouldn't bitch if they get a 10 pack or whatever- it's their own fault.

Also if the teacher wants watercolor paint, they should say water color paint.

We review our supply lists in April and May so they can be sent home before the end of the school year. There is not a school supply section set up at Target or Walmart or similar stores then so going to the store to make sure the stuff is available would be a little difficult.

I know everything I ask for is available come school shopping time but parents make substitutions and it annoys me to no end. When we ask for a red plastic folder PLEASE don't get a red paper folder. Your child's folder will fall apart by October. You may not realize WHY we ask for specific things but trust me - there is always a reason!

[polarbearfans]

Not a parent, but just get the closest you can find. Stick to the brands if specified, and if it is a crayon or two more, no big. If your hand sanitizer is 8 oz vs 7 oz, again no big lol.

They just don't want kids coming in with the jumbo pack of 94 crayons while the others have 8 colors. Or someone coming in with an off brand of markers that don't work.

[jackie011]

What grade? I would be wiling to bet she wants the Crayola washable water colors. They come in a little yellow case with a brush and have 8 colors of paint.

I agree with the PP- those lists are made way before the products hit the stores. There's no way to tell what the manufacturer has decided to change for the year ahead. Most teachers are being specific to make it easier on the parents. Also, from the teachers side of it- sometimes there are freebies from the supply companies if you specify a certain brand in your supply list. I did this one great, just to get the samples, but changed the list before I sent it out to patents.

[mollybrown]

That does sound frustrating. I guess I should be thankful that there is no supply list at DS' school...just a check for $75 payable to the school. Irritating that I don't even know what that covers, but at least I don't have to worry about shopping for anything.

[meltoine]

Jul 17, 2014 23:16:26 GMT -5 jackie011 said:

What grade? I would be wiling to bet she wants the Crayola washable water colors. They come in a little yellow case with a brush and have 8 colors of paint.

I agree with the PP- those lists are made way before the products hit the stores. There's no way to tell what the manufacturer has decided to change for the year ahead. Most teachers are being specific to make it easier on the parents. Also, from the teachers side of it- sometimes there are freebies from the supply companies if you specify a certain brand in your supply list. I did this one great, just to get the samples, but changed the list before I sent it out to patents.

Pre-K3. 

[illgetthere]

Jul 17, 2014 17:34:28 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

I don't even have a kid in school yet but I don't see what's obnoxious about this.

Because most schoolss are not like that.  Here's the K list from S's school. S's 4th grade list was done in 15 minutes for $25.

Kindergarten
 
2-4 Dry-Erase makers (fat) 

1 Watercolor paint set (8 colors) --OP, looks like PPs are probably right

1 Pack of jumbo washable magic markers (classic colors only, no neon) 

1 Box of 8 crayons (skinny) 

4 Boxes of 24 crayons 

2 Packs of 10 sharpened pencils 

2 Composition notebooks 

2 Plain, solid color folders (3 hole-punch) 

1 Small plastic supply box (no larger than 6x9) 

10 Glue sticks 

2 One-inch 3-ring view binder (with clear pocket on front) 

1 Rest mat (no sleeping bags, exercise mats, or beach towels) 

2 Spiral Notebooks 

1 pair of blunt tip scissors (kid’s size)

[jeaniebueller]

Jul 18, 2014 8:38:48 GMT -5 @fivedogs said:

Jul 18, 2014 1:08:01 GMT -5 mollybrown said:

That does sound frustrating. I guess I should be thankful that there is no supply list at DS' school...just a check for $75 payable to the school. Irritating that I don't even know what that covers, but at least I don't have to worry about shopping for anything.

I think the check would be a preferably option sometimes.  Or the poster whose PTA sells the supply packs as a fundraiser and they are sitting on the kids' desks the first day of school.  That's a win.

I would be so happy to just write a check and let someone else buy the supplies.