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School Supplies/Fundraisers; Going Broke
Topic Started: Sep 13 2006, 09:43 AM (7,045 Views)
ktmom
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Principal
Hippo
Sep 26 2006, 10:03 AM
The PTA relies on Market Day, Frankemuth, Little Ceasers, etc for funding. I am sure if I looked hard enough, I could find donations from these companies to the PTAs.

If the PTA at each school is really just a volunteer group that helps support activities for all children, then why do they need to be part of the National PTA? (This is a serious question) Why not just have a group that only supports the school and the activities? Why do we need to be involved in state and local and federal politics? (My answer to this would be that there are members of the PTA that have something personal to gain from being involved).


First - I have never heard of Marketday or Little Caesars giving anything back to the school or PTA as way of a donation.

Second - I think that is the difference between a PTO and a PTA. One does not support or pay dues at a National level and one does.

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NFarquharson
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gr1
Sep 26 2006, 11:32 AM
I don't believe that the mom's and dad's who volunteered for their schools local PTA unit are heavily vested in the National and State PTA positions on most legislative issues.

Those who I know, including myself, are more interested in simply helping their kids school. As a PTA member and volunteer. I am more concerned with the things Shelley described than what National PTA is doing this week. I will venture to say that it is the case with most of the parents who have stepped up to the plate to volunteer for their kids school via PTA.

While I agree that the fundraisers are a huge pain, I hate selling the stuff and I hate organizing them even more, they are the vehicle by which things happen for our kids. Our PTA assists with Field Trips, pays for Assemblies, Teachers get a classroom grant, this year we are purchasing the Weekly Readers for all the classrooms which will be using them. Nowhere in our budget is a line item for extra money (other than Membership Dues) to go to National or State PTA, any sort of union or private corporation.

I agree with you 100% that the overwhelming majority of parents that join PTA, attend meetings, volunteer for fundraisers and other PTA functions have the best interest of their own children and the children in the entire school at heart. They just want to make a difference. That does not change the fact that a portion of everybody's dues goes to the state and national PTA. It does not change the fact that these organizations have a political agenda and get involved in things that have nothing to do with schools. It also does not change the fact that any types of classroom materials or field trips that relate to the curriculum ought to be paid for by the district. Teachers should not have to rely on the PTA or their own pocket to purchase teaching materials needed for their classes.
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Grant1
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We have just begun to fight!
Which takes us back to the law...

If it is a required part of the cirriculum to achieve grading on, then by law the district has to provide it, whether it be text books, study guides, materials, field trips, project contruction materials, etc...

If it is not provided, your child cannot be given a failing grade on the requirement. Challenge this in a court of law and you will prevail. The school districts have just gotten used to asking for the assistance, and not being challenged for the results.
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fyi
Principal
Plymouth/Canton has a SCRIP program:

http://web.pccs.k12.mi.us/east/parents/fundraising/scrip.htm
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Mrs.M
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I actually thought some of you may have had a hand in this article. You guys are so in tune! On second thought, maybe the author used your thoughts for her article, I heard this forum has been read in California!
TOP Five most annoying School Costs
By Stacey Bradford
Associate Editor, SmartMoney.com

EVER GET THE feeling your child's publicly funded education isn't exactly free? First there's the annual fundraiser, then the class photo, and even a rental fee for a flute to play in the elementary school band. If that wasn't bad enough, teachers regularly hit up parents for basic supplies for their classroom. While all of these expenses may seem small in isolation, families know they can easily add up to hundred of dollars before June.

Here are the top five most annoying expenses parents will encounter throughout the school year and ways they can deflect at least some of the costs.

1. Fundraisers
Parents' Gripe: Pressure to buy, say, a dozen chocolate bars and then sell another 50 to friends and family.

Your child's school fundraiser is big business. During 2005, school and school-related groups earned $1.4 billion by hocking everything from cookie dough to candles, according to the Association of Fund-Raising Distributors and Suppliers. Half of that money was raised by elementary-school volunteers (aka, kids and their parents). While some schools hold just one event a year, parents could get stuck dipping into their pockets two, three or even four times between September and June if you include money spent at the annual book fair and holiday bonanza.

Money-Saving Tip: Volunteer in the school. Put your checkbook away and offer to read to your child's first-grade class instead. Surely your time is worth more than a magazine subscription.

2. Picture Day
Parents' Gripe: Spending nearly $50 for a full package of individual, class and sport team photos -- multiple times per year!

Ever wonder why the school takes so many darned pictures? Turns out those adorable snap shots are often yet another fundraiser. Only this one pulls at the heart strings. We found one photo studio based in California that advertises on its web site that it's willing to pay schools a 10% commission on all orders.

Money-Saving Tips: Just buy the class picture. And don't even consider placing an order during the spring session, when many schools host a secondary picture day. If you just can't resist, purchase the smallest package possible. At the Clark School in Swampscott, Mass., parents can spend as little as $24 for a few wallet-size photos and one of the class. The bill rises to more than $50 if parents splurge for a package that includes a couple of 5-by-7s. Worried you won't have a spare to send to Grandma? Consider scanning your copy or email a cute digital shot you took yourself.

3. Classroom Supplies
Parents' Gripe: Feeling squeezed by requests from teachers to pony up for cleaning and other school supplies.

School supplies are no longer limited to just notebooks and pencils. Most elementary programs now require parents to supply classrooms with basic necessities including tissues, glue sticks and books. And the requests don't stop after September. One teacher from Chatham, N.J., said parents with first graders are expected to take turns throughout the year supplying snacks for the kids.

Money-Saving Tips: Beware the wrath of your child's teacher if you refuse to buy the class a roll of paper towels. Since these requests are required, the only way to save money is to clip coupons and buy generic-brand products, says Cathy Shouse, a Fairmount, Ind.-based chartered financial consultant and parent of two. And if the teacher requests books, don't feel pressure to buy them at the annual book fair, she says. Purchase them at the retailer with the lowest price -- or do a book swap, for free.

4. School Activities
Parents' Gripe: If we don't pay, the kids can't play.

Across the country, school districts are starting to charge students participation fees for everything from sports to marching band. Indeed, thanks to budget pressures, the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association says more than a quarter of schools charge for kids to play on a team. If they aren't asked for cash outright, you can be sure that the students will have to raise funds through yet another fundraiser. And if that wasn't bad enough, parents have to shell out even more dough to cover the expenses for sneakers, uniforms and instruments. It's enough to make you wish your child was a coach potato.

Money-Saving Tips: Don't oversubscribe your child. Ask high school students to pick just one "pay-to-play" after-school activity. And don't feel guilty about it. With some extra free time your teenager can focus on other pursuits including volunteer projects, student council and homework. These are not only free, but they could also help him or her get into a better college.

5. Senior-Year Expenditures
Parents' Gripe: Just when families are trying to scrape together every spare penny for college, they get hit with senior-year activities that cost hundreds of dollars.

When it comes to senior-year expenses, the list goes on and on: There's the class ring, senior portraits and class trip. And let's not forget the prom, which includes renting a tuxedo or buying a dress. All this comes on top of fees for the SATs and college applications.

Money-Saving Tips: Tell your soon-to-be coed to get a job, recommends Reecy Aresty, author of 'Getting Into College and Paying for It.' While this may sound harsh, it's a better alternative than coming up dry just when it's time to write that check for college tuition.
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livoniafootballmom
Principal
NFarquharson
Sep 26 2006, 12:37 PM
gr1
Sep 26 2006, 11:32 AM
I don't believe that the mom's and dad's who volunteered for their schools local PTA unit are heavily vested in the National and State PTA positions on most legislative issues. 

Those who I know, including myself,  are more interested in simply helping their kids school.  As a PTA member and volunteer.  I am more concerned with the things Shelley described than what National PTA is doing this week.  I will venture to say that it is the case with most of the parents who have stepped up to the plate to volunteer for their kids school via PTA.

While I agree that the fundraisers are a huge pain, I hate selling the stuff and I hate organizing them even more, they are the vehicle by which things happen for our kids.  Our PTA assists with Field Trips, pays for Assemblies, Teachers get a classroom grant, this year we are purchasing the Weekly Readers for all the classrooms which will be using them.  Nowhere in our budget is a line item for extra money (other than Membership Dues) to go to National or State PTA, any sort of union or private corporation.

I agree with you 100% that the overwhelming majority of parents that join PTA, attend meetings, volunteer for fundraisers and other PTA functions have the best interest of their own children and the children in the entire school at heart. They just want to make a difference. That does not change the fact that a portion of everybody's dues goes to the state and national PTA. It does not change the fact that these organizations have a political agenda and get involved in things that have nothing to do with schools. It also does not change the fact that any types of classroom materials or field trips that relate to the curriculum ought to be paid for by the district. Teachers should not have to rely on the PTA or their own pocket to purchase teaching materials needed for their classes.

I'm not knocking teachers, but teachers and even paraprofessionals get a tax deduction for I believe up to $200 dollars for materials purchased for their classrooms. Granted that's not a lot, but it's something. I think most people purchase items to perform their jobs or that just make their jobs easier for them to perform.
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Grant1
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We have just begun to fight!
I think you all need to read this link on what can/cannot be charged for, and what is required to be supplied to meet the required cirriculum

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/fees_gui...03_122775_7.pdf

JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM - GOVERNOR
THOMAS D. WATKINS, JR. - SUPERINTENDENT OF
PUBLIC INSTRUCTION - STATE OF MICHIGAN
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - LANSING

August 22, 2003

MEMORANDUM

TO: Local and Intermediate School District Superintendents, Public School Academy
Authorizers and Directors, Education Alliance

FROM: Tom Watkins

RE: Guidance Regarding School District Student Fees and Costs

CC: State Board of Education members

Welcome back to another great school year. As we begin, I want to clarify issues regarding the charging of student fees.
Given recent budget challenges, many local school districts are under pressure. School districts have a myriad of responsibilities and obligations under state and federal laws. Chief among them is ensuring that children are entitled to a system of free public elementary and secondary schools. Further, we know of your desire to offer the best possible education to our children with the resources available.
At least since 1965, the State Board of Education has been firmly on record as favoring the provision of free textbooks and other materials to the children attending public schools in the state of Michigan.

In 1970, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled, in the case of Bond, et al vs. the Ann Arbor School District, that school districts may not collect fees for items that are necessary elements of a school’s activities or an integral, fundamental part of elementary and secondary education.

In March of 1972, the State Board of Education developed a position statement regarding Free Textbooks, Materials, and the Charging of Fees. For your information, this position statement is available on the Department’s website, www.michigan.gov/mde.



STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
KATHLEEN N. STRAUS – PRESIDENT • SHARON L. GIRE – VICE PRESIDENT
CAROLYN L. CURTIN – SECRETARY • HERBERT S. MOYER – TREASURER
MARIANNE YARED MCGUIRE – NASBE DELEGATE • JOHN C. AUSTIN • ELIZABETH W. BAUER • EILEEN LAPPIN WEISER
608 WEST ALLEGAN STREET • P.O. BOX 30008 • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48909
www.michigan.gov/mde • (517) 373-3324


Page 2
In short, the position clearly indicates that:
• School districts may not make charges for any required or elective course, such as for general or registration fees, course fees, and/or textbooks and school supplies. School districts may determine the reasonable quality and quantity of school supplies that will be provided. The district may also determine the length of time such materials are provided.
• School districts may charge fees for extracurricular activities, but only on a “Pay to
Participate” or “Pay to Play” basis. Fees that are portrayed as mandatory costs for
families are not allowable. School districts also should make provisions so that students without financial means are not excluded, within reason.
• School districts can require a reasonable and refundable deposit on textbooks to cover damages.
• If band or orchestra is offered as part of the curriculum and a grade and credit are
given, then the school district is required to provide instruments free, on a reasonable basis, to qualified students. It does not mean that a school district must consider owning enough instruments to provide each eligible student with an instrument of his or her choice. Qualified only refers to reasonable student aptitude or ability, not availability of instrument.
• Any locker fees, instrument, or uniform rental fees collected in advance should be
refunded to the students.
• Project materials for required or elective classes, such as shop, art, drafting, science, or home economics must be provided to the student at no charge.
A few examples follow:
School districts must provide the following items free of charge for any required or elective course:
• Pencils, paper, crayons, scissors, glue sticks
• Textbooks (regular or supplemental)
• Weekly readers or other periodicals if required for classroom use
School districts may not make charges related to any required or elective course for:
• Towels, locks, and lockers
• Shop materials
• Drafting Supplies
• Home Economic materials
• Workbooks
• Materials in science classes
• School educational trips that are required to successfully achieve course credit
• Vocational or special education


Page 3

School districts may charge students, on a participant basis only, for:
• Class or organizational dues, and admission fees to athletic contests
• Lunch
• Fees for external tests, such as National Merit and college entrance exams
• Yearbooks
• Athletic shoes
• Bus transportation for nonresident students
• School sponsored educational trips not directly related to the curriculum
• Vaccinations
• Summer school courses or programs not part of a scheduled year-round program
• Caps and gowns
I want to commend you for the local partnerships you have developed with business,
foundations, community, and parent groups to help offset the increased costs often associated with delivering a high quality education during these tough economic times. Further, thank you for your creativity, innovation, and the administrative efficiencies you have put into place to target the maximum amount of dollars toward teaching and learning.

The State Board of Education and I are committed to partnering with you to do all we can to help lift up our schools, our teachers, and most importantly, our children. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.
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amomof2
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Principal
If band or orchestra is offered as part of the curriculum and a grade and credit are
given, then the school district is required to provide instruments free, on a reasonable basis, to qualified students. It does not mean that a school district must consider owning enough instruments to provide each eligible student with an instrument of his or her choice. Qualified only refers to reasonable student aptitude or ability, not availability of instrument.


Does this mean that the 6th graders in instrumental music shouldn't be paying for their instruments?
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mega millions
Principal
amomof2
Nov 16 2006, 12:49 PM
If band or orchestra is offered as part of the curriculum and a grade and credit are
given, then the school district is required to provide instruments free, on a reasonable basis, to qualified students. It does not mean that a school district must consider owning enough instruments to provide each eligible student with an instrument of his or her choice. Qualified only refers to reasonable student aptitude or ability, not availability of instrument.


Does this mean that the 6th graders in instrumental music shouldn't be paying for their instruments?

No because the kids are offered vocal music as an alternative.
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TigerMom
Principal
School districts may not make charges for any required or elective course, such as for general or registration fees, course fees, and/or textbooks and school supplies. School districts may determine the reasonable quality and quantity of school supplies that will be provided. The district may also determine the length of time such materials are provided

Just asking: wouldn't that make instrumental music an elective course?
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professionalmom
Principal
So they only reason LPS has this great new "special" is because parents are willing to foot the bill?
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fyi
Principal
mega millions
Nov 16 2006, 12:53 PM
amomof2
Nov 16 2006, 12:49 PM
If band or orchestra is offered as part of the curriculum and a grade and credit are
given, then the school district is required to provide instruments free, on a reasonable basis, to qualified students. It does not mean that a school district must consider owning enough instruments to provide each eligible student with an instrument of his or her choice. Qualified only refers to reasonable student aptitude or ability, not availability of instrument.


Does this mean that the 6th graders in instrumental music shouldn't be paying for their instruments?

No because the kids are offered vocal music as an alternative.

Quote:
 
It does not mean that a school district must consider owning enough instruments to provide each eligible student with an instrument of his or her choice.


The way I read it is that they are required to provide an instrument but not necessarily the one your child wants to play. I'm not sure they have instruments for all "qualified" students---regardless of choice. I was told the district only provides the large expensive instruments. They conveniently do not provide the popular instruments that the kids like to play such as trumpet, clarinet, and flute. Although my child said that the instructor had a whole cabinet full of those types of instruments. I also was told I had to purchase the music book because it was not provided by the district.
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amomof2
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Principal
fyi
Nov 16 2006, 01:12 PM
mega millions
Nov 16 2006, 12:53 PM
amomof2
Nov 16 2006, 12:49 PM
If band or orchestra is offered as part of the curriculum and a grade and credit are
given, then the school district is required to provide instruments free, on a reasonable basis, to qualified students. It does not mean that a school district must consider owning enough instruments to provide each eligible student with an instrument of his or her choice. Qualified only refers to reasonable student aptitude or ability, not availability of instrument.


Does this mean that the 6th graders in instrumental music shouldn't be paying for their instruments?

No because the kids are offered vocal music as an alternative.

Quote:
 
It does not mean that a school district must consider owning enough instruments to provide each eligible student with an instrument of his or her choice.


The way I read it is that they are required to provide an instrument but not necessarily the one your child wants to play. I'm not sure they have instruments for all "qualified" students---regardless of choice. I was told the district only provides the large expensive instruments. They conveniently do not provide the popular instruments that the kids like to play such as trumpet, clarinet, and flute. Although my child said that the instructor had a whole cabinet full of those types of instruments. I also was told I had to purchase the music book because it was not provided by the district.

Are those for the 5th graders? They didn't have to supply their own instrument.
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Strongsupporter
6th Grade
amomof2
Nov 16 2006, 01:55 PM
Are those for the 5th graders? They didn't have to supply their own instrument.

Yes, those are for the 5th graders.
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amomof2
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Principal
The 5th graders were also offered a choice between vocal and instrumental music.
Why do the 6th graders have to pay, but the 5th graders don't?
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