What Bothers Me Most About a New School Year
September 25, 2013Well, if you have kids like mine — one in high school, one in middle school, and two in elementary school — then you’re probably in the throes of packed lunches, school buses, band practice, homework, driving kids to and from student activities, PTO meetings, and a host of other September rituals. Many of these don’t bother me, and some are welcomed reminders of why I’m glad I’m not in school anymore. But there are several rituals that always come along this time of year that always get under my skin: clothes shopping, school supply shopping and fund raising events.
Clothes Shopping
It’s a fact that children grow bigger each year and we do need to clothe them. However, buying an entire wardrobe in one chunk can really mess with your bank account if you are not prepared. When you make your budget for the year, be sure to allow for the added expense of new clothes and shoes but also think about unexpected expenses like uniforms and t-shirts for things like the new clubs that your children may want to join. Another way to plan ahead is to take advantage of the end-of-season sales that most department stores have as they change out from winter to spring etc. You can get some great deals on warm clothes if you are thinking ahead to the fall.
School Supply Shopping
The classrooms need to be stocked for the year. The teachers cannot be expected to purchase those supplies; they are not paid enough as it is, and personally, I think too much money goes into the administration of our education system instead of the people who are actually teaching our kids. So what happens? Home comes the supply list. Again, a big chunk of change all at once. Some states have a “no tax weekend” around this time of year that you can take advantage of if you plan it right. As always, budgeting for the purchase of these supplies avoids your being caught off guard.
Fundraising Events
Now before you jump down my throat, let me just say that I get it. There are many things that schools are in need of which are not funded by the state. My wife also happens to be the president of the middle school PTO so trust me, I know what they are up against. But even she admits that some of these fund raising events are not the most effective way to address the issue.
Coupon Books
The band sells them, the football team sells them, and every kid in the elementary school is selling them. You know what I’m talking about. These “entertainment” books that offer you discounts at local restaurants, movie theaters, amusement centers, and more. I suppose these books are a good way for local businesses to attract customers, and if you already budget money for movies, dining out, and other similar expenses, then I guess there’s a potential cost savings, but these books usually go for around $20, which means you’ll probably have to spend about $40 just to get your $20 worth.
Perhaps it’s not the book itself that bothers me as much as it is the pressure the schools put on the kids to sell them. I’m not suggesting that they are punishing the kids for not pedaling these items, but when they offer classroom parties for the class that “raises” the most money, the younger children in the losing classes at the elementary level end up feeling a little left out.
“School Nights” at the Local Eatery
Normally, the restaurant will donate a percentage of their sales that night to the school. It sounds great but depending on the percentage, it may not add up to much; for example, 10% on a $20 tab only comes out to $2 bucks. If you have a small school and not much participation, that’s not much profit. Also, if you don’t normally eat out, this adds to the temptation of going over budget on dining out because “it’s for a good cause.” I’d rather dine in and write the school a check for $10 instead of going out and spending $20.
Fund Raisers I Do Like
If there is a fund raising event that I don’t mind, it’s the Winter Carnival. It’s like a big party at school and you can buy tickets to play games. Usually there are candy prizes and such but really the best part is getting to have some fun with other families in your school. It increases a sense of community and our kids think it’s cool to see their teachers with their own families outside of the classroom.
Bingo night is also fun. You can take the whole family for an inexpensive, fun night out. The school charges a flat cover for the night, serves pizza and you get to spend quality time playing a game with your family instead of watching your children with their faces attached to a video screen.
As you leave those lazy days of summer behind and hop on the crazy train of schedules, homework, sports and clubs don’t let added expenses take away from the fun of it all. And don’t forget to enjoy the ride. It goes by fast.