Backpack Index

[joyofsix]

Our local news is reporting a "Backpack Index" is at $530 per student. I don't spend nearly that much for my public school kids (I homeschool 4 and have 2 public high school students). Do you think they are on the mark? I have never done 'back to school clothes' I just let them wear the clothes they have which were all cheap to start with, LOL. I spend about $150 text book rental fee/year each for the kids (IN charges to use school books). I buy some paper and pencils on sale and they are set. I do know there are costs during the year for field trips and such, but not so much the getting started stuff. What's it like in your area?

[imagine]

I am currently at a back to school total of $287 for two kids ( 1 elementary one high school) that includes school fees, PE uniforms, yearbook, and activity fees as well as supplies already bought. My youngest should be set they sent out a school supply list. My high schooler will need more stuff ( if the teachers want more than just paper and pencils/pens) I did buy him a new sturdy binder and a plastic expand a file that opens on the short end instead of the long end for easy use in a backpack.

It does not include school clothes. We get those as needed and right now HOT weather clothing is still in demand.

It does not include a new backpack theirs are still in good condition. Little Miss has used hers since she was in pre school. Buddy is on his second, the first was my old backpack but it became to small for his books once he hit 5th grade when we bought him his current one.

It doesn't include lunch boxes the ones they have still work.

Side note: my mom bought Little Miss an outfit ( shirt and jeans) and three belts at the mall. She used a 40% coupon but still ended up paying $60. So if the total in the backpack index includes school clothes bought retail well.... Still I personally can't imagine spending $1,060 to get two ready for school.

[pollypurebred39]

It's been awhile since DS1 was in school. Not counting school fees and supplies other than a backpack (bought a really good one so it lasted 3 years, and still has life it it), I remember his last year being around $300.

That was for the uniforms, shoes, belt, underwear. Bought all his slacks at GW. His polos at Boscovs at deep discount. His sweatshirts at the mill at deep discount. Had to have the schools logo put on. Found the least expensive guy I could. Bought the belt, underwear and socks on sale. The shoes were on sale but still expensive. He like all the rest of us must have really good shoes. He has a problem with too much rotation in his hips, he needs a very supportive stable shoe that can't be found inexpensively.

So if I were going on how much today's prices have risen, I'd say it would be at least $500. And that's with used slacks from GW, and assuming I could still find everything on sale or deeply discounted. And like I said, minus school supplies and fees.

Our youngest is cyber schooled. There are no fees and all supplies are sent to him free of charge. Computer, scanner, curriculum, calculator, paper, pencils, art supplies, science supplies, etc. It costs taxpayers far less per student to school my son this way than in a brick and mortar school, and since we pay crazy high taxes out here I don't feel guilty about it. In fact, we pay more in taxes than the school pays to school my kid so I'm really okay with the free part of it.

[nuisance26]

~This article is interesting. The national retailer's expectation is about $600 per family. Back-to-school spending expected to slip - Business - SunHerald.com ~

[nuisance26]

Our youngest is cyber schooled. It costs taxpayers far less per student to school my son this way than in a brick and mortar school, and since we pay crazy high taxes out here I don't feel guilty about it. In fact, we pay more in taxes than the school pays to school my kid so I'm really okay with the free part of it.

~This is a cool option and I hadn't heard of it even though we're neighbors. I looked it up and here's the data I found: Controversy swirls about cyber schools | The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton PA - News
That doesn't seem right. I always thought that most of the expense of education was in the staff so cyber school should be a lot cheaper than $8000. I'm confused.~

[joyofsix]

Well, Polly, my 7th grader will be trying cyber school this year. Though I have to pay text book rental for her PS brothers her books are free . I don't feel bad at all. They are getting federal $$ for her I'm sure.

[YankeeMom]

I homeschool my two boys but my nephew (of whom I have custody) goes to public school for 7th grade. I think I've spent about $35-40 on school supplies. The most expensive thing on his list was a 2-line calculator which Target had on sale for $9. Everything else was the usual things you'd expect to see on a school supply list...loose leaf paper, pencils, highlighters, 1" 3-ring binders, etc. There are no book fees/school fees and there usually aren't any costs for field trips either. This is a HUGE change from when we were in AL where we had to pay out of pocket for EVERYTHING.
Even for my homeschooled kids I don't think I spend $500 per kid.

[pollypurebred39]

Constance, I imagine there would be lots of hub bub over cyber schools. There are lots of cyber schools, and they are all run differently. Some require a fee, some do not. Some spend quite a bit per student, others not quite so much. It cost the taxpayers in my school district less to cyber school my son than it does for my son to attend their brick and mortar school. My taxes are super high, no matter how much the brick and mortar school pays per student, they've got more than their piece from me and will continue to long after my youngest is through with school.

But, our school district sees $$$ in their eyes and are beginning their own cyber school in addition to their brick and mortar school. Just got the mailing last week. Most notable in their cyber school information packet was that they were not accepting IEP students, they were looking for super star students. Big surprise, that's exactly their attitude at their brick and mortar school too. IEP students get pushed through. It's a sit down, shut up and don't cause trouble and we'll give you a diploma situation around here. Can't read? Can't do math? Quit your *itching, you're graduating aren't you? Cyber schools do not do that, at least my son's school.

I think cyber schools will continue to evolve and there will be lots of growing pains, and lots more hub bub. It's a GREAT option for the parent of an IEP student whose school district refuses to provide an adequate education. But it requires far more parental involvement than brick and mortar schools. Parents must be committed to see their child's education through. If their student is not self motivated and the parent is unwilling to supervise and assist, than cyber schooling is a poor option. This year each student will have a camera and the teacher will be able to see the students as well as the students be able to see the teacher. Certainly keeps the child motivated to pay attention knowing the teacher is able to watch them during class. I honestly can not say enough about my son's school. They are top notch.

Joyofsix, I think your daughter will really like it. But if you or she do not, do not give up hope. There are lots of cyber schools and one will be a good fit. I'll be praying for a great school year for your daughter.

[justpeachy92]

We buy clothes and shoes as needed for the kids. Our biggest expense this school year will be the TI-84 calculators that will be required for two of my kids this year.

[jas]

This is the first year since 1990 that I don't have at least one child in school. I don't think I ever paid more than 500.00 per kid. Most of that would have been on clothes and shoes and backback.

The school fees here were not that bad, no book rental fees and I don't think they went on any trips that cost much the last few years. The yearbook was quite pricey at 80.00 I thought anyway. Ds didn't want any but dd did and she has worn then out practically, the JR. high ones anyway. The HS ones are the usual thick heavy ones.

I don't know that we have cyber school her in my area. How does it work? We do have online school which is more adult ed type and only certain classes are offered. No elementary or Jr. high classes. Do they have to be at the computer at certain times or is it all at your own choosing?

[pollypurebred39]

Jas, I can tell you how DS2's cyber school works. There are two options

~Online live classes
~Online pre-recorded classes

The live classes are scheduled. You must show up for every class, attendance is recorded and there's no slipping out of the class either. If the teacher calls on you and you don't answer, or you don't know what's going on they are marked absent. If you are sick you must report your absence. The classes are recorded so each student still must view the missed class. The students are required to attend the same amount of days as other students. Homework is done online, and handwritten and scanned and attached to an e-mail to the teacher. The classes are set up just like any class you would have in a brick and mortar school. Just like in brick and mortar schools the kids separate into groups, and work on projects together.

The pre-recorded classes are a teacher teaching a lesson. The students follow along with their text. The students are assigned homework which is either done online or scanned. These classes can be done at anytime of the day, but all assignments must be handed in on the due date. Advanced students love this option because they can work ahead. It also is a great option for students who do work study programs or are actors, or are in professional competitions.

Both options can be slowed down in pace, or accelerated. Students can work in different grades according to their abilities. Such as 5th grade math, but 8th grade English. They have many optional classes.

You can attend art classes, gym classes, dance classes, pottery, etc. at the actual brick and mortar cyber school. They have school dances, field trips, picnics, etc. They have proms and they graduate with a ceremony just like a brick and mortar school. DS's school is very active, lots of opportunity to form true and lasting friends.

Each student has their own instructional supervisor. The IS is in charge of managing the students schooling. They are in close contact with the student and the family. Once every two weeks we get a phone call to touch base with how the schooling is going. Any problems or concerns are addressed then.

There is also tech support which services computers remotely whenever the need arises. You place a call and get a ticket and a tech support person calls you.

[Neeley]

Let's see...

DS is in 10th grade, private school. We are required to buy our uniforms (shirts, pants and tie) from one business and one business only.

DS's unform:
*pants are $27.50 each (x3 pair)
*unifrom shorts are $18.50 each (x2 pair)
*short sleeve polo style shirts are $13.50 each (x4)
*long sleeve button up for weekly Mass day = $16.50
*tie for Mass day = $16.50
*sweatshirt = $25

Other items:
*Shoes = $55 (Got these on sale and had a 25% off coupon. Need to get him at least another pair or two, roughly will be $125-$150 range for those)
*Belt = $15
*Bookbag: $85
*Misc. School supplies: $20 (the only thing on his supply list is paper, pencils and binders)
*Cooler for football practice to hold his Powerades, pickles, etc...$10
*Hair cut: $20
*Socks: $15
*Underwear: $20
*UnderArmourNike shirts for under his unifrom shirt: $15 each (x5) = $75
*Athlete's water bottle: $1.50 (x10 - he loses them on a regular basis so I keep plenty of extra for the entire year. Only in-season athletes with the approved water bottle are allowed to have a drink in class)

School fees other than tuition, Capital Assesment fee, Endowment fee and registration fee:
*Supply Fee: $55 (includes a workbook, Lenten Day t-shirt, Field day t-shirt, Adopt-A-Family Christmas donation, Sophomore Retreat, and one other thing)
*Parking Permit: $10
*Books: Roughly $200-$250 - got lucky and was able to buy three of his books from DH's co-worker for $20/each. Still have to get three more. One of them is new @ $90 and there are no used ones. The other two am hoping to get for around $40 each.

Optional items:
Knight's Pass $190 - gets immediate family members into all home sporting events throughout the school year.
Reserved Parking Pass: $20

He plays JV and Varsity football, wrestles, throws shot put and discuss in Track and Field. Have to buy these items through the school:
*Football Spirit Pack (3 pair work-out shorts, 3 work-out t-shirts, 1 shimmell, 1 practice jersey, 2 Game day shirts) = $131.00
**Last year I bought him two pair of game pants @$100 each, girdle ($40) and three pair of cleats @ $75-$100 each, all still fit and are in good shape, do not need to replace those this year.

These items/spirit packs will be purchased/ordered over the next few months:
*Letter Jacket: $350 (order these in October)
*Wrestling Spirit Pack(the wrestling uniform thingy, sweatshirt, 2 *work-out shirts and two work-out shorts = $125 approximately (will get this order form in September/October)
*Track and Field Spirit Pack (2 pair of work-out shorts, 2 work-out t-shirts and two competition shirts) = $60 approximately (will get this order form in January)
*If he plays baseball again, that spirit pack is around $75-$100 and will get the order form in January, too.

Looks like a long list, but it really isn't. I am sure I have forgotten something though.

[sinopa27]

i am starting to get scared. I hope it isn't $500+ to send my daughter to school. I already have one in college and that is killing me!

[Neeley]

We have gotten real lucky and have spent a lot less on our daughter in college than on our son in high school. She was offered a full ride scholarships to 4 different colleges so her tuition, room board and books are covered 100%. Her roommate's parents have gone all out and already bought the girls a flat screen, DVD player, fridge, made curtains, and so much more for their room. All we have had to get is a few minor odds and ends, her bedding and a couple of outfits. We are spending less than $400 on everything for her.

[jas]

Jas, I can tell you how DS2's cyber school works. There are two options

~Online live classes
~Online pre-recorded classes

The live classes are scheduled. You must show up for every class, attendance is recorded and there's no slipping out of the class either. If the teacher calls on you and you don't answer, or you don't know what's going on they are marked absent. If you are sick you must report your absence. The classes are recorded so each student still must view the missed class. The students are required to attend the same amount of days as other students. Homework is done online, and handwritten and scanned and attached to an e-mail to the teacher. The classes are set up just like any class you would have in a brick and mortar school. Just like in brick and mortar schools the kids separate into groups, and work on projects together.

The pre-recorded classes are a teacher teaching a lesson. The students follow along with their text. The students are assigned homework which is either done online or scanned. These classes can be done at anytime of the day, but all assignments must be handed in on the due date. Advanced students love this option because they can work ahead. It also is a great option for students who do work study programs or are actors, or are in professional competitions.

Both options can be slowed down in pace, or accelerated. Students can work in different grades according to their abilities. Such as 5th grade math, but 8th grade English. They have many optional classes.

You can attend art classes, gym classes, dance classes, pottery, etc. at the actual brick and mortar cyber school. They have school dances, field trips, picnics, etc. They have proms and they graduate with a ceremony just like a brick and mortar school. DS's school is very active, lots of opportunity to form true and lasting friends.

Each student has their own instructional supervisor. The IS is in charge of managing the students schooling. They are in close contact with the student and the family. Once every two weeks we get a phone call to touch base with how the schooling is going. Any problems or concerns are addressed then.

There is also tech support which services computers remotely whenever the need arises. You place a call and get a ticket and a tech support person calls you.

That is a really neat thing they are doing in your area. My dd had always begged to be homeschooled but we would have butted heads too much this seems like it would have been a good choice for her. She just graduated this past year, it would have been great to have had the choice though.