As Classrooms Go More Digital, So Do School Supply Lists
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- High fives, smiles and hugs mark the start of a new school year.
Students in Minneapolis Public Schools were some of the first students who headed back to class Monday morning.
Most other students in Minnesota will return the day after Labor Day. That means families still have some time to finish their back to school shopping.
Once again, many schools are posting their supply lists for each grade level on their websites. That list typically includes notebooks, folders, pencils and crayons.
But in recent years, the supply list has become longer and more detailed. We talked with a school administrator in Bloomington on Monday who said times have changed, and so have classrooms.
An increased use of computers and iPads is part of why we are seeing requests for things like flash drives, ear buds or headphones. At least one school in the metro even has iTunes gift cards on the supply list, as an optional item, so that students can download educational apps.
When you head to the store to equip your child with back to school supplies, be prepared to toss more items into that cart.
Rick Kaufman is the spokesman for Bloomington Public Schools.
"Students are expected to know more today, learn more. There's a higher expectation, higher demands for knowledge and achievement, so we see an increase in those kinds of things," Kaufman said.
What's not as clear is the request for specific brand names on some supply lists. At Edina's Highlands Elementary, third graders are instructed to bring 75 pencils made by Ticonderoga. They're considered a higher-quality pencil.
The list there also includes Papermate pens, Elmer's glue, Crayola crayons and Green works anti-bacterial wipes. In most cases, though, the supply list is much more generic.
"We work with our staff and remind principals, it is a burden in some cases. Let's be real cognizant of that. It's nice to have but do you really need it?" Kaufman said.
And wherever you live, if you have a student taking advanced math classes, be prepared to shell out about $100 for a graphing calculator.
"Now because students use them each year, depending on when they get them, and in college. It is an investment. Students are expected to know more today," Kaufman said.
Many schools have come to rely on nearby businesses and community groups to make donations of school supplies.
"We've actually seen that a lot in the last two years, more businesses, even if they are not partnering
with an individual school they know the need and that's how they've been reaching out," he said.
In recent years, stuff that the entire classroom shares like tissues, printer paper, disinfecting wipes and dry-erase makers have become common on supply lists.
And schools will often ask parents who can afford it to donate extra supplies.
