Free Education?

I was directed to a website which lists news articles and other information on education in Utah. Interesting stuff. One link stuck out: "Lawmaker wants parents to pony up for school supplies."

Whoa. I must be pretty slow. I grew up in Idaho and have only lived in Utah for the last 5 years. When my oldest started school 3 years ago, I was floored that I didn't have to go "school shopping." Well, disappointed was more like it. I have an office supply fetish and was really looking forward to shopping for her school supplies :) But that's another story.

Anyway, I was intrigued so I went to the KSL article, you can read it here, to see how people were commenting. Um, yeah. Pretty much what I thought, and one commenter summarized it pretty well, "Education is Free; Supplies are not." Makes sense to me.

As a parent, I have no problem providing school supplies for my children, so long as there is an affordable option (did anyone else have the "3-ring binder vs Trapper Keeper" debate with Mom or Dad?). I can provide for my children's school supplies and the school can use the money for more important things, whatever that may be. In my po-dunk city in Idaho, the teachers would put together the supply list for their class and Wal-Mart, Office Max, Staples and any other office supply store in the city would have the lists. We'd go into Wal-Mart, look for our school and teacher, grab the appropriate list and go shopping! There were also lists for donation items, if you felt so inclined. It was a great system and seemed to work for us.

But, I know I'm relatively new to the Utah Public Education experience. Am I way off base to think it's a fine idea for parents to be responsible for the school supplies? I know there will always be children who need assistance, but for the most part, it's a conceivable idea. A few other clarification points might be to have the schools district cut back on Administration cost...? Just a thought :)

Let's hear your thoughts!"Education is free; Supplies are not"

Zac's Police Academy Graduation

To Boise and back in one day...that's enough driving for me for a week or so. But it was worth it. Zac looked so proud and official. Watch out women of Pocatello! He's still single! Sheesh. I still can't believe they let him have a gun... When we saw him all dressed up, I knew he had his bullet-proof vest on under his uniform, so I have him a good punch in the side...just checking. :)
Congrats, Zac. Go get those bad guys!
Dad was a proud papa that day, too, well ever since Zac was hired his buttons have been poping, but that day he was holding back tears. I could tell, Dad. I didn't see Dad at Bryant's or Mack's graduations, but I'm sure they were happy days, seeing his older children graduate from Universities. They both worked full time while they were finishing school, so they were both so glad to be done! Then, at my graduation, we all knew I was following Nanie Gay and wished she could have been there to see me get my pin (they don't pin nursing caps anymore), so we were all a bit teary. Teresa was just so glad to leave the hair school with her diploma that our party there took all of 20 minutes. :) Zac still plans on getting a degree in something that will help him get into the FBI, but seeing him be sworn in as a public servant, doing something Dad loved, will always be a special day for both of them. I was so glad we could be there to see it! Love you, Zac! That's a great legacy, Mom and Dad. Great job. :) xoxox