School Supplies

Yesterday we went to our local Wal-Mart in search of school supplies. I got Wyatt's list from the school website which is a general list for all 3rd graders. As I was looking over the list there were some items on there that I wasn't sure why we needed them. Of course, there was the normal
(pencils, crayons, colored pencils, scissors, etc.) but we also needed post-it-notes, dry erase markers with an eraser, ream of pastel colored paper, 5-1 subject notebooks (with specific colors) and a few more. I just can't believe all the items that we have to send in for our children and the school doesn't furnish anything. When I went to school (like 100 years ago according to my kids) my elementary school furnished everything. I know the times have changed and everyone is in this economic down fall but what happens if there is someone who can't afford all that is asked for. Don't get me wrong, I really don't mind sending in items that are needed for the class and helping when I can but I just don't understand. I send my sister a copy of the list every year and she is just floored at what is on there. She is a 5 grade teacher in WV and she said if she asked her parents to furnish items they would just look and laugh at her or maybe even yell at her. Enough complaining now but watch out as school gets closer