Dear Holt Parents,

I just got an email from a parent asking about our supply list and have also noticed that stores are beginning to set up "Back to School" shopping opportunities. So I thought a reminder about Bertha Holt's procedure for school supplies was in order.

Holt does not have a supply list. We have a supply and party fee which is collected at the beginning of the school year. This procedure was established following significant parent input, when we first organized the school.

While much of the back to school stuff on sale looks good, it is usually of very poor quality, doesn't last, and is frustrating to students. In addition it is often very difficult to explain to parents just what to buy and kids will frequently convince their parent to purchase the latest cartoon binder or other inappropriate materials. These materials often do not do the job of really organizing the child. The other problem is getting more materials for the child to use when the ones purchased at the beginning of the year wear out or are lost, as often happens.

The fee is $25, which seems steep. However,it pays for all of the materials that parents usually provide,including replacements whenever they are needed, throughout the year. If necessary we can arrange for you to pay it over time.

Teachers purchase the materials during the summer and are able to get exactly what they need to organize students for success. The fee also pays for parties, etc. throughout the year. So far, all Holt field trips are paid for through the fundraising activities of the parent group. So the $25 carries you through the entire year. You won't be nickeled and dimed all year long.

The only two things that you should think about purchasing if you don't already have them are a reasonably priced backpack for carrying homework and library books and a pair of athletic shoes. We ask that children wear athletic shoes to facilitate safe participation in games at recess and P.E.

Please avoid backpacks with wheels and really large or really small backpacks. They either don't work or won't fit in the storage cubbies in the classrooms. The backpack needs to be able to hold the homework envelope which is 10"x 13". This will also ensure that it is large enough to protect whatever library books your child checks out.

I hope the rest of your summer goes well. See you soon.

Respectfully,

Kevin Boling

Principal