Buying school supplies has always been a tedious and costly part of returning to school each year, as students are told to go out and purchase materials needed for classes.
For example, the average graphing calculator generally costs more than $100, and that is usually only for one class.
“The school should provide books and paper, since they are standard for all classes,” said junior David Law. “There should also be a class set of books along with a student set.”
From a poll The Californian took of 215 students, 54, or 25 percent, said they spent more than $50 on supplies. Eighty nine students, or 41 percent, said they spent between $25-$50, while 72 students, or 34 percent, said they spent less than $25.
“School supplies are perfectly acceptable with the prices they are at now,” said senior Spencer Hight. “I am able to purchase everything I need and still have money left over for other things.”
But schools can’t always afford to purchase supplies for their students
Books for every class are available for students to check out, forcing student to only pay for them if the books are lost.
Even classes such as trigonometry, which requires expensive supplies like graphing calculators, can be made easier for students to afford.
Students can check out graphing calculators from the textbook room in the library, said textbook clerk Christina Riley. But there is a $150 fee if they’re lost or stolen.
“I think that if a student can’t afford the basics like pencils, paper and a backpack, then the school should provide them,” said senior Annie Horschman, “Otherwise it is the responsibility of the student.”
Some classes, such as Culinary Arts, 2-D Art and band, request donations from students in order to pay for materials such as sheet music or art supplies for the class.
Some class donations range from $30 to $100 per year.
But more often than not, most classes don’t require students to spend a lot on materials.
U.S. History teacher Michelle Turner only requires students to purchase a $5 notebook, note cards, and a note card ring, which she said she can also provide.
Algebra I teacher Sean Raser asks students to only purchase a notebook or binder, and to have pens and pencils.
“There are options out there for students to get supplies,” Raser said. “There are bargain stores to help them get what they need.”
Chemistry teacher Kelly King asks her students to purchase a notebook, calculator, dividers, ruler, and binder. The approximate cost for all of these items totals out to about $20.
Most student don’t seem to need to spend a lot on supplies.
“I get what I need throughout the year, it’s an ongoing process,” said senior Taylor Sandoval.
Many of Cal’s teachers offer advice to students on how to save money on supplies during the school year and before school starts.
They suggest buying in bulk, and sharing with other students or selling supplies.
Others suggested visiting Target before school starts, when supplies are on sale. Some also suggest students take good care of their supplies and reuse them until they are no longer in good condition or use some of the same things that their older siblings used.
“I spent around $30 to get pen, paper, and sheet protectors for classes like jazz band,” said senior Dennis Naroditsky. “I feel teachers should supply students, as to make it easier on us.”
