Re: stupid question here - school fees

[Guest guest]

Legally, you are absolutely right.

On Saturday, September 6, 2003, at 09:23 PM, Jeff wrote:

>

> Our school is charging what ends up being about 100 dollars this year

> for

> books, supplies, fees, etc. Could one argue they aren't providing a

> FREE

> appropriate public education?

>

> It's a real small district, my Jake is the only mainstreamed child out

> of 5

> with disabilities, the others are in a self contained program.

>

> Jeff

[Guest guest]

§300.26 Special education.

( Individual terms defined. The terms in this definition are defined as

follows:

(1) At no cost means that all specially-designed instruction is provided

without charge, <<but does not preclude incidental fees that are normally

charged to nondisabled students or their parents as a part of the regular

education program. >>

The district won't charge you for any of this stuff if you put him in

self-contained all day.

Re: stupid question here - school fees

Legally, you are absolutely right.

On Saturday, September 6, 2003, at 09:23 PM, Jeff wrote:

>

> Our school is charging what ends up being about 100 dollars this year

> for

> books, supplies, fees, etc. Could one argue they aren't providing a

> FREE

> appropriate public education?

>

> It's a real small district, my Jake is the only mainstreamed child out

> of 5

> with disabilities, the others are in a self contained program.

>

> Jeff

Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for

messages to go to the sender of the message.

[Guest guest]

I'll play devils advocate --- If your child didn't have a disability, would you

still have to pay 100.00?

I think the beginning of the school year is a very expensive time for families.

We had to shell out money for school supplies (our textbooks are free), lunch

for a month, picture money, cheerleading fees (over 350.00), etc. When we had

four kids in the public school system, August was just as painful as December.

Tuition in our county is around 10K (amount will be determined at next board

meeting) - I think our county opened up 5 new schools this year. We live in a

wealthy community - but because of the rapid growth (and 9-11 had a major impact

on our county), the schools still depend on parents to help contribute.

Teacher's really don't get that much money for classroom supplies. I found out

that teachers were limited to how many papers they can Xerox!!

To answer your question, yes, you could probably get that fee waived. I used

FAPE to pay for time off work when 's EI center refused to hire a new OT

and I had to drive him some distance to get services. They also paid mileage

and meals Wasn't easy - but through state mediation, that was worked out.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/6/2003 9:38:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

jeff@... writes:

> Our school is charging what ends up being about 100 dollars this year for

> books, supplies, fees, etc. Could one argue they aren't providing a FREE

> appropriate public education?

>

They are not charging you anything above and beyond what they charge the

other students, correct? And they are charging you for supplies ... not to

receive an education, correct? I don't think this would be what Congress was

speaking of when they said Free and Appropriate Education - FAPE. I believe

they

meant charging you for services ... such as therapies and transportation,

teacher services or tuition.

Our children are entitled to the same education they would receive if they

did not have a disability.

Cheryl in VA

People with disabilities are here today to remind us that equal justice under

the law is not a privilege but a fundamental birthright in America.

                            Senator Ted Kennedy, during the Senate's passage

of ADA-July 13, 1990

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/7/2003 12:00:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

cindysue@... writes:

> I used FAPE to pay for time off work when 's EI center refused to

> hire a new OT and I had to drive him some distance to get services. They also

> paid mileage and meals Wasn't easy - but through state mediation, that

> was worked out.

>

, our district pays mileage for parents all the time .. no hassle.

Parents are providing a service the school system is responsible for.

Cheryl in VA

People with disabilities are here today to remind us that equal justice under

the law is not a privilege but a fundamental birthright in America.

                            Senator Ted Kennedy, during the Senate's passage

of ADA-July 13, 1990

[Guest guest]

My question is this if we have to pay for books,, then shouldnt we get to

keep the books instead of giving them back to school at end of year also? Here I

shouldnt complain as I only pay for books at 70.00 and supplies.. uniforms and

paper pencils,, etc.. Jeanette

[Guest guest]

Based on Judi's post, I'm going to change my answer to her answer and

that's my final answer. :-)

On Saturday, September 6, 2003, at 10:21 PM, Kent Moreno wrote:

> Legally, you are absolutely right.

>

>

>

> On Saturday, September 6, 2003, at 09:23 PM, Jeff wrote:

>

>>

>> Our school is charging what ends up being about 100 dollars this year

>> for

>> books, supplies, fees, etc. Could one argue they aren't providing a

>> FREE

>> appropriate public education?

>>

>> It's a real small district, my Jake is the only mainstreamed child out

>> of 5

>> with disabilities, the others are in a self contained program.

>>

>> Jeff

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/7/03 5:04:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

writes:

> Our school is charging what ends up being about 100 dollars this year for

> books, supplies, fees, etc. Could one argue they aren't providing a FREE

> appropriate public education?

As long as they are charging all parents the same amount I don't think you

would have a leg to stand on. Schools are beginning to charge foe

extracurricular activities in some districts and out district has sent a supply

list home

for each grade. It has been costing us between 2 and 3 hundred dollars/year to

get all the school supplies for our three kids. Instead of purchasing them

through the school you get to choose where you will make your purchases.

nancy

[Guest guest]

Between registration and book fees, our school easily charges $100 a year per

child. Mostly the result of three failed tax referendums. That doesn't even

include school supplies. But, I have the opposite problem. They send me the

book fees list, with all the books crossed off, except the assignment

notebook. They insist that Zack does not really need the books, he can share

with

others because his work is modified. My husband and I have to insist that the

get the same books as his peers. How can he be expected to follow along, if he

doesn't have a book? And every year, he has surprised them by doing more

work in the books than they ever thought he could! We do get our books home at

the end of the year. Usually, they are all paperbacks, and the teachers have

ripped them apart and sent home different pages all through the year.

We do have a program, like the reduced lunch program, through which you can

apply to get books at a reduced cost. We do qualify for the reduced lunch, but

I have never tried for the book fee.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck!

Sue

[Guest guest]

They call it registration and book rental fees in our schools. Darcy

Re: stupid question here - school fees

My question is this if we have to pay for books,, then shouldnt we get to

keep the books instead of giving them back to school at end of year also? Here

I

shouldnt complain as I only pay for books at 70.00 and supplies.. uniforms and

paper pencils,, etc.. Jeanette

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/7/03 6:50:50 AM Central Daylight Time, wildwards@...

writes:

> . Could one argue they aren't providing a FREE

> > appropriate public education?

>

I can understand what is meant here. It's like when I found a lost

kitten that walked in front of my car. I took it to the vet's before I brought

it home and it cost me $44. I commented to the girl that that's a lot of

money for a free animal and she laughed and said, there's no such thing as a

free

animal. I guess there's no such thing as a free education either. By the way

he has turned out to be a wonderful addition to our family but a bust as a

mouser. Jessie

[Guest guest]

We don't pay any fees to the school. We do buy school supplies, such as

paper, binders, pencils, crayons, etc. Combined with their backpacks, I

spent about $40 on each child. The teacher has a wishlist posted on the

first day of school, each teacher chooses what is on their list, and it is

completely voluntary. I have a friend that absolutely cannot afford to buy

wish list items, and she says she doesn't feel pressured when it is a sign

up list outside the door of the classroom.

I bought tissues and disposable camera for one room, tissues and microwave

popcorn for the other. I have never minded buying tissues for the

classrooms, it seems one or more children always have a cold, and I admit I

am somewhat of a tissue snob, prefering a certain name brand only for us, so

I also buy it for the classroom. Besides, whenever gets a cold, her

nose becomes very reddened to the point of scabbing over, she needs a very

soft type of tissue to use.

Sharon H.

Mom to , (11, DS) and , (8)

South Carolina

Re: stupid question here - school fees

> In a message dated 9/7/03 5:04:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

> writes:

>

>

> > Our school is charging what ends up being about 100 dollars this year

for

> > books, supplies, fees, etc. Could one argue they aren't providing a FREE

> > appropriate public education?

>

> As long as they are charging all parents the same amount I don't think you

> would have a leg to stand on. Schools are beginning to charge foe

> extracurricular activities in some districts and out district has sent a

supply list home

> for each grade. It has been costing us between 2 and 3 hundred

dollars/year to

> get all the school supplies for our three kids. Instead of purchasing them

> through the school you get to choose where you will make your purchases.

>

> nancy

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

We homeschool. We spend about $160 a MONTH for our three boys (ages 11, 9, and

6).

This money goes towards curriculum, software, field trips, science supplies

(like microscopes, etc.), fees for homeschool groups we belong to, and more!

We also pay taxes for the public schools, which two of our boys never see any

benefit from.

Luckily our local public school gives private speech therapy at the

school twice a week for 30 minutes each session. So I guess we get something

out of our tax dollars

Roni

www.ubah.com/J1422

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue and welcome back to Upsndowns!

On 's IEP, we have a set of textbooks for home use (many books now have

modifications included) - so far, we don't have anything, but I did ask for

books last week.

Re: stupid question here - school fees

Between registration and book fees, our school easily charges $100 a year per

child. Mostly the result of three failed tax referendums. That doesn't even

include school supplies. But, I have the opposite problem. They send me the

book fees list, with all the books crossed off, except the assignment

notebook. They insist that Zack does not really need the books, he can share

with

others because his work is modified. My husband and I have to insist that the

get the same books as his peers. How can he be expected to follow along, if

he

doesn't have a book? And every year, he has surprised them by doing more

work in the books than they ever thought he could! We do get our books home

at

the end of the year. Usually, they are all paperbacks, and the teachers have

ripped them apart and sent home different pages all through the year.

We do have a program, like the reduced lunch program, through which you can

apply to get books at a reduced cost. We do qualify for the reduced lunch,

but

I have never tried for the book fee.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck!

Sue

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/7/2003 4:46:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

srssjm@... writes:

> We also pay taxes for the public schools, which two of our boys never see

> any benefit from.

>

We all benefit from everyone receiving an education. Think about what our

society would be like if education was withheld from some or not available

unless you could pay tuition. Think about what our society would be like if we

did not offer education to everyone.

Cheryl in VA

People with disabilities are here today to remind us that equal justice under

the law is not a privilege but a fundamental birthright in America.

                            Senator Ted Kennedy, during the Senate's passage

of ADA-July 13, 1990

[Guest guest]

I think what people need to think about is IDEA provides civil rights for

students with disabilities ... it allows them to receive the same opportunity

for

the same education they would receive if they did not have a disability. If

that means fees in your school system, they cannot charge you more but they

can charge you the same amount they would have if you did not have a disability.

IDEA amendments are coming up for a vote. Never has Congress acted to take

rights away from a group of people ... until now. Either of the proposed bills

goes through, students with disabilities will be the first group of people to

lose their civil rights. Think about what the country would say if any other

group was targeted in this manner to lose their educational rights.

Cheryl in VA

People with disabilities are here today to remind us that equal justice under

the law is not a privilege but a fundamental birthright in America.

                            Senator Ted Kennedy, during the Senate's passage

of ADA-July 13, 1990

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/7/2003 5:39:00 PM Central Daylight Time, JB66111@...

writes:

> I commented to the girl that that's a lot of

> money for a free animal and she laughed and said, there's no such thing as a

> free

>

No, no free animals. But they're worth it. I don't mind paying the school

fees, for first grade this year, it was 68.20 per child. It includes hard

cover books, workbooks, folders, etc. We purchase supplies, but if you check

out

Walmart in early August, they have paper notebooks for about 7 cents, crayons

for 18 cents (24 count), markers for 78 cents, scissors for under a dollar.

You get it. I got both of the boys supplies for the year for under $10. Great

deals. I think the other stores do the same thing. And, I can say that we

pay the same for Austin and Dakota each year, so I know they aren't asking for

more money for the same grade for Austin. It's the way it goes. My parent's

paid book fees/registration fees for me, too.

And yes, the schools here offer free lunch/reduced fees to those who qualify.

Beth

Mom to two first graders, Austin, 6.5/ds and Dakota, 6.5

[Guest guest]

This is off the subject, but recently the local Wal Mart store had a huge

sale on school supplies. As a yard seller/flea marketer I stocked up and

doubled the price. Over the weekend, I had a yard sale and sold every

notebook, pkg. of notebook paper, boxes of crayons, bottles of glue, etc.

for twice what I paid. And Wal Mart still has the stuff on sale! And I

thought everyone went to the Supercenter!

Dad to , Kristi, (all three Down syndrome) and (Cri du

chat)

Husband to C. in Mo.

Re: stupid question here - school fees

> In a message dated 9/7/2003 5:39:00 PM Central Daylight Time,

JB66111@...

> writes:

>

> > I commented to the girl that that's a lot of

> > money for a free animal and she laughed and said, there's no such thing

as a

> > free

> >

>

> No, no free animals. But they're worth it. I don't mind paying the

school

> fees, for first grade this year, it was 68.20 per child. It includes hard

> cover books, workbooks, folders, etc. We purchase supplies, but if you

check out

> Walmart in early August, they have paper notebooks for about 7 cents,

crayons

> for 18 cents (24 count), markers for 78 cents, scissors for under a

dollar.

> You get it. I got both of the boys supplies for the year for under $10.

Great

> deals. I think the other stores do the same thing. And, I can say that

we

> pay the same for Austin and Dakota each year, so I know they aren't asking

for

> more money for the same grade for Austin. It's the way it goes. My

parent's

> paid book fees/registration fees for me, too.

>

> And yes, the schools here offer free lunch/reduced fees to those who

qualify.

>

> Beth

> Mom to two first graders, Austin, 6.5/ds and Dakota, 6.5

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Everyone except me! No walmart here. But we got great sales like 2 weeks

ago at staples- 10¢ for folders, 6 notebooks for $1, etc.... got some good stuff

for the kids and for myself- back at work for me and teachers buy alot of the

supplies themselves!

The supplies are not unreasonable for our kids (all kids)- teachers are also

spending out of pocket alot- anyone else wanna confirm that??????? LOL

~ Mom to 13 DS and Diabetes Type 1 and 9 NY

[Guest guest]

(dh) is taking a course (back in college seems an MS in music can't get

you a job but a sped one can), and he had to read an article written by a

professor regarding how IDEA is horrible and a detriment to public education.

He was to write a synopsis of the article and then his opinion. He said the man

was obviously not living in the real world when he (the prof) said to do away

with IDEA because (LOL) people would do the right thing without it. That is so

hilarious to me. Not one school system would do the right thing without it

IMHO. Many won't do the right thing with it. Even if you folks are not

political, it's time to get that way. This is our kid's future we're

discussing. Write your Senators, or call them directly.

Elaine

Re: stupid question here - school fees

I think what people need to think about is IDEA provides civil rights for

students with disabilities ... it allows them to receive the same opportunity

for

the same education they would receive if they did not have a disability. If

that means fees in your school system, they cannot charge you more but they

can charge you the same amount they would have if you did not have a

disability.

IDEA amendments are coming up for a vote. Never has Congress acted to take

rights away from a group of people ... until now. Either of the proposed bills

goes through, students with disabilities will be the first group of people to

lose their civil rights. Think about what the country would say if any other

group was targeted in this manner to lose their educational rights.

Cheryl in VA

People with disabilities are here today to remind us that equal justice under

the law is not a privilege but a fundamental birthright in America.

Senator Ted Kennedy, during the Senate's passage

of ADA-July 13, 1990

[Guest guest]

Can I say that tonight, at the PTO meeting, we approved a letter being sent

out to the area businesses? It is set up so they can " sponsor " a class for

$100, tax deductible, and since it's a small town, with only 10 classes, plus

gym, special ed, and the library added, each class gets a few sponsors. This

isn't the first time they have done it, and the kids all send a thank you to the

sponsors. This really helps with supplies. I know teachers spend tons of

their own. I think it is a great idea.

Just thought I would pass this on.

Beth

[Guest guest]

Last year the PA at my son's school gave each teacher $350 to do whatever

they wanted to. The money was raised by weekly bake sales, pretzel sales.ect

We only have to buy his personnal items, notebooks ect and baby wipes,

tissues, and paper towels.

Maureen

Mom to

9yr nda

4y ds

a 1y

Jillian 3/12/03

[Guest guest]

I'm learning quickly, as a student teacher, , how much DOES come out of

the teacher's pocket. I better start a savings account now for when I get my

own classroom!

Jackie, Mom to 15ds, 13 (as of Sept. 2), and Bradley 9

[Guest guest]

Hi

It's amazing what people write. Many educators and professors act in a very

uneducated manner when they discuss IDEA and related issues. I agree IDEA

would not be enforced if it were not law.

Dad to , Kristi, (all three Down syndrome) and (Cri du

chat)

Husband to C. in Mo.

Re: stupid question here - school fees

>

>

> I think what people need to think about is IDEA provides civil rights

for

> students with disabilities ... it allows them to receive the same

opportunity for

> the same education they would receive if they did not have a disability.

If

> that means fees in your school system, they cannot charge you more but

they

> can charge you the same amount they would have if you did not have a

disability.

>

> IDEA amendments are coming up for a vote. Never has Congress acted to

take

> rights away from a group of people ... until now. Either of the proposed

bills

> goes through, students with disabilities will be the first group of

people to

> lose their civil rights. Think about what the country would say if any

other

> group was targeted in this manner to lose their educational rights.

> Cheryl in VA

>

> People with disabilities are here today to remind us that equal justice

under

> the law is not a privilege but a fundamental birthright in America.

> Senator Ted Kennedy, during the Senate's

passage

> of ADA-July 13, 1990

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

That's true. In a lot of districts, teachers have to spend all kinds of

their own money on supplies and things. I've even heard that there are some

districts where they have to buy the textbooks.

Re: stupid question here - school fees

Everyone except me! No walmart here. But we got great sales like 2 weeks

ago at staples- 10¢ for folders, 6 notebooks for $1, etc.... got some good

stuff

for the kids and for myself- back at work for me and teachers buy alot of

the

supplies themselves!

The supplies are not unreasonable for our kids (all kids)- teachers are also

spending out of pocket alot- anyone else wanna confirm that??????? LOL

~ Mom to 13 DS and Diabetes Type 1 and 9 NY

Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for

messages to go to the sender of the message.