The cost of class parties

Both kids came home the other day with a note from their respective teachers asking each family to contribute something to the Halloween party, scheduled for Friday. In years past, they would ask families to send in a note with what they would contribute, thus, it was the family's choice to contribute or not, and how much they would spend.

I think over time, less and less families were helping out, and the cost of the party fell on the teacher. So I think the new system of assigning an item to a child was developed.

I didn't give it alot of thought until today.

Bossy Boy's class asked for cups. Bought 2 packages of Halloween cups at the Dollar Store. Total cost with tax: $2.12 Sassy Girl's class asked for a bag of grapes. Asked G-man to pick those up while he was at the store today. Total cost: $9.09!!!

Holy Vineyard, Batman!!

One stinkin' bag of grapes was over $9! If I had any idea that it would have been that much, I would have sent in a note to the teacher. I am always more than willing to help out the school, but things are so tight (and getting worse). And we really couldn't afford these grapes.

I know there will be more parties through out the year. And next time a note comes home, I will have to look at it more carefully. Which also begs the question....how are the assignments made?

*Enter Cynicism*

This really isn't the first time that we have been asked to provide a pricier item. One example was the 2 containers of ice cream (which were ON SALE for 2/$7 that week). I wonder if the teachers think we are more well off than we are.

*side bar*

My kids dress nice for school. This started when they were little and Grammy helped out alot with clothes. I buy things on sale and some second hand, but most of what they wear is name brand.

So, are they asking us to contribute more? Dunno. All I know is that the cost of contributing to both parties has now exceeded the cost of both of their costumes combined.