This is Jennifer Gonzalez, welcoming you to episode 256 of the Cult of Pedagogy podcast.

In this episode, we're going to try to clear up the confusion around classroom community supplies.

At the start of every school year, all over the U.S., schools publish lists of supplies that they ask every family to purchase before the first day of school.

I remember these lists well from my own kids' elementary years.

Two packs of pencils, six glue sticks, a box of crayons, a pack of

loose leaf paper, and so on. We'd make the trip to Staples or Walmart or whatever, go through

the list, pick up the stuff, then bring it in on back to school night. A few items stayed with my kids,

but most of it went into a bigger stash of supplies for the whole

class to use. What I don't remember is having any big feelings around that process. I don't remember

being mad that the supplies I bought were going to be used by other kids. I also don't remember

any incidents that caused disappointment for my kids related to this issue.

But apparently my experience wasn't universal.

I'm going to read you a small sampling from hundreds of comments from parents in online conversations about community school supplies.

Some parents can barely afford to buy stuff for their own kids and y'all want to

make them provide for other kids? Adults don't share their personal belongings. Why should our kids?

The school can handle their supplies how they'd like. My kids' supplies, however, will be handled

how I say because I bought them.

If the poor kids are getting free supplies, why would I send supplies for my kid?

Clearly, there is a problem somewhere, and in today's episode, we're going to try to clear it up.

My guest is Julie Lausay.

I found Julie on TikTok where she has a platform called The Bossy House.

Last year, I noticed a lot of her videos seem to be focused on educating her audience

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