So, you are suggesting to let the kids go without? What if it were your child or grandchild? Would you still think the same?

*I* am not doing anything for or against the government but rather *FOR* the CHILDREN. I don't mind spending some of my own cash to help in that kind of situation. I am currently a precertification teacher, however, I have taught in private schools and been involved within the elementary schools for the last 10 years.

If you think parents don't feel the pinch, you are very much mistaken. Have you ever had a parent approach you because they couldn't afford to do something that would benefit their child educationally? What about even the small non-necessary things....say a field trip to the local court house...should a child who can't afford the cost of the bus ride not be able to go? I wouldn't have an issue in sponsoring that particular child or children (anonymously) within my own spending abilities.

Yeah, government help would be greatly appreciated by many...but in the meantime, there are millions of children who NEED the very basics of pencils and paper. In the time it takes the government time to decide who is eligible for such funding, time to hire people to allocate funds and other governmental red tape, today's kindergartener's will be in high school...should that entire generation go without?

Michelle