A few weeks ago, my daughter brought home a packet of info from the PTA. It explains an annual service, sponsored by the PTA, that is provided for parents by a third party. This third party assembles into a kit all of the required school supplies for a student in a given grade (supply lists vary per year.) When the student arrives on the first day of school, if he/she bought (or, that is, his/her parent bought) a kit, it is sitting on their desk in their classroom.

I have been using this service the past few years because it is quite convenient and always seemed like a bargain. It was usually around $20 or so for all of the supplies, plus they throw in some personalized stickers, envelopes for lunch money, etc.

This year, as I browsed the list for third graders, I read the price: $40.72!!!!

WTF?

Are these kids getting Mont Blanc crayons? Cross pen & Pencil sets?

I'll probably write the check anyway, so as to avoid the lines and disappointment of sold-out items at my local Office Depot.