Earlier this school year, a task force of parents, teachers, and administrators reviewed student fees at the direction of Superintendent Dr. Mark Hatchell. During this process, parents and school administrators asked about possibly eliminating elementary and middle classroom school supply lists and instead charge a fee for classroom school supplies. After researching this process and realizing that efficiencies will increase and the net cost to parents would decrease, this procedure has been implemented with the adoption of the 2015-2016 student fee schedule.
Students and parents benefit from the tax-exempt status and volume purchasing power of the school district. Teachers can purchase the exact supplies they use and the school can retain and reuse supplies that are useful for multiple years. Parents won't need to find a supply list for a particular grade level or teacher and will not need to purchase classroom school supplies on their own.
The 2015-16 classroom supply and consumable fees equal $50 for each student. There are two areas for fees: $35 for supplies and $15 for consumables. Classroom supplies include paper, composition books/learning logs, Writing Tools, desk strips, scissors, glue, tape, binder clips, markers, rulers, highlighters, paint, post-its, protractors, base ten discs and other math manipulative, etc. The consumable fee includes Science and Social Studies newsletters (hard copy or digital subscriptions) planners, digital applications, folders, literacy and math consumables, arts and crafts, etc. Fees will be collected in the fall when students return. One check can be written for both fees.
The fee type, what it is designated for, the fee amount, purpose of fee and student impact of fee if not paid can be found on the fee schedule. Prairie Hills does not exclude any child from classroom activities. We are happy to work with families and create payment plans if needed. The fee schedule is in a new format with more detail; this transparent format is a direct result of the suggestions from the task force.
There are two options to pay these fees:
Option 1: If you would like to use the online PayForIt payment system, please note that there are two line items, Core Academic Classroom Supply Fee ($35.00) and Consumable Supply Fee ($15.00). Both these fees equal the total amount of $50 due. Please be sure you pay both fees when using PayFor It.
Option 2: You may make your payment directly to the school. If you choose this option, you may pay a lump sum of $50.
We appreciate your continued support! You are an amazing group of families and truly make Prairie Hills a special place.
Sincerely,
Vicki Axford and Beth Dowdy
