Extra Clothes - Page 2

In our district pre-K and Kindergarten are supposed to have a set of clothes just like they are supposed to have school supplies. It is supposed to be required. I don't know what they do for the older grades. Spare clothes are provided for them if clothing the child's size is available. I have a child in first and one in third grade. I tried to get them to carry a spare set of clothing in their bookbag, but they were too embarassed. It didn't help that my husband made fun of the kids for carrying the clothing--and I think some kids in my third-grader's class found the clothing and made fun of him. I tried to explain to my kids and my husband that the spare clothing aren't just for bathroom accidents; you or someone around you may spill a lunch, you could spill something in art class, etc.

I wouldn't invest much of my money at all in buying spare clothing. It is really the parent's responsibility, IMO. As others suggested, if you invest your own money, buy second-hand. I wouldn't be worried AT ALL about the students who don't like what they are provided. Either their parents need to provide the clothing, or you can give the child the option of walking around with their clothes as they are (if it is a bathroom accident, I am sure they will then willingly accept what they are given, and may even be grateful for it!)

Parents also need to be notified when their child borrows clothes so they can even be aware that they need to be returned.

This is how I feel also. I honestly don't expect them back and have been surprised a time or two when I do get some back. Most of the kids could use a new pair of school pants anyway, so I don't worry about it. I do not purchase clothes with my own money though (the counselor handles extra clothes).

I do reserve my "stash" of clothing as a last resort. We always attempt to call home first and ask them to bring clothes. Only if we cannot reach someone, or the parent tells us they cannot come or send someone else will we offer our clothes. Usually a parent can call a relative or someone if they are working. Occasionally we have families with transportation issues or who cannot leave work and do not have somone to come, and we are more than happy to supply clothes in that case.

Check your lost and found pile! Lots of times clothes never get claimed and our school will take them to Goodwill after a while. If my stash of clothes is running low I send out an all staff e-mail asking for the staff to check their homes for any items they don't need anymore. Most of what I have is donation and I have even brought some of my kids old things.
Some people are really good about returning stuff. I've used a marker to wright the schools name on the waist line of pants. Since they are donated I'm not to concerned if they don't come back. Maybe the student really needs the clothes!
For our Kindergarten Round Up (when kids and parents get to meet the teachers etx.) I suggest to parents to have a change of clothes in the kids lockers for accidents, spills, falling in mud ETC..

I do purchase new underwear annually and just take it out of the budget.

If we know a kid desperatly needs some clothes we have a group of parents who are willing to get what they need!!

We have her sister at my school. The teacher and assistants were"'handling it" by just getting fresh pants. Finally one day the assistant met her limit and came storming down to the clinic with the chid in tow, ranting and raving about all the potty accidents--at least 3/week. Well, this was news to me! I had never seen her even once for incontinence! I didn't do a sweet thing but call the child's mother and ask her to bring clothes. It happened a few more times and EACH and EVERY time I called her mother. AMAZINGly, it took about a week for this girl to get straightened out. She's been dry since January!