School supply lists unreasonable

I read with disbelief the list of backpack items for elementary students ('Doing the math,” Aug. 10).

Time was when the first three grades started with two or three pencils (with erasers), maybe a ruler and an eight color box of crayons. Also, a Big Chief pencil tablet. Don't forget to bring a hankie. Fourth grade and up had a pen and a ring notebook, maybe a double box of 16 crayons, a compass and a protractor.

Does any child need a dozen pencils? No pens for little ones, nor that huge box of crayons. Hand sanitizer is a good idea, the more students the wider range of germs. Some other items nice to have, but necessary? To the tune of more than $100?

Times have changed, but beginning students are still just beginning and should be equipped accordingly.

Hilda Hendrix

Cedar Rapids