Check Please!

Today is my boy's first official day as a third grader. It also marks the beginning of the let's-see-how-many-checks-we-can-get-you-to-write-before-your-hand-falls-off season. With my hand still firmly bound inside it's brace, that number may be significantly less than last year.

Over the next few weeks, I will be asked to write checks for the following items:

• Lunch Money: The boy's account needs to be funded just in case he decides to purchase one of the frightening meals served in the cafeteria.

• Milk Money: Not to be confused with lunch money. A separate check is required to fund his milk account.

• Class T-shirt: The boy will be required to wear his assigned class t-shirt for all field trips and other class events.

• School Directory: What a school directory? It will cost you $5.

• Donations Drive: To my delight, the boy's school decided to forgo the traditional wrapping paper or popcorn sales to raise money for the school. Instead, parents are asked to make a cash donation to the school. The funds raised in the past have been used to purchase LCD projectors and Mimios for each classroom. This year's donations will be used to construct a .25 mile walking track behind the school.

• Teacher Gifts: It is suggested that parents give $20 to be divided evenly between each of the four teacher gift giving events during the year - birthday, Christmas, teacher appreciation week and the end of the year. The head room parent is responsible for purchasing the class gifts, which are separate from the personal gifts the boy will bring for each event.

• Field Trips: I will be required to write a check to pay for all of the fees associated with any and all field trips that the boy will attend during the year.

• Fall Carnival: The school's annual fall carnival will take place less than a month after school starts. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Keep in mind, this is only a list of monies that will be requested during the first thirty days. In addition to keeping the boy's lunch/milk accounts funded, I will be asked to give money for the Book Fair, Read-a-Thon, costumes for his grade level play, yearbook (Yes. The now hand out yearbooks in elementary school), individual/class pictures, and the school supply sale. I'm sure I've managed to forget a few things, but you get the idea.

My wallet is aching just thinking about it.

I know I sound like I am complaining, but in all seriousness, I am more than happy to stroke a few dozen checks. My boy gets to attend a wonderful elementary school that just happens to be located in our neighborhood. The teachers and staff are exceptional. The facilities and resources at their disposal are world class.

We are truly fortunate.