Gearing up for the start of the new school year

By Kim Roberts
Clarion Herald

Prior to the start of a new school year, children try on their uniforms and parents anxiously choose their kids’ school supplies or wait to receive their supplies on the first day of school through a pre-packaged option. 

Whether parents choose the pre-packaged route or shop at stores or online through Amazon, most agree the supplies come with a hefty price tag.

Online route for supplies
   
“This year was the first year I’ve done pre-packaged supplies,” said Ashley Gauthier, a St. Cletus School parent. “That’s only because last year we were scrounging up until the last minute trying to find everything on the supply list. Also, when I calculated the cost, it came out to be the same.”

Gauthier is the mother of two children attending St. Cletus School in Gretna. Greer, who is going into kindergarten, and Gavin, who is entering the second grade. She said she spent a total of $170 for both of her children for school supplies.

But, this cost is a drop in the bucket when it comes to budgeting for back-to-school expenses.

“We needed to buy new uniforms for Greer since she was moving from pre-kindergarten to kindergarten, and I ended up buying three jumpers, which cost $52 each,” she said. “Also, we had to buy Gavin a new jacket since he outgrew the one from last year, and another sweatshirt, new shorts and new shirts and shoes for both children. Altogether, I believe we spent $1,100 on uniforms.”       

Parents everywhere know that supplies also include a backpack and lunch kit, which do not come in pre-packaged boxes.

“Each year we usually purchase new backpacks for the kids, and this year we spent $184 for both, which includes a lunch kit,” Gauthier said.

Gauthier is a radiology technician and her husband Steven is the director of the cruise and operations department for the Port of New Orleans. She recognizes they are in a better-than-average position to afford back-to-school expenses.
   
“We do pay the tuition upfront (which is a little over $12,000 total for both children) so we don’t incur the higher interest rates on the school loans,” she said. “We try to plan ahead and budget for these expenses in advance. We are lucky that we are in a position where we can do that.”

Catholic education roots
   
As Catholic school graduates themselves, the couple believes it is important for their children to have a Catholic education, despite the rising costs over the years.
   
“I am a firm believer that our children need a Catholic foundation and prayer throughout the day,” Gauthier said. “I like that the school brings the children to Mass once a week, they say the pledge of allegiance every morning and begin the day with a prayer.”
   
Her children are excited to start the new school year at St. Cletus. Gavin is looking forward to meeting his new teacher, making new friends and playing on the new playground and Greer is also excited about meeting her new teacher and new friends, learning how to read and having homework like her big brother.
   
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