SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
It's that time of the year again: the time to send the kids back to school.
First, you've got to get them geared up, and that proposition can be expensive.
It's an annual trek for Katie Kvols. It's the trip with her kids to shop for back-to-school supplies. Like many parents, though, she's seen changes over the years.
"It used to just be markers," said Kvols.
Now, when she fills up her cart, she says the deals are better, but it's still pricey at times.
The stuff now is a lot cheaper than is used to be, but they require a lot more stuff. So, it's kind of a toss-up," said Kvols.
Even with back to school specials, it can still be hard to leave a stationery store for less than $50. Sioux City School officials say that amount could be even more, if it weren't for some consolidating.
"Our parents are very appreciative. They just have to pull up Sioux City community schools and they'll have the same list," said Benson.
Alison Benson says the school supply list was set back in the spring, and this time around, the reviews are better.
"Made it as uniform as it could be, so that for parents, it wasn't such an agonizing time of the year to go hunt stuff down," said Benson.
One reason the list is so long is because teachers want students to be prepared for the whole year. Plus, there are some items that go beyond the list.
"More pencils. It seems like you lose them more than you use them," said Lauren Ness of Sioux City.
But the back to school shopping isn't just a chore.
"I think we all just have a fun time buying stuff and having good times together," said Mallory Behrens of Remsen, Iowa.
For those in Sioux City's public high schools, their lists could be a little shorter too. The students in all grades will have access to netbook computers, and that could mean fewer books.
