Elementary school fees

There is a law on the books here that elementary schools can not assess fees for participation in normal core school activities. (Or something along those lines.) They assess fees for absolutely everything in high school. We will have to see if my kids get textbooks or not in high school...

Anyhow, they can't assess fees in elementary school, but that doesn't stop all the teachers from asking for a per student "a $20.00 donation to help with the cost of class excursions, projects, food experiences in the classroom, gifts, etc." I consider this a hidden tax. A tax for having kids in school.

We have paid this every year. Usually as late as we possibly can, for the sake of protesting. We will be paying on Monday, because a trip to Pumpkin Land is in store for Emma this next week. Kate's teacher didn't ask for anything this year, I assume it is because he was hired late in the process, and no one told him about this particular quirk of this school.

Anyway, I am strongly considering turning it in with a little note that talks about my "not exactly a tax, not exactly a fee, not exactly dues, nearly voluntary donation" for each of the teachers. Except for Kates teacher. I will give him the $20 with a note letting him in on the secret...