These days, instead of just paper and pencils, back-to-school shopping lists run parents through sporting goods seeking tennis balls, the food aisles for bottled water and snacks, even the cleaning aisles for sanitizers and wipes.

It’s a sign of the times: as educating students becomes more complex, so do their needs at school.

In some cases, a student’s socioeconomic background often dictates where teachers find themselves spending money.

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People hold candles and sing during a memorial and prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Washington. (Rod Lamkey, Jr./AP)

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com