RHINELANDER - Back-to-school shopping can be a fun time for some kids, but checking off those supply lists can really add up, and some parents wonder if schools can justify those costs.

Newswatch 12's Kailey Burton hit the store aisles this afternoon to see just how much it costs to send one kid to school.

Northland Pines High School Freshman, Maddy Blaedow, has an extensive back-to-school list:

"Red pen, ruler, binder, folder, graph paper, jump drive, highlighters, pens and pencils, 3-ring binders...”

She’s not sure how much it will all cost, she guesses $40, but that doesn’t include her 4 other siblings.

Some parents question whether students really need all the “required supplies”.

Viewers on our Facebook page added their 2 cents: Sara Towne says for her 3 children supplies cost around $200. Another viewer says those lists are overboard and to “please respect those who are struggling”. But shoppers in the store today said the price is just right.

"I used to work in a school so I've seen them go through supplies, and even run out before the end of the year so I think it's the least we can do to kind of chip in and help out, " said Katie Rybak.

"I don't think it's excessive at all," said Dina Chapman.

The markers and pens sure add up though. I scoured the list for a fourth grader at Arbor Vitae Woodruff, and the total rang up to 51 dollars even. That pales in comparison though to just the books for a college freshman.

"Uh yes, they were about $600,” said Chapman.

Story By: Kailey Burton