It's that time of year, again! Back to school shopping. I am sure you have seen the displays and the kids might not be ready, but the time is fast approaching!
Do you have a new kindergartener or is your child starting school for the first time? Do you have a middle schooler or high schooler?
Take a look at what Macaroni KID Williamsport rounded up from local teachers on what you DO need to buy and what you DO NOT need to buy.
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Kindergarten-4th Grade
1. Regular sized backpack (don't get the mini-ones)
2. Scissors that fit their hand with a rounded tip (teachers highly recommend Fiskars Brand)
3. Glue sticks (get more than 1, they some how always disappear or a cap is lost)
4. Pre-sharpened pencils (thicker ones for the younger students)
5. Erasers (get the hand held ones)
6. 24 count Crayola Crayons (from a teacher: Generic crayons are waxy and do not color well.)
7. Sturdy pencil bag/box (get the "Space Saver" brand or similar-it will hold everything a student will need)
8. Water Bottle that doesn't leak (spend a little more and get a good brand)
9. Good sneakers (GYM class and recess)
10. Sweater/sweatshirt (room temps vary and it will get cold before you know it)
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Middle School-High School
1. Pencils and refill lead (if they use mechanical pencils)
2. Individual folders for each class or 3-ring binder (depends on the teacher)
3. Agenda/Planner
4. Erasers
5. Calculator (some schools may provide, but it never hurts to have a good calculator)
6. Highlighter(s)
7. Notebooks or lined paper
8. Flash Drive (make sure it has enough storage)
9. A good backpack
10. Headphones
Kids ALWAYS seem to want certain items for school. Look at this list and avoid getting these items. They aren't needed and can cause distractions!
Kindergarten-4th grade
1. Folders (most teachers provide their own folder for communication and homework)
2. Notebooks
3. Note Paper
4. Markers
5. Pens
6. Toys (kids love to bring in toys but it is not needed unless it is show-&-tell)
7. Supply Box (you know the ones with the cool designs and has a lock on it-they aren't needed and won't fit in their desk)
8. A box of crayons with more than 24 crayons (way too many crayons and isn't necessary)
9. Anything that looks cute and fun (most of these items are a waste of money and can be a distraction)
10. Agenda (most schools give the younger grades one)
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Middle School/High School
1. Silly pens/pencils (these just cause distractions and aren't practical)
2. Gel Pens
3. Too many folders/notebooks
4. Trapper Keepers (only really needed if you child needs help with organization)
5. Crayons
6. Tape
7. Ruler (most teachers should have these for when they are needed)
8. Loose Paper (if you do get this, it should go into a 3-Ring Binder)
Teachers are always in need of donations. Most teachers use their own money to purchase needed supplies throughout the school year. Yes, some things are provided, but they run out quickly! Feel free to donate any of the listed items to your student's teacher. They will be very thankful!
1. Tissues (the school's are always rough)
2. Ziplock bags (you'd be surprised that these are needed)
3. Hand sanitizer (germs are EVERYWHERE)
4. Band-Aids
5. Wipes
6. Paper Towels
7. Extra Glue Sticks
8. Extra Crayons/Markers
9. Extra Dry Erase Markers
10. Baby Wipes (unscented)
11. Pencils/refill lead (mechanical pencils)
12. Erasers
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Macaroni KID Williamsport complied a list of items that most teachers have said were needed or not needed. Be sure to check with your child's teacher(s) and school to find out for sure. Most districts send out supply lists. Get the items listed and no more. The teachers know best what is needed in the classroom!
You can also look on Walmart and Office Depot for school lists. Buyer Beware: The lists seem to be very generic and have items that are NOT needed. Be sure to use your judgement!
