A school supply list to get you started

"Kindergarten School Supplie's list. Have the list so i thought i would pass it on for those who need it as well. 1-Facial Tissue (100 ct.) 2-4oz. Elmer's school glue 2-Small glue stick 3-24 ct. crayola Crayons 1-Blunt 5' Fiskar Scissors 1-12x18 Assorted Construction paper (50 ct.) 1-12x18 Manila paper (50 ct.) 12-#2 Pencils 1-Dry Erase Markers (4 ct.) 1-70ct. spiral composition book (Wide rule) 1-Washable Crayola Thick Blassic Markers (8 ct.) 1-Paper plates (9 inch-25 ct.) 1-Ziploc Sandwich Bag (80 ct.) 1-Ziploc gallon bags (20 ct.) 1-Paper Lunch Sacks (25 ct.) I know this may differ from other schools, this one is from Roanoke Elementary."

"It seems very helpful. My daughter is going to middle school and I want to get a head start on school shopping. We have to wait to the first day of school to get a list from her teachers to see what she needs. These basic guide lines have helped. The guide lines are easing my nervousness for my daughter. Thank you GreatSchools.net!"

"Good ideas. I'm a parent of four children (three girls and one son) so I'll keep this in mind. "

"you know you should make the supply lists more clear. this one is horrible, dumb, and no helpful use of any kind. So please whoever made this try to write down wat gradt this list is for thank u!! NOT!!!!!!!!!!!1"

"In my opinion, .9 mm mech. pencils are a great investment for intermediate grades. They hold up well, don't break as often, and kids don't spend so much time sharpening them. They don't make wooden pencils like they used to!"

"I live in Roff, Oklahoma and we have all seen first hand the rising cost of supplies and the lack on income in some families. I am a member of our local park committee and we are hosting a back to school bash in August. We are working with the school to obtain an accurate list of needed supplies for each child as well as expected enrollment numbers. We are asking everyone in the community as well as local business to either pick up some supplies to donate or to donate 5% of one paycheck in July. The donations will be used to purchase school supplies for all of our students."

"This really helped me.... Thanks :))"

"thank you very much ive been using this list for over 96 years now stating today"

"This is great. We have used a company now for many years that supplies custom school supply kits to us. The cost is the same as the best sales we see and additionally they give 10% back to the PTA. Their name is USASchoolSupplies.com. I highly recommend going that route Steve "

"Well firstly I very much understand the cost issue as I have been on both sides of the Tracks per say, either pinching pennies or buying extra for kids with less. My problem is not a lack of $ or 'Joe Blows' lack of $ it's that on my current years supply list (that by the way can ALWAYS be found at your local wal-mart at the begining of the school year/end of summer break) it states 12 ct crayola crayons x4 #2 pencils 24 ct x 4 glue sticks x 8 elmers 12 oz glue x 4 crayola washable markers X2 dry erase markers X1- (NOT FOR MY CHILD) these are a 15 count package by the way that cost me like $16.00 at walmart. well I could go on and on with my 1st graders supply list but my issue wasn't the list, it was what her school had written in BOLD at the bottom. DO NOT WRITE YOUR CHILDS NAME ON THE SUPPLIES. well this bothered me to no end, as a child I loved putting my name on my brand new things and arranging them just so, to see how the would be carried in my box. So I walked my child to her 1st class at her new school to discover that the 'extra supplies were throw into huge totes in the hall before she even got to class. and because I didn't want my child to be teased for having the 'ugly' folder/binder/backpack etc.. i did spend a pretty good deal on all these things my daughter will never even see again. It didn't say 'hey if you can buy 1 more of each and plce them here it will go to a child in need'. It was just demanded. I have been on the other end too, as I told you earlier, we were VERY poor growing up, so we got new pencils binder and paper ONCE at the 1st of the year and the rest of the year i had to beg and borrow. However, a person that I know very well has 4 kids( living in a travel trailer 16 ft. X 8 ft.) smokes pot like cigs, doesn't work- lives off husbands! income only- they ALWAYS have the money for the mary jane, but can never seem to come up with a few bucks to save their kids from 1st day humiliation!!!! It infuriates me to no end that because we help she doesn't have to, she can keep doing what she does and be rewarded for saying 'IT'S A PUBLIC SCHOOL IT'S THEIR JOB TO PAY FOR MY KIDS NEEDS'. just a few thoughts for you as you are getting your rulers!!"

"this was really helpful thanks"

"Wow! I love the way you help the students and mainly the parents to see the kind of supplies our children need and require the most. And I also like the ecomomics for providing such great schools for the parents,and for kids to be safe. Thank you guys for thee attetion you provide the students and i love it......"

"Been doing the school supply list for over 10 years now with my three children, and another about to go to kindergarten next year. This is a useful list. Still, our school list has certain 'specifics' that go into detail. I have no problem with financially supporting what my kids need for school - but whatever happened to 'free education'? I guess when I went to school we didn't have 'fees' or else called 'non-refundable rental fees'. What's a cause for concern to me is that our district on top of being underfunded only allots a certain percentage to our school because we are a 'small community' - that being said funding is way low. That I can understand is why we have to pay for 'school book rental' - but if it's so-called 'rental' why am I not reimbursed when my children return the books at the end of the schoolyear (with no damage). That's the way it was when I was in school - you got your money back when returned the book. On top of that, if our school is collect! ing non-returned book 'rental' fees EVERY YEAR, why is it so hard to get new books for our children to use? My babysitter who is a 21-year-old, let me know that my daughter's 3rd grade book that we were 'renting' from school had the name of a girl who was in two classes ahead of her in school!!! Talk about outdated information!!! Where is this money going? I mean, teachers complain about their salaries - we buy everything our individual children need for school (supplies, clothes, band stuff, woodshop fees, lunches, etc, EVERYTHING etc), so where is all the money government gives to funds school going? Good thing our school has a GREAT PTO that buys technical equipment to enhance learning in classes, otherwise we'd still be writing on chalk slates. Good grief!!! Good to vent! School is expensive - I don't care if it's COLLEGE or K-12!!! But I suppose it's the responsibility we take on when we decide to become parents right? Still it would be nice to experience the true meaning of 'free education' (without all the additional fees;-)) Still, my kids are WORTH it!!"

"I thought this list was helpful, but everybody knows it already. But the other one was nice!"

"I am in Grade 7 and this list has really helped me. I think that instead of grumbling over prices and stuff buy what u think is important. If the teachers contact you about the fact that your child doesnt have something they think is important ask why. If you cant afford it then ask for help from any organization. Or even better save money for it. Its not that hard. You may even find that the things you think are important are important."

"This is a great list that i believe will be very helpful to most people. I've read many of the comments below and found them very irrelevant to this list. The supplies will help their children learn and keep them organized. These people should realize that IF THERE CHILD'S EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT TO THEM THEY WOULD CHOOSE TO SPLURGE ON THE ITEMS THEIR CHILD'S TEACHERS RECOMENDED. These supplies are not that expensive if u are a 'smart shopper', and they need to know that complaining about their supply lists on this website will not change the fact that they need to OPEN THEIR WALLETS and buy the supplies. - 9th grader from holliston high school, MA "

"I have been reading alot of parents that have more than one child are concerned about the expense of school supplies. As a single mom with 1 child in grammer school, 1 in middle school, and one in High school, I truly understand ur concerns. There are many churches and outreach programs in our area that are more than willing to help. I know sometimes its hard to ask for help but if it gives our children what they need sometimes we must swallow our pride!!!"

"Wow! Some really interesting things to think about. I am a student-teacher in Canada... and personally, I love back to school shopping. It is one of the few times I can find good deals on this kind of stuff. It is great to hear that some people help to provide other students with necessary supplies. I know we have back-to-school supply drives through Sleep Country Canada and other places; even Staples (our stationary store) is currently selling donation back-to-school kits - which include a binder, some pencils, some duotangs, etc and it doesn't even cost $5.00! I have worked in some of the schools and seen some of the children who benefit from other peoples generosity. And every year I too make an effort to donate something and help to provide a student with a chance to learn and with the supplies they need to prosper. As a student teacher, I make sure that when I plan a lesson, any materials I want the students to use I have some extra available of my own, and try to plan it based on what I know that the school has or I have seen the students using already. My personal recommendation about lists that schools provide is to see what is absolutely necessary for the first day or week. See what can be salvaged from years before. Then after school has started, if you can and the sales are still going on, pick up any additional items. As for brand-name items, the only reason I can foresee a teacher requesting them is maybe because they serve a specific function... I would contact the teacher to find out. I always used my discretion when it came to these lists as they are made up to completely prepare the vast majority of returning students for all situations that may arise and provide the most enriching educational opportunities and experiences to each child for the entire duration of their academic year. Not everyone needs everything on these lists; teachers and schools may be covering more than necessary so that no one can be angry and say 'Why wasn't I told my child would need that?' I grew up in a single budget household, containing two kids... I know how hard it can sometimes be. Your child will not fail because they don't have everything schools and teachers put on these back to school lists, they will underachieve if they don't have the necessities to learn. Also, kids can be generous; if they see a classmate or friend who doesn't have crayons, or a glue stick, they do share. Helpful Hints: -Go for the basics: writing utensils, somewhere to store their work, and things you think they will need. -if you are not sure about why your child need something or you cannot afford something speak to your child's teacher, they do understand and maybe able to accommodate or compromise. Communication makes understanding easier. As for difficulty reaching a teacher... back to school is a pretty hectic time so be patient and keep trying. -Recycle & Reuse - students do not need new supplies every year, sometimes the supplies that have been a little worked in are just as good. Also, there is nothing wrong with hand-me-down stuff if it is still in good condition. Be creative - I have seen students do amazing things with duct tape and other such materials... even if old binders or other supplies are not in the best of shape, sometimes they can be salvaged through some creative thinking and then the students have something more personal or unique to go back to school with (It doesn't all have to be Hannah Montana, Batman, or other brands). -Shop smart - if at the end of one school year, there are binders being sold off and you know your child needs a new one, pick it up and put it away. Sometimes shopping all in one place, all at one time is not the best option either... check flyers or look for promotions. Buy early or wait until a little later into the year... not everything has to be purchased the last week of August or the weekend before school begins. Dollar stores are a great place to pick up some cheaper items, and many of the necessities are available for really low prices. -Make it fun... you could make it a project that your kids all summer long be on the look out (flyers, in-store, or online) for good buys or ideas of what they may need. This may keep them out of trouble and entertained. You could even have older kids prepare a back-to-school budget (What do I need? I have 20 dollars for supplies how can I get the most out of that? Where would be the best place to shop? etc.), so that they see how much they can save or how much all the supplies could cost them. They may take better care of their stuff, if they understand this process. I don't know if this helps anyone at all, but we are all in this together. Learning is a communal thing; children, parents, teachers, and other community members all aid in this process. Lists of school supplies are offered to try and make your child's transition into this new year easier, for both them and you as a parent. Happy shopping and all the best to prospering students everywhere in the upcoming school year! "

"This is really helpful to know wat you need to have to school especially for middle and high school."

"Is everyone really this stressed about school supplies. Pencils, erasors, note books, scissors, glue, rules, red pen, blue pens, crayons, ect. So, they don't use every thing this year save it for the next, less for you to buy. You know every year it's the same stuff. I use a shoe box and every time I see something that's (for sale) on the same list I get every year I buy it and into the box it goes. And the stuff the school sends home at the end of the year my kids use for the summer drawing, painting, coloring, cuting you know having fun."

"I think these schools are asking quite a bit from us parents. We / I Can NOT afford all these supplies. Besides the fact that,in highschool,you have to pretty much carry ALL your books and supplies with you all day long,because you don't have much time to get to your locker between classes. I am a single mom of 2 children in school. 1 in 6th and 1 going into 9th. I live on SSI,temporary disability,and do not have the $$ to buy supplies,plus clothes,uniforms,then there are pictures,yeabooks and whatever else pops up during the year. Yet,if I CAN'T buy the stuff,who gets in trouble for not being prepared ? My innocent child,who has nothing to do with my financial problems. I think the schools / teachers need to look at all situations and realize,not everyone can go out and buy ALL those supplies + extras ,especially in the time frame they give us. School starts on Wednesday,have everything by Monday. I unfortunately can't do that and have absolutely No One to help me out. Supplies need to be narrowed down or the teachers need to just deal with what a family CAN afford and work with that,and not take it out on the student."

"Hi, This is a big help especially for me. This is my first time being in a middle school and if this information wasn't here I would probably get in trouble with some teachers. But thanks any way BYE!!!"

"My oh my.....It looks like most everyone is a little upset about the items listed on their child’s 'School Supply List'. Let me start by saying that last year was my son's first year of school and I too was a little shocked at the supplies that were requested; however it is a small price to pay for your child's education. I know some of you are probably thinking...'Yeah but MY child won't need everything that is on the list' and more than likely you are right but what about the children that are less fortunate. They deserve a fair education as much as your child. It isn't the children's fault that the parents are in the financial situation that they are in. I was the youngest of 3 kids and raised by a single mom. My mother waited tables at a local steak house to support three children and I remember as a child her coming home and her fingers bleeding from the chemicals used at work when cleaning up......Did I always have all the school supplies I needed? No, a lot o! f my supplies came from other parents just like you and I and THANK GOD for those parents who willingly gave. I was able to go through school, get a fair education and not be ridiculed or embarrassed because I didn't have what I needed. If any of you are willing or able, pick up a few extra things......There is a child out there that needs it. Don't lose sight of the fact that your child’s teachers are UNDERPAID and they are giving so unselfishly of themselves. They spend more quality time with our kids than we do......Show a little more appreciation for them and their needs and give when you can. If you can't give, don't beat yourself up for it but quit complaining. "

"I have been reading the complaints and I have never experienced it in my life. Maybe it is because I have attended parochial/private schools, but we were only responsible for our own personal supplies. In grade school, we paid the school stationery bill and most items were provided. Starting in sixth grade, we were expected to supply our own pens, pencils, and notebooks. The only thing that was for the whole class was tissues- they go fast and furiously during cold and flu season. Now I am in high schools and I have to provide all of my own supplies- it still does not cost that much. Some teachers are particular and some aren't. The proper supplies really do aid in a proper education."

"As lovely as this list is, I see a very important item missing from this list: Namely a storage container or two! What're students supposed to store these pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, calculators, rulers, erasers in, 3x5 index cards? Backpacks? You're kidding! It's a royal pain to drudge the items up from various places in binders and backpack pockets but with the use of a simple pencil bag/box one is able to grab what one needs most with minimal effort. What's easier still is assembling small kits according to need/use. Good containers are a MUST as they contribute greatly to the retention of these supplies. As a student myself, I have found that I retain my supplies at *least* 3 times longer than when I didn't have storage containers/compartments for these items. "

"I think these tips are wonderful my son is 7 years old going to the 2nd grade I am really excited"

"I find it interesting to read all the comments that people have been posting. I think it would be helpful if the school tells you what supplies are needed for the coming year so when the sales start up, people can take advantage of them. I would like to mention that the teachers and administrators all went into teaching because they wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. I am not a teacher but I appreciate all the hard work they do. Maybe instead of blogging your complaints, you should try to talk to the people in your school district about your suggestions and concerns. My guess is that they just may be receptive if you do it in a nice way."

"I work at a school and when we have orientation we sent out school supplies list. with 30 chilrens in one class and 30 boxes of crayons, paper and many other things we do not use so they stay boxed up and are never used and i have 3 kids and i will not waste my money on things that teachers are going to be boxed up. so when my daughter goes off to middle school im going to sent her in with a binder and paper and pencils and what ever she needs is because they will be using them and that will be when i buy anything for the school district to be boxed. "

"I am the mother a 4 average students and have difficulty understanding why there is such a problem getting feed back from the school. I've called or left a note in each bookbag asking how they are progressing. Then receive comments that they are fine, then hit at conference time with they are lacking or having behavioral problems. Is it too much to ask for the truth. It's astonishing since this is a school district where i went as well and my mother never had this problem with us. Any suggestions on how to get th feed back I need to be a better parent?"

"i say get the basics because as someone said the kids will get a list during the first week. and sometimes the school has a budget for extras, so whatever extras they end up needing after that, which shouldn't be much, you can pick up lateri am a single mom, two kids, on a budget. i suggest everyone try wal-mart, goodwill, salvation army, their church or other organization to help with school supplies if needed. if you are not too financially burdened then pick up a few extras to donate from the kindness of your heart. and lets be real, unless you are sending you child to their first year of shool, you should know the drill already. if you start gathering these things early, you shouldn't have to break the budget frantically trying to buy all this stuff at the last moment anyway."