Backpack Essentials: School Supplies for Students

Elementary Students Have Different Needs Than Middle Schoolers

Now is the time to start stocking up on school supplies. Many stores hold early-bird low price specials starting as early as the end of July. You can gather packs of pencils, folders, paper and novelty items for great prices. Look at the end of this article for online resources to locate stores near you.

Not every student requires the same supplies. And, due to budget cuts, some schools request "donations" of supplies. If you shop at warehouse stores (Costco, Smart and Final, etc.), consider buying bulk packs of toilet paper, tissue, and paper towels for your school. You can bring this in to the front office or directly to your child's teacher (the latter is best because she then gets first dibs on your items).

Below are three lists: Elementary, Middle, High School. But remember, College students also need supplies, though theirs will be quite different. Some suggestions are listed at the end.

Elementary School packs

2-3 pencils
sharpener
a big pink eraser (novelty ones are fun, but useless)
loose leaf notebook paper (50 sheets)
about a dozen sheets of plain typing paper (for drawing)
box of 16-24 crayons with sharpener
pack of colored pencils (sharpened)
ruler (centimeters and standard)
2 glue sticks
red pen (for editing writing)
5 colored folders (one per subject)
Fun Extras:
Independent reading book
Water color markers
pencil box
small tissue pack
laminated card with emergency phone numbers


Middle School packs

6 sharpened pencils or mechanical pencils with a box of lead
sharpener
a big pink eraser
college-ruled notebook paper (50 sheets)
or notebooks (one per subject0
blue, black and red ink pens
pack of colored pencils (sharpened)
2-3 glue sticks
protractor, ruler (centimeters and standard) and compass
basic calculator (or scientific calculator for Algebra and Geometry students)
Handy extras:
Independent reading book
two colors of highlighters
invisible tape
index cards (lined and unlined)
mini reference set (dictionary, thesaurus)
house key


High School packs