Local Family Fun Deals: Attractions, Shows & More!  
articles

Back to School Checklist

By Jeffrey Willey publisher of Macaroni KID Winston-Salem, NC July 19, 2023

In a little over 6 weeks, we will be back at it again.  That is right, Back to School! Going back to school requires some preparation to ensure you have everything you need for a successful and comfortable academic year. Now I realize that each teacher has their own requirements, so I went general since, in the "old days," as I am told, this is how we did things.  Here's a checklist to help you get ready:

  1. School Supplies, THE REAL BASICS:
    • Notebooks
    • Pens, pencils, and highlighters
    • Erasers, sharpeners
    • Ruler
    • Calculator
    • Sticky notes
    • Folders or binders for organizing papers
    • Backpack or book bag
  2. Textbooks and Required Reading Materials:
    • Check your school's book list and acquire the necessary textbooks and reading materials.
  3. Electronics:
    • Laptop or tablet (if required by the school)
    • USB flash drive or external hard drive for data backup
    • Charging cables for all electronic devices
  4. Writing Tools:
    • Mechanical pencils and lead refills
    • Spare ink or lead for pens and pencils
  5. Stationery:
    • Stapler and staples
    • Scissors
    • Tape
    • Glue sticks
  6. Planner or Calendar:
    • Stay organized with a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignments, exams, and extracurricular activities.
  7. School Uniform or Dress Code Requirements:
    • Ensure you have the appropriate clothing as per your school's guidelines.
  8. Reusable Water Bottle and Snack Container:
    • Staying hydrated and having healthy snacks on hand can help you stay focused and energized during the day.
  9. Lunchbox or Bag:
    • If you'll be bringing lunch from home, have a suitable container for it.
  10. Health and Hygiene Items:
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Tissues
    • Personal medications (if needed)
  11. Back-to-School Clothing:
    • Check your wardrobe and see if you need any new clothing for the upcoming school year.
  12. Gym Clothes and Shoes:
    • If your school requires gym uniforms or specific shoes, make sure you have them.
  13. Transportation:
    • Bus pass or other transportation arrangements if you don't walk or drive to school.
  14. School Identification and Documentation:
    • School ID card or any necessary school-related documents.
  15. Locker Supplies:
    • Locker shelf or organizer, mirror, magnetic accessories, etc.
  16. Financial Needs:
    • Money for lunch or any other expenses you might have at school.
  17. Extracurricular Equipment:
    • If you're participating in sports or other activities, ensure you have the necessary equipment.
  18. Emergency Contact Information:
    • Make sure you have contact numbers for your parents/guardians and any other emergency contacts.
  19. Face Masks (if applicable):
    • Check if face masks are still required in school and have an adequate supply.
  20. Positive Attitude and Readiness to Learn:
    • Finally, don't forget to bring a positive attitude and a readiness to learn. Back to school can be an exciting time, so make the most of it!

As I stated above, remember to personalize this checklist based on your specific needs and the requirements of your school. By being prepared, you'll be setting yourself up for a successful and enjoyable academic year!