With school almost back in session, it’s time to go back-to-school shopping. A parent’s list for their child can be different depending on the school and their child’s grade; however, the most common items, by grade level, are as follows:
Kindergarten
For kindergartners, a full change of clothes, labeled, in a gallon-size zip bag or a shoe box (depending on your school) is typically at the top of the list. Crayola Washable Markers will also be on the list; however, the number of boxes will differ depending on the school. Berman Hebrew Academy asks parents to buy two boxes of eight wide-tip markers.
Berman Hebrew Academy also asks parents to bring either a box of gallon zip bags or a box of individually wrapped nut-free granola bars, a 64-pack or a box of sandwich zip bags and individually bagged pretzels.
All schools will list a pair of age-appropriate scissors on their supply lists, as well as tissue boxes and a few plastic folders with pockets. Also be on the lookout for glue (either sticks or liquid), colored pencils, Crayola crayons and No. 2 pencils. For the classroom, parents can also be expected to be asked to bring cleaning wipes, Lysol spray or Clorox wipes.
Parents may also be asked to buy their kindergartners a primary school journal, like the Mead Primary Journal K-2 Grade.
Grades 1-5
Those who have graduated kindergarten will keep a pencil pouch and/or a supply box with many of the same things throughout each school year. This will consist of 24 sharpened No. 2 pencils and one pencil sharpener. It will also include one eraser, one box of markers, one box of crayons, a pair of scissors and a box of colored pencils.
As for what won’t fit in the pencil pouch, schools ask parents to bring the following: either a binder or folder, depending on the school, and tissue boxes. For most Judaic study classes, the schools ask parents to bring 3×5 index cards, loose-leaf paper or notebooks, highlighters and tzedakah. Most schools will ask students to bring their own siddur.
Depending on the grade level, some schools also ask parents to label reusable water bottles for their children to keep at school.
Middle School
Entering middle school, students are going to have body odor, especially after physical education, so parents need to make sure their students are putting on deodorant in the morning and bringing some to school. Speaking of physical education, most schools will have their students change into gym clothes, typically after the first day.
What math class students are attending will determine which type of calculator they will need. Berman Hebrew Academy specifies bringing a scientific calculator, such as a TI-30X, for grades seven and eight, but depending on the math class, students may be required to have a graphing calculator, like a TI-84. Parents will also want to pick up some graph paper as well.
Sixth grade is the year students get their own lockers. To keep them organized, schools recommend bringing a locker shelf, although it’s not required. For students to keep track of their assignments, they should check to see if their school provides a planner. Otherwise, it is recommended that families buy one.
Do not forget a pencil pouch, along with everything that goes inside, most of which will be the same from the grade prior.
High School
This will depend on the grade level and class. Teachers will communicate what students specifically need, but it’s important for them to still have the basics: pencils, pens, their calculator from middle school, highlighters and notebooks.
