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 shoebox (depending on your school) is 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. Caskey Hebrew Academy asks for one 10-count box, while Politz Hebrew Academy asks parents to buy three. Politz Hebrew Academy asks parents to bring a paint smock with sleeves.
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 wet wipes, Lysol spray and Clorox wipes.
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 should also include one eraser, box of markers, box of crayons, pair of scissors and a box of colored pencils.
As for what won’t fit in the pencil pouch, schools ask their 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 students to bring 3×5 index cards, loose-leaf paper or notebooks, highlighters and tzedakah. Caskey Torah Academy asks students to bring their own siddur.
Politz Hebrew Academy asks first grade girls with last names A-L to bring a box of one-gallon zip bags and girls with last names M-Z to bring one pack of plastic cups.
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. Caskey Academy specifies bringing a scientific calculator, such as a TI-30X, but Barrack Hebrew Academy specifies having 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.
