School Supplies & Readiness Support

Before you get the official supply list from your child’s teacher, here are the essentials most students will need. Because showing up without a pencil is not the way to start the year.

Writing Tools

• No. 2 pencils (because tests still love them!)
• Erasers (for when "creative mistakes" happen)
• Crayons or colored pencils (for masterpieces and math charts alike)
• Washable markers 

Classroom Must-Haves

• Glue sticks 
• Scissors
• Ruler 

Organization & Notes

• Notebooks (wide or college-ruled, depending on age)
• Folders 
• Highlighters 

Extras to Keep It Together

• Pencil box or pouch 
• Backpack 
• Water bottle (hydrated kids = happy kids)Pro Tip: Check with your child’s school for any specific supply requirements. And maybe grab extras—because somehow, pencils just disappear.

The first day can be exciting, nerve-wracking and maybe a little chaotic. But a little prep goes a long way! Here’s how to set your child (and yourself) up for success.

Start the Routine Early

Ease into a school-friendly bedtime and morning schedule at least a week before. Because waking up at 6am cold turkey is not fun for anyone.

Pack the Night Before

Backpacks, lunches and outfits should be ready to go. Less scrambling in the morning = less stress for everyone.

Talk Up the Fun

New friends, fun activities and learning cool things. Help build excitement by focusing on the positives.

Get Familiar With the School

If possible, visit the school, meet the teacher or at least go over the schedule, so things feel less overwhelming.

Encourage Independence

Practice self-help skills like tying shoes, zipping jackets and opening lunch containers, so they don’t have to ask for help multiple times a day.

Add a Special Touch

A fun first-day outfit and a little note of encouragement in their lunchbox can make them feel confident and ready to take on the day.
Pro Tip: Stay calm and positive—kids pick up on our energy. A relaxed parent = a relaxed kid (hopefully).

Busy mornings? Picky eaters? No problem! These simple hacks make packing lunches way easier (and keep kids excited for mealtime).

Quick & Healthy Lunch Ideas

• Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups – Wrap in a tortilla, add veggie sticks on the side. Easy to eat, fun to dip!
• Whole Wheat Pita with Hummus & Apple Slices – Sweet + savory = a winning combo.
• DIY Lunchables – Cheese, whole-grain crackers, and lean protein (like turkey or chickpeas). Less packaging, more nutrition.
• Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit in a container. Feels like dessert but packed with protein!
• Hard-Boiled Eggs & Whole-Grain Crackers – A simple, protein-packed lunch that keeps them full.

Packing Tips

• Prep the Night Before – Mornings are hectic. Save time by getting everything ready the night before.
• Use a Thermos for Warm Meals – Soup, pasta, or even mac & cheese stay cozy till lunchtime.
• Keep It Cool – A reusable ice pack keeps food fresh and safe.
• Balance is Key – Aim for a mix of protein, whole grains, fruits and veggies. 

Pro Tip: Let kids help pick their lunch items. More involvement = less chance of them trading for someone else’s cookies.

Because comfort counts—especially in class

A backpack might seem like no big deal, but carrying it the wrong way can lead to back, neck, and shoulder strain—especially for growing kids. A few smart packing tips can make a big difference.

Backpack Basics:

• Choose wisely. Look for a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a cushioned back panel for extra comfort. Bonus if it has a chest or waist strap for added support.
• Pack smarter.
  • Place heavier items (like textbooks or laptops) closest to your child’s back.
  • Lighter items can go toward the front or outer compartments.
  • Use all pockets to help balance the weight.
  • Keep it light. The backpack should weigh no more than 10–15% of your child’s body weight. (That’s about 7–10 pounds for a 70-lb student.)
  • Adjust for fit. Straps should be snug but not tight, and the backpack should sit above the waist, not sagging down.

Pro Tip: Encourage kids to clean out their backpacks weekly—because five mystery water bottles and a rock collection can add up fast.

(Because half the school owns the same Spider-Man lunchbox)

When everything starts looking the same—water bottles, jackets, notebooks—labeling is your best defense against the black hole known as the lost and found. A few quick steps now can save you from replacing the third hoodie by October.

Simple Labeling Tips That Actually Work:

• Use a permanent marker or pre-made label stickers with your child’s first and last name.
• Don’t stop at school supplies—label jackets, backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles, and even pencil pouches.
• For clothing, try iron-on or stick-on fabric labels that hold up through washing (and recess).
• Teach kids where to check for their name so they can spot their own things.
• Swing by the lost and found once in a while—it’s a surprisingly humbling place.

Pro Tip: Let your child help with labeling. When they’ve stamped their name on it, they’re a little more likely to keep track of it.

(Because chaos shouldn’t be your child’s first subject of the day)

A smoother morning = a better school day. And while no routine is perfect (looking at you, missing shoe), a few simple steps can help everyone get out the door with less stress and more smiles.

Try These Family-Tested Morning Moves:

• Set an alarm that allows enough time for breakfast, brushing, and those last-minute backpack panics…then add 5 minutes.
• Prep the night before—lay out clothes, pack lunches, and make sure homework isn’t still sitting on the kitchen table.
• Limit screen time in the morning to keep the focus on getting ready—not finishing “just one more” video.
• For younger kids, try a visual checklist with pictures or simple steps: brush teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast, grab backpack, get your butt in the car.
• Build in extra buffer time for sock drama, spilled cereal, or spontaneous sibling debates.

Bonus Tip: Celebrate the small wins—shoes on the right feet, hair brushed without tears, or making it to the bus on time. You’re doing great.

(Calm commutes help kids start the day right.)

Whether your child rides the bus, walks, bikes, or carpools, safety starts with good habits. A few simple guidelines can make the daily commute smoother—and help everyone get to school in one piece (and on time).

Bus Safety Basics to Review with Kids:

• Be early, not rushed. Arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early to avoid the “here comes the bus!” sprint.
• Wait safely. Stand in a safe spot away from traffic—no pushing, no street games, and definitely no hopping curbs.
• Listen up. The bus driver is in charge, just like a teacher on wheels. Remind kids to follow directions the first time.
• Stay seated. Once on the bus, stay seated facing forward. That means no seat-hopping or standing up to wave at passing squirrels.
• Cross smart. Always cross in front of the bus, about 10 feet ahead so the driver can see your child. Never walk behind the bus.

For Walkers & Bikers:

• Review safe walking routes with sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible.
• Teach kids to make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Bikers should wear helmets and follow all traffic rules (even the ones grown-ups sometimes forget).

Pro Tip: Do a practice run before the first day of school—especially for younger students. It helps build confidence and avoid surprises (like realizing the bus stop is actually one block over).

(We love having you—but safety comes first)

Schools thrive when families and community members get involved—but like any good team, we play by a few ground rules. Whether you're visiting for a quick lunch drop-off or volunteering in the classroom, here's what you need to know to keep everyone safe and smiling.

Quick Guidelines for Visitors & Volunteers:

• Start at the front office. All visitors must check in and wear a visitor badge while on school grounds. It’s our way of knowing who’s who (and keeping strangers out of science class).
• Volunteering? There may be paperwork. Many schools require a background check before you can work with students—especially on field trips or in classrooms. It’s not personal—it’s policy.
• Plan ahead. Classroom visits should be scheduled in advance with your child’s teacher. Surprise pop-ins may sound fun but can disrupt learning.
• Be mindful with photos. Respect school rules around photography and interactions with other students. Not every parent is comfortable with their child on camera—even if it’s a yearbook-worthy moment.
• Want to help out? Contact the main office or check the school website to learn about volunteer opportunities. Whether it’s reading groups or laminating masterpieces, your time is appreciated.

Pro Tip: A smile and a “Thanks for having me!” go a long way. Staff and teachers notice—and appreciate—respectful, engaged families.

(Because “How are they doing?” merits more than a one-word answer)

Parent-teacher conferences are a great chance to check in—not just on grades, but on how your child is really doing at school. A little prep can help you ask the right questions, get meaningful insights, and walk away with a game plan that supports your child’s success.

Questions Worth Asking:

• How is my child doing academically?
  Are they meeting grade-level expectations in core subjects like reading, writing, and math?
• Where are they excelling—or struggling?
  What do they seem to love? Where could they use a little extra support?
• What can we do at home to help?
  Are there strategies, resources, or routines that could reinforce learning outside the classroom?
• How’s their social and emotional development?
  Are they making friends? Participating in class? Showing confidence or facing challenges?
• What’s the best way to stay in touch?
  Email? App messages? Carrier pigeon?

Pro Tip: Bring a few notes—whether it’s a concern about reading or a proud moment from home. Sharing your perspective helps build a stronger support system around your child. It’s also smart to bring a blank notepad—or use your phone—to jot down key takeaways. Following up on strategies discussed can make a real difference in how your child feels and performs at school.

(Because schools run better when families bring snacks—and ideas)

Getting involved at school doesn’t mean signing up for everything. (We promise.) Whether you’ve got five minutes or five hours, there’s a place for you to plug in, meet other families, and help create a stronger school community.

Simple Ways to Make an Impact:

• Attend PTA/PTO meetings.
  Stay in the loop about school decisions, events, and how that fundraiser money really gets used. No matching t-shirt required.
• Volunteer in the classroom.
  Help out with reading groups, art projects, or just passing out glue sticks with a smile.
• Chaperone or support events.
  Field trips, fun runs, school dances—yes, they need permission slips, but they also need you.
• Share your skills.
  Speak at career day, mentor students, or offer tech support during school events (bonus points if you actually know how to use the projector).
• Help plan the fun stuff.
  School-wide celebrations, book fairs, or family nights don’t happen without behind-the-scenes magic. Lend a hand—or a folding table.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to be a “super volunteer” to make a difference. Just showing up when you can builds trust, connection, and a sense of community for your child—and others.