Back to School

[Tllynch]

This year I am sending my kids to public school for the first time. I've never dealt with a very specific list of necessary school supplies.

Can anyone give me some advice on couponing, or helpful hints on back to school shopping? I am also new to couponing, so please explain things (I don't yet understand the jargon or short forms)

[Rika]

In the top header there is the word NEW start here... if you click on that it brings up a great listing of topics that will be helpful to you

[Sapphire1980]

Hi

I'm a teacher and have a few recomendations for you for school supplies. My recommendations are for elementary school students since that's where I teach. The only supplies that I would buy before school starts are: a backpack, lunch bag, and indoor and outdoor shoes (please don't buy lace up shoes if your child can't tie them, I never understand the parents that think I have time to tie 20 pairs of shoes 3+ times a day).

While the stores will try and sell you a bunch of other stuff it's really not necessary. Wait until your child gets to school and see what they actually need. Crayons and pencils etc are all provided for students here (In Ontario). Some teachers might ask for kleenex since the school generally only supplies one-ply that feels like cardboard. Also if you wait until school has started you can sometimes get the item on clearance.

If you have any more questions about back to school shopping I would be happy to help.

[iloveagreatdeal]

I would ask around to other parents in the area who's kids are going to the same school... My kids are going into grade 1 and 5 and my younger one's new teacher has a VERY sppecific list. (Brands size etc) also she broke up the list too (kids with last names 4taring with "A-F"have to bring different things than kids with last names starting with "g-z") since they all share in her class... My older one needs things like a flashdrive, protractor etc... But yet my niece (grade 6 but different school) has never needed these things... And it must depend on the school board too... Because I am in Ont. Too... But my kiddos have supply their own pencils, crayons kleenex etc...

[chronosfire]

Another option is that some schools are just asking for money from parents to cover the student's supplies. $45 gives them everything they need for the year, and the teacher gives out the supplies as each child needs them. Depending what grade your child is in they'll probably need a flash drive (usually around $10 or less).