How To Fill a Backpack

With school starting on Aug. 29 in Reading and Sept. 5 in North Reading, it's time to fill your child's backpack with the necessary items. That is, if you've already purchased the backpack.

Often students are sent home on the last day of school with a list of items they will need in the fall. The list will include must-haves and some optional items. If you don't have the list yet, your child may receive it on the first day of school. If not, call your child's teacher and ask for a copy.

According to North Reading mom Lindsay Felix, she looks for her back to school supply list for her "middle schooler" on their website. The site has a general list of items your child will need. Binders, a protractor, calculator and USB drive are required. 

"I have found though, last year this list was pretty much all we needed for middle school, other than items to prepare for projects," Felix said.

Felix bought her supplies at , which also has a general list of school supplies available.

"They (Staples) are currently running their 1cent sale and also offer a 15 percent discount card for $3, good through September. We always purchase extra items for ourselves, our teacher's and for charity," she said.  

Felix also has a child in elementary school and one in pre-k. Her elementary school child usually receives a supply list from the teacher in August.

"This is a general list as well for materials needed such as a bring home folder, a notebook, ruler, colored pencils, crayons, etc. as well as classroom supplies needed for throughout the year," she said.  

Teachers sometimes ask for paper towels, lysol wipes, hand sanitizer and kleenex for general use, she said. Felix added that some teachers are particular when it comes to supplies. Some do not allow colored pens, trapper keepers or other specific items. Check with your child's teacher about these items.

For her student in nursery school, Felix says she keeps her supplies "fun and kid friendly."  

Another tip from Felix: label your child's backpack and lunch box with his or her name and phone number so it can be returned if left behind.

Here is a shopping list to get you started filling backpacks. Keep in mind that some classrooms may require specific items that are not listed. 

Backpack

Lunchbox

Folders with two pockets

Composition Notebooks

Binders

Glue Sticks

Scissors

Pencils

Colored pencils

Pencil Sharpener

Markers

Crayons

Tissues

If your child is grade 2 or 3, you may want to add these items:

Pens

Spiral Notebooks

3-ring binder

Loose-leaf lined paper

Index cards

12" Ruler

Highlighters

Book covers

You can buy these items at , , or in North Reading. Or , Staples, or in Reading.