Michigan families, it's time stock up on new pencils, markers and crayons as students will be head back to school soon.
Schools and teachers may be recommending supply lists to parents in the weeks before school starts, and many groups across the state areorganizing giveaways of backpacks laden with pencils, glue sticks and other supplies.
Whether you're the parent of a student, or a student yourself, here’s your guide to back-to-school shopping supplies:
Must-have back-to-school supplies
Back-to-school supplies vary from classroom to classroom, from teacher to teacher. If your child is in elementary or middle school, they may have received an itemized classroom supply list from their new teacher.
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Specific lists often can be found on school district or teacher
websites.
Take note of the words "requested" and "required" — items may be a suggestion or donation to the classroom.
If you don't have a list and want to get things ready for the big day, here’s a general guide of what you'll need according to tutoring agency Oxford Learning.
Back-to-school supplies for elementary students
Elementary students have a variety of needs for school:
- 1 pocket folder per subject
- Agenda (some classrooms issue school-specific agendas)
- Loose-leaf ruled paper or notebook
- Loose-leaf blank paper
- Pencils
- 2 erasers
- Ruler
- Pencil sharpener (metal ones, even small ones, will last longer if kids can hold onto them)
- Box of crayons
- Colored pencils
- Washable markers
- Bottle of glue
- 2 glue sticks
- Safety scissors
- Backpack
- Pencil box or bag for supplies
Your child’s teacher may also request classroom supplies such as disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer or tissues. When in doubt, send a quick email to their new teacher ahead of the first day of school.
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Back-to-school supplies for middle school students
Middle school students' needs are somewhat different than for younger children:
- 1 binder per subject or a couple of large-sized binders
- Binder dividers
- 1 pocket folder per subject
- Sticky notes
- Agenda (some classrooms issue school-specific agendas)
- Combination lock for lockers
- Loose-leaf ruled paper and/or notebook
- Loose-leaf graph paper or notebook
- Mini stapler
- Highlighters
- Blue or black pens
- Pencils
- 2 erasers
- Ruler
- Pencil sharpener
- Reinforcements (for placing loose-leaf paper in binders)
- Colored pencils
Your teacher may also ask for some specific supplies depending on the type of work you’re doing, like USB drives, calculators or a compass and protractor. Check in with your teacher before school starts if you’re not sure what to buy.
Back-to-school supplies for high school students
High school students can have specific needs:
- 1 binder per subject or a couple of large-sized binders
- Binder dividers
- 1 pocket folder per subject
- Sticky notes
- Agenda
- Combination lock for locker
- Loose-leaf ruled paper or notebooks (one per subject)
- Loose-leaf graph paper or notebooks
- Highlighters
- Blue or black pens
- Pencils
- 2 erasers
- Ruler
- Pencil sharpener
- Reinforcements (for placing loose-leaf paper in binders)
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How to shop for back-to-school supplies
Consult the list
Run through the required supplies and contact your child’s teacher if you have questions or don’t see something you think will be important.
If you have a little extra in your budget, ask your child's new teacher if they need help supplying their classroom. Most teachers dip into their wallets to decorate and equip their rooms, so they'll appreciate the help.
Search for deals
School supplies can be expensive. The National Retail Federation estimated American households would spend nearly $900 in the 2023 back-to-school season.
Decide if you want to shop in person at major retailers or avoid the lines entirely by shopping online.
Plan ahead
After you’ve shopped your way through your list, the next best thing to do is be prepared. Game plan go-to healthy school lunches and after-school snacks for the weekly rotation.
Can I leave my child home alone after school in Michigan?
Once school starts, many parents head back to work full or part-time. Work schedules and school schedules don't always match up exactly, meaning some children will end up home alone for some length of time.
According to the National Child Care Information Center, only Illinois and Maryland currently have laws regarding a minimum age for leaving a child home alone. Even in those states, other factors, such as concern for a child’s well-being and the amount of time the child is left alone, are considered.
According to the Child Protection Law, Michigan has no legal standard for an age at which a child can be left home alone. The Michigan Mandated Reporters' Resource Guide says."...But as a general rule, a child 10 years old and younger is not responsible enough to be left home alone. A child over the age of 10 and under the age of 12 will be evaluated, but the case may not always be assigned for a CPS investigation," the guide says.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: What Michigan kids need as they head to school. See age-specific lists
