Living / Parenting
Back-to-school checklist for parents: supplies and routines
A practical guide for families navigating school preparation season covering shopping lists, daily routines, and transportation details.
As the summer break winds down, parents across New England are preparing for the return to school schedules, a transition that involves coordinating supplies, establishing routines, and managing transportation logistics. With school districts opening between August 26 and September 8 this year, families have a two-week window to finalize their preparations. Education experts recommend beginning planning by late July to avoid back-to-school shopping bottlenecks and price increases that historically occur in early August.
The financial commitment for families is substantial. The National Retail Federation estimates that parents with school-age children spend an average of $864 per child on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and technology for elementary grades, with high school costs reaching $1,247 per student. For a family with three children, this represents a significant seasonal expense. Shopping early, comparing prices across retailers, and utilizing back-to-school sales events can reduce costs by 15 to 20 percent.
Essential Supplies and Procurement Strategy
School supply lists have expanded considerably in recent years, extending beyond traditional pencils and notebooks to include technology items, personal protective equipment, and cleaning supplies. Many schools now request that families provide disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues, and paper towels for classroom use. Teachers frequently compile classroom wish lists posted on school websites. Rebecca Fontaine, principal of Riverside Elementary in Springfield, notes that "families appreciate having these lists early—it allows them to spread purchases across the summer rather than rushing at the last minute."
Parents should begin by obtaining supply lists from their school websites or calling individual teachers. Standard items typically include:
- Notebooks, folders, and binders for each subject or grade level
- Writing implements: pencils, erasers, pens, and highlighters
- Calculators and other subject-specific tools
- Backpacks and lunch containers that fit school lockers
- Physical education clothing and footwear
- Classroom contribution items: tissues, sanitizer, and cleaning supplies
Establishing Routines and Schedules
Beyond procurement, successful transitions to the school year require establishing consistent sleep schedules, morning routines, and expectations. Pediatricians recommend adjusting bedtimes 15 minutes earlier every three days beginning two weeks before school starts, gradually aligning sleep patterns with school requirements. Morning routines should be practiced in advance, allowing families to identify timing challenges before school begins. Parents should plan to arrive for school transitions 10 to 15 minutes early on the first day to manage traffic and parking logistics.
Bus schedules vary considerably by district. Most local school systems post bus routes and pickup times in early August. Parents new to bus transportation should have children practice the bus route a few days before school starts. The Valley Regional School District operates 47 bus routes serving 12,000 students across five counties, with pickup times ranging from 6:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. depending on school schedules and route assignments.
Final preparations should include scheduling medical and dental appointments, updating emergency contact information with schools, and reviewing new school policies and technology use agreements. Districts increasingly implement 1:1 technology programs, requiring students to bring charged devices daily. Establishing device charging stations at home and setting screen time expectations prevents technology-related morning conflicts.