Back to school supplies checklist

As summer draws to a close, millions of students are preparing to return to school.

Some may be excited to return so they can see their friends again each day, while others may lament the loss of carefree days under the warm summer sun. Regardless of which category students fall into, all will need the right supplies to begin the new school year on the right foot.

Some teachers now contact students' parents prior to the start of a new school year to let them know which supplies kids will need during the year. But the following grade-based rundown of supplies can help families get a head-start on back to school shopping.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten marks most students' initial introduction to formal schooling, and this exciting year of school is filled with lots of fun and new experiences. Some of the more common supplies kids need for kindergarten include:

PencilsColored pencils and crayonsWashable markersErasersPencil casePencil sharpenerGlue sticksChildren's scissors with a blunt tipTissuesBackpackLunchbox/bagHeadphones

Elementary school

Elementary school students typically need different supplies based on which grade they're in. Children between first and third grade may be asked to bring many of the same supplies as students in kindergarten, including pencils, washable markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, and children's scissors. But first, second and third grade students also may be asked to bring some additional supplies, including:

RulerPencil gripsIndex cardsWide-ruled notebooksA box for supplies, including pencils

Fourth and fifth graders will likely be asked to bring supplies that align more with academics than arts and crafts. Such supplies may include:

CalendarPersonal organizerBindersLoose-leaf paperSpiral notebooksCalculatorPensPlastic foldersHighlightersBook covers

Middle school and high school

By the time children reach middle school and high school, parents are well-versed in back-to-school shopping and likely know what is required. But some of the more unique items parents may be asked to provide for students in these grades include:

Graphic calculatorGraph paperPermanent markersCombination lockProtractorWhite-outThree-ring binders

Teachers are a great resource that can help students and their parents as they begin back-to-school shopping. Families are urged to reach out to educators or visit school websites to determine if there are any specific items kids will need during the school year.