Back-to-school supplies for Michigan students of any age: Parents, consult this list
Many parents are wary of overspending this year and are looking for deals as they fill out lists of things their student need.
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled in 1970 that requiring a child to bring his or her own supplies to school a violation of the constitution — a free public education is supposed to be free.
Even so, schools and teachers commonly send recommended supply lists to parents before school starts, and many groups organize 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.
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
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.
Back-to-school supplies for middle school students
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
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)
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.
If you're in the market for a new back-to-school wardrobe or are purchasing big this school year, here's a list of the best student and teacher discounts.
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.
Make sure to pack your backpack or child's backpack ahead of time so you're not scrambling on the first day. We've also got tips for how to clean your kid's backpack.
Can I leave my child home alone after school in Michigan?
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, there is no legal age that 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: Back-to-school list: 2025 supply guide for Michigan parents, students
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