The start of a new school year is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to gathering all the necessary school supplies. To help alleviate some of that stress, this comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the expected school supplies for Fort Smith Public Schools (FSPS) for the 2024-2025 school year. Please note: This is a general guideline, and specific supply lists may vary slightly depending on the grade level and individual teacher's preferences. Always refer to your child's teacher's specific list, which will be distributed at the beginning of the school year or available on the school's website.
Where to Find the Most Accurate Information
The most reliable source for the exact supply list for your child's specific school and grade is their teacher. Check for communication from the school via email, the school's website, or parent-teacher communication platforms. Many schools proactively publish these lists online before the start of the school year. If you have trouble locating the list, contact the school's main office directly.
General Supply List Suggestions (Grade-Specific Lists May Vary)
While a definitive list depends on the specific grade and teacher, here are some common supplies that are generally needed across various grade levels within FSPS:
Elementary School (Kindergarten - 5th Grade)
- Backpack: A sturdy backpack large enough to carry books, folders, and lunch.
- Pencils: #2 pencils (sharpened and unsharpened) – a large quantity is recommended.
- Erasers: Pink erasers are typically preferred.
- Colored Pencils/Crayons: A 24-count box of each is usually sufficient.
- Markers: Washable markers are recommended.
- Ruler: A 12-inch ruler.
- Glue Sticks: Several glue sticks are advisable.
- Scissors: Safety scissors.
- Folders: Several pocket folders in different colors for organization.
- Spiral Notebooks: Several spiral notebooks of varying sizes, depending on the subjects.
- Construction Paper: A pack of colored construction paper.
- Crayola Washable Markers: Easy to clean up after those creative art projects.
- Pencil Case/Box: To keep supplies organized within the backpack.
Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
- Backpack: A larger backpack than elementary school, ideally one with good padding for heavier books.
- Pens (various colors): Black, blue, and red pens.
- Pencils: #2 pencils.
- Erasers: Pink erasers.
- Highlighters: Various colors.
- Loose-leaf Paper: Several reams of wide-ruled loose-leaf paper.
- Binders: One or more 1-inch or 1 ½-inch binders with dividers.
- Notebook Paper: College-ruled or wide-ruled, depending on preference and teacher requirements.
- Calculator: A basic calculator may be needed for math classes.
- Graph Paper: For math and science classes.
- Three-Ring Binder: for organization of class materials.
High School (9th - 12th Grade)
High school supply lists are more subject-specific. Students should refer to their individual class syllabi for detailed requirements. However, some general supplies include:
- Backpack: A durable and large backpack.
- Pens and Pencils: A variety of writing instruments.
- Highlighters: For annotating and note-taking.
- Loose-leaf Paper: Large quantity.
- Binders and Dividers: To organize materials for each subject.
- Scientific Calculator: For math and science courses.
- Graphing Calculator: May be required for advanced math courses (check individual course requirements).
Additional Considerations
- School-Specific Requirements: Always check the individual school's website or contact the school directly for any specific requirements.
- Teacher Preferences: Teachers often have their own preferred brands or types of supplies. Pay attention to teacher's specific requests.
- Labels: Labeling all supplies with your child's name is crucial to prevent loss or confusion.
This guide is intended to be a helpful starting point. Remember to always prioritize confirming the exact requirements with your child's teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. By being prepared, you'll help your child have a successful and organized school year.
