Starting middle school is a big step, and having the right supplies can make the transition smoother and more successful. This comprehensive guide covers the essential items your Highland Middle School student will need for a productive and organized school year. We've broken down the list by subject to make shopping easier and ensure you don't miss anything crucial. Remember to check with your individual teachers for any specific additions or substitutions.
General School Supplies: The Essentials
These items are fundamental for almost every class and should be on your shopping list first:
- Backpack: A sturdy backpack large enough to carry all books and supplies comfortably. Consider a backpack with comfortable straps and ample padding for heavier loads.
- Binder(s): At least one 1-inch or 1 ½-inch binder, possibly more depending on the number of subjects. Consider color-coding binders by subject for easy organization.
- Loose-leaf Paper: Plenty of college-ruled loose-leaf paper for note-taking and assignments. A large pack will last the entire year.
- Dividers: Section dividers for the binder(s) to separate subjects and keep papers organized.
- Pens (Black or Blue Ink): Several black or blue ink pens for note-taking and assignments. A mix of ballpoint and gel pens might be preferred.
- Pencils (No. 2): A good supply of No. 2 pencils with erasers for tests and assignments where pencil is required. Consider a mechanical pencil for convenience.
- Erasers: Plenty of erasers to keep those pencils working efficiently.
- Highlighters: A set of highlighters in various colors for emphasizing key points in notes and textbooks.
- Ruler: A standard 12-inch ruler.
- Scissors: A pair of sharp scissors for art projects and other classroom activities.
- Glue Stick: A glue stick for various projects.
Subject-Specific Supplies: Getting Organized by Class
While the general supplies listed above are essential, some subjects require additional materials. This list provides recommendations, but always confirm with your student's teachers for specifics:
Math:
- Graphing Calculator (May Be Required): Check with the math teacher to see if a graphing calculator is mandatory or recommended. If so, ensure it's an approved model.
- Protractor & Compass: A protractor and compass may be needed for geometry.
Science:
- Scientific Calculator (May Be Required): Check with the science teacher if a scientific calculator is required.
- Lab Notebook: A dedicated notebook for recording experiments and observations.
English/Language Arts:
- Index Cards: A pack of index cards can be helpful for vocabulary building and studying.
Art:
- Colored Pencils: A set of colored pencils for art projects.
- Crayons: A box of crayons for art projects.
- Markers: A set of markers for art projects.
Additional Recommendations:
- Pencil Case: A pencil case to keep pens, pencils, and other small supplies organized within the backpack.
- Planner/Agenda: A planner or agenda to help with organization and scheduling assignments.
- Flash Drive/USB Drive: A flash drive is useful for saving and transferring files between home and school computers. Check with teachers on storage requirements.
Before You Shop:
- Check the Highland Middle School Website: The official school website may have a more detailed and updated supply list.
- Contact Teachers Directly: If you have any questions or uncertainties about specific supplies, contacting the individual teachers is always recommended.
By preparing your student with these supplies, you'll be setting them up for a successful and organized year at Highland Middle School. Remember to involve your child in the shopping process to build their sense of responsibility and ownership!
