GUILDERLAND — Each summer, elementary schools from across the country share their respective supply lists; a shopping list to guide families on what to get kids before the first day of school.
These lists, as do local store advertisements, conjure both joy and dread for young kids looking at the last few days of summer coming to an end. There’s the natural proclivity to mourn the waning of free days in the sun, days in the pool, and games on the ballfield. There’s also the prospect of picking out new school supplies.
It’s only July and for many schools in the area, the first day of school falls on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Nonetheless, Guilderland Elementary School shared that anticipated supply list on the district website last week. In it is a basic list of items for the seasoned fifth-grader who already knows the ropes, to the kindergartener just getting started.
Parents are sure to get a jump on early sales and specials. Some big-box stores such as Target have online registries established through local schools, so families don’t have to labor through store shelves trying to find that fourth package of fat markers.
“We know the back-to-school season signals an important milestone for millions of families across the country – and we’re here to help by introducing even more ways for guests to save and find everything they need all in one convenient location,” said Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. “From supplies and stylish apparel to snacks and the latest electronics, guests can count on Target to make the most of their budgets, with thousands of items under $10.”
As of last weekend, none of the big-box stores had online registries available.
Here is a list of supplies and corresponding prices adopting some of the more common items listed by Guilderland Elementary:
• 1 large backpack (no wheels please) — $19.99
• 4 packages of fat markers — 0.50 cents each
• 1 package 24 crayons — 0.50 cents each
• 1 package Ticonderoga Pencils — $2.99 for 12 pack
• 2 two-pocket folders — 5-pack of Up & Up brand, $2.49
• 6 glue sticks — 2-pack Elmer’s brand, 0.55 cents each
• 1 water bottle — $6.99
• 1 box of tissues — 4-pack / 120 ct of Kleenex brand, $6.79
• 1 box of Crayola washable broad tip markers — $2.49
• 1 pair of headphones — JLab JBuddies, $11.99
• 1 pair of kid’s scissors — Fiskars blunt tip, $1.49
• 1 composition notebook — Five Star 100 pgs, $3.39
• 1 pencil box — Sterilite Pencil Box, $1.29
Based on prices gathered on Target.com, a modest day of school day shopping will run $67.44. That doesn’t account for any new clothes or the needs of more than one child. As the school district suggests on its only list (below), you should consult your teacher for additional items.
