It’s time for another new school year! Westminster Academy is so excited to have classrooms filled with students again, and we hope you are, too. We want you and your child to feel as prepared as possible, whether they’re a new student or returning to our school. There’s a lot to think about with back-to-school shopping, and that can get overwhelming. To give you a hand, here’s a guide to some things your child may need.

School supplies

The exact supplies your child needs for school will depend on their grade, but everyone will need the basics, such as writing utensils, folders, and notebooks. And of course, a backpack or bag to carry everything! Here are some supplies your child can use in the classroom and at home:

· Backpack

· Pencil box or pouch

· Highlighters

· Pencils

· Pens

· Colored pencils, crayons, or markers

· Folders

· Binders

· Index cards

· White-Out

· Spiral or composition notebooks

· Mini pencil sharpener

· Erasers

· Calculator

Lunch items

Beyond a lunch bag, it’s easy to overlook some other items that will come in handy when packing school lunches for your child. With a few extra supplies, you can offer your child a variety of options between hot and cold lunches. Here are some lunch items to consider:

· A lunch bag or box

· Tupperware (containers with multiple compartments are great for less clutter)

· Plastic baggies

· Utensils

· Hot/cold thermos

· Small sauce containers

· Ice packs

· Reusable water bottle

Clothing and accessories

You don’t have to buy a new wardrobe every year for school, but you may notice your child outgrowing some items, while others will need to be replaced after general wear and tear. Westminster Academy does not have a required uniform. However, the general dress code can be found in the Student & Family Handbook.

It’s a good idea, if possible, to think ahead to colder days. Fall and winter will be here before we know it! Here are some clothing items and accessories your child may need for school:

· Undergarments

· Tops: Long and short-sleeved

· Bottoms: Shorts, pants, skirts, jeans, tights or leggings

· Dresses

· Hoodies: Zip-up or pull-over

· Sweaters

· Socks

· Belts

· Hair clips or ties

· Shoes: Sneakers, sandals, dress shoes, rain boots, snow boots

· Outerwear: Winter coat, raincoat or windbreaker, fleece jacket

· Gloves or mittens

· Winter hats

· Scarves

· Umbrella

Hygiene items

Along with the new school year comes another cold and flu season. We want your little ones happy and healthy in class, so extra hygiene precautions can go a long way. Here are some hygiene items to potentially add to the back-to-school packing list:

· Tissue pack

· Mini hand sanitizer

· Wet wipes

· Washable face masks

Where to shop for back-to-school

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of back-to-school sales! Here are some places to shop as we enter the new school year:

· Walmart

· Target

· Kohl’s

· Nike

· Nordstrom Rack

· Macy’s

· Dick’s Sporting Goods

· Staples

· Amazon

Please contact Angelyn Dodson at Westminster Academy with any questions!