The Ultimate Back To School Checklist

It’s that time of year again! Unfortunately, summer always comes to an end. With that, you may be fitting in a last-minute vacation and then taking a sharp left turn right into the back-to-school zone.


Getting ready for a new school year can be a stressful time. School supplies, uniforms, adapting to new school schedules. Changing routine is always challenging, but it doesn’t have to be difficult!


Whether it’s your first time setting up a student for school or just another year of a new grade, we want to help you prepare. Maybe you have a child that’s starting a new milestone grade this year; elementary, high school, or college. Set your child up for success on their first day of school!


There are so many small, yet important things to get done. Use this guide as a starting checklist so you don’t leave anything out.

How To Get “Back To School” Ready

Here are some items to start thinking about at least three to four weeks before school starts. This way, you don’t get overwhelmed trying to fit everything in the first week of school.

School essential tasks.

·   Finish summer reading list. There’s still plenty of time! Make sure your child gets those books finished before the first day.


·    Clean out closets. Those kids grow fast! Donate any items that no longer fit and determine what clothes need to be purchased for the new year.


·   Shop for school clothes. After cleaning out the closet, time to go on a shopping trip! Pick up essential clothing items or uniforms you need. Consider waiting until later in the fall to shop for winter items if you’re on a budget.


·   Shop for school supplies. Keep reading for our list of common supplies needed!


·   Set up a workstation at home. Any place where homework or other projects can get done. Having a designated spot will help kids work more quickly and efficiently. (And ensure they are out of the way!)


·   Start the transition to early wake up calls. Get a head start by going to bed a little earlier each night. That way, when the time comes, there’s no fuss or fight.

Make good nutrition a priority.

How much water should you drink?

·   Make a list of easy meal prep ideas for weekday dinners. The time passes faster than we realize. And all of a sudden, activities kick in and there’s no time to cook! Plan a few easy meals ahead. You can even bake a few dishes and freeze them for easy meals hack when the days get busy.


·    Prepare a grocery list for school lunches and after school snacks. Fresh fruit, precut veggies and dips, and yogurt are easy and nutritious. They’re also perfect for grab and go when you need to hit the road.


·   Load up on frozen foods and easy breakfast options for a convenient morning. If you’re rushed in the morning with no time to cook breakfast and sit down for a meal at the table? Pre-prepped frozen egg muffins or breakfast sandwiches are easy to pop into the microwave.


·   Stock up on hydration essentials. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to stay healthy. True Lemon Kids Drink Mixes are convenient to pack into backpacks or lunch boxes and make drinking more water super easy. Just pour a packet into a bottle of water, shake and enjoy!


This is a great way to get your kids to cut down on sugary drinks but still get the sweet fruity flavors they love. And the best part? Every serving has 25 percent of the daily recommended dose of Vitamins A, C and E!

Health and hygiene considerations.

·   Schedule haircuts and doctor’s appointments for the new year. Check with your school about any physicals or vaccines that may be required and make sure everyone is up to date.


·   Refill over-the-counter medications and any needed prescriptions.


·   Update your emergency contact list with the school.

Organize calendars and know what to expect.

·   Sign up for fall sports and other activities. Make sure the family calendar or schedule is updated so everyone knows what’s coming up and when.


·    Make transportation plans. Is your child riding the bus? What about carpooling? Make sure all plans are set up. Not only does your child need to get to school, but they also need a ride home from school.


If they’re involved in afterschool activities, they’ll also need a way to get to that activity (if it’s not on school grounds) and home later in the day.


·   Get to know school administrators and teachers. Mark the important dates on your calendar – parent/teacher conference, open house, and any other events your school may host to welcome in the new year.


·    Set expectations for the year. Make sure your child is set up for success. Talk with them about expectations from teachers in the classroom as well as what you expect from them at home.


In the new digital age, a lot of parents are not familiar with contacting teachers by email or text message. Ensure your child understands the school rules and how they should be turning in assignments and communicating with teachers.

Common School Supplies List


~ Backpack

~ Book Covers

~ Pencils

~ Pens

~ Notebooks

~ Plastic Folders

~ Three-Ring Binders

~ Looseleaf Paper

~ Index Cards

~ Planner

~ Ruler

~ Scissors

~ Computer Paper

~ Printer Ink

~ Calculator

~ Lunchbox