Attention, DeKalb County students and parents! As the countdown to the 2024-2025 academic year begins, it’s time to prepare your young learners for success. The eagerly anticipated DeKalb County School Supply List is now available, providing a comprehensive guide to the essential materials your students will need to excel throughout the upcoming year.
This meticulously compiled list has been meticulously curated by curriculum experts and educators to ensure that every student has the tools necessary to engage fully in the learning process. From pencils and notebooks to scientific calculators and art supplies, the list covers all essential subjects and grade levels. By ensuring that your students have the appropriate supplies, you are empowering them to participate actively in class, complete assignments efficiently, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
In addition to the standard supplies, the list also includes optional items that can enhance your child’s educational experience. These items, such as headphones for online learning and graphing calculators for advanced mathematics, can provide students with additional support and enrichment opportunities. By carefully reviewing the DeKalb County School Supply List, you can ensure that your child has everything they need to succeed academically and make the most of their educational journey.
Essential Back-to-School Supplies for Dekalb County Students
Classroom Essentials
Pencils: A variety sufficient for writing and drawing tasks. Consider:
- Minimum of 6 #2 or HB pencils.
- Pre-sharpened and lead-filled mechanical pencils.
- Colored pencils for art and creative projects.
Paper: For notes, assignments, and other writing tasks.
- Binder paper (8.5" x 11") with 3-hole punch.
- Loose-leaf paper (8.5" x 11") in various colors for organization.
- Graph paper (8.5" x 11") for math and science work.
- Construction paper (9" x 12") for art projects.
Notebook: For recording notes, assignments, and class content.
- College-ruled or wide-ruled notebook with at least 100 pages.
- Spiral or composition notebook based on personal preference.
- Subject dividers (optional) to separate class notes.
Binder: For organizing handouts, assignments, and notes.
- 1-inch or 2-inch 3-ring binder with plastic sleeves.
- Zippered binder cover to protect contents from spills and damage.
- Dividers (optional) for further organization.
Folders: For storing and transporting loose papers.
- Plastic folders with prongs to prevent papers from falling out.
- Color-coded folders to differentiate between subjects.
- Manila folders for special projects or large documents.
Backpack: Durable and spacious enough to hold all essential supplies.
- Backpack with multiple compartments for organization.
- Padded shoulder straps for comfort.
- Water bottle pocket (optional) for hydration.
Pens: For writing, taking notes, and completing assignments.
- Blue or black ballpoint pens (minimum of 2).
- Fine-tip markers (optional) for highlighting or note-taking.
- Gel pens (optional) for smooth writing and vibrant ink colors.
Reusable Materials: Reducing Waste and Saving Money
Schools generate a significant amount of waste, but reusable materials can help reduce this waste and save money. Reusable materials are used over and over again, which means less waste is produced and less money is spent on replacement items.
Benefits of Reusable Materials
There are many benefits to using reusable materials in schools. These benefits include:
- Reduce waste: Reusable materials help reduce waste by eliminating the need for disposable items.
- Save money: Reusable materials can save money over time because they do not need to be replaced as often as disposable items.
- Protect the environment: Reusable materials help protect the environment by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
- Promote sustainability: Reusable materials help promote sustainability by reducing the school’s environmental impact.
Examples of Reusable Materials
There are many different types of reusable materials that can be used in schools. Some common examples include:
- Water bottles: Reusable water bottles can help reduce the amount of plastic waste produced by schools.
- Lunch boxes: Reusable lunch boxes can help reduce the amount of waste produced by disposable lunch bags.
- Utensils: Reusable utensils can help reduce the amount of waste produced by disposable plastic utensils.
- Containers: Reusable containers can be used to store food and other items, reducing the amount of waste produced by disposable containers.
Tips for Using Reusable Materials
Here are some tips for using reusable materials in schools:
- Encourage students to bring their own reusable materials from home.
- Provide reusable materials for students to use in the classroom.
- Make sure reusable materials are cleaned and sanitized regularly.
- Encourage students to recycle reusable materials when they are no longer usable.
Resources for Using Reusable Materials
There are many resources available to help schools use reusable materials. These resources include:
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a website with information on how to use reusable materials in schools: https://www.epa.gov/green-schools/reuse/
- The National School Boards Association (NSBA) has a website with information on how to use reusable materials in schools: https://www.nsba.org/Services/Green-Schools/Pages/default.aspx
- The Green Schools Alliance has a website with information on how to use reusable materials in schools: https://www.greenschoolsalliance.org/resources/reusable-materials
Dekalb County’s Commitment to Inclusivity and Affordability
At Dekalb County School District, we deeply value diversity and strive to create an inclusive learning environment for all our students. We understand that affordability is a significant concern for many families, especially when it comes to purchasing school supplies. Therefore, we have implemented comprehensive initiatives to ensure that every student has access to the necessary resources without placing a financial burden on their families.
Parental Involvement in Supply Selection
Dekalb County actively involves parents in the school supply selection process. Our school administrators work closely with parents to identify essential supplies that align with the curriculum and support student learning. This collaborative approach ensures that we procure supplies that are both practical and affordable.
Bulk Purchasing and Strategic Partnerships
To reduce costs, Dekalb County engages in bulk purchasing and establishes strategic partnerships with suppliers. By leveraging our economies of scale, we negotiate favorable pricing arrangements that allow us to provide high-quality supplies at competitive costs.
Free and Reduced-Price Supply Program
For families experiencing financial hardship, Dekalb County offers a free and reduced-price supply program. Eligible families can receive a comprehensive supply kit that includes all essential items at no or minimal cost. To ensure confidentiality, families can discreetly apply for this program through their school.
Supply Donation Initiatives
Encouraging community support, Dekalb County has partnered with local organizations to launch supply donation initiatives. Businesses, individuals, and non-profit organizations can donate surplus supplies or make monetary contributions to support our students. These donations significantly supplement our supply inventory and help us cater to the needs of all students.
Teacher Choice and Flexibility
Recognizing the varying pedagogical preferences among teachers, Dekalb County grants teachers some flexibility in selecting supplies within budgetary constraints. This autonomy empowers teachers to tailor their classroom supplies to their unique teaching styles and student needs.
| Grade Level | Required Supplies |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | Backpack, crayons, markers, pencils, paper, scissors |
| 1st Grade | Backpack, pencils, erasers, notebook, folder, glue stick |
| 2nd Grade | Backpack, pencils, pens, notebook, crayons, markers |
| 3rd Grade | Backpack, pencils, pens, notebook, folder, ruler |
| 4th Grade | Backpack, pencils, pens, notebook, binder, calculator |
Technology Essentials: Devices and Accessories
For a successful learning experience, DeKalb County Schools requires students to have access to certain technology devices and accessories. These items are essential for completing assignments, accessing online resources, and staying connected with teachers and classmates.
Devices
- Laptop or Chromebook: A laptop or Chromebook is required for all students in grades 3 and up. These devices allow students to access school software, complete assignments, and collaborate with peers.
- Tablet (optional): A tablet can be a useful tool for younger students or for taking notes and completing assignments on the go. However, it is not required.
Accessories
- Headphones or earbuds: Headphones or earbuds are essential for listening to audio recordings, participating in online discussions, and blocking out distractions.
- Charger: Students should have a reliable charger for their electronic devices.
- Case or carrying bag: A case or carrying bag protects devices from damage and makes it easier to transport them to and from school.
- Mouse (optional): A mouse can provide a more comfortable and efficient way to navigate devices, especially for extended periods of use.
- Stylus (for tablets): A stylus allows students to write and draw on tablet screens with greater precision and ease.
- Internet access: Students need reliable internet access at home or at school to complete assignments and access online resources. Many DeKalb County Schools offer free Wi-Fi to students who need it.
The following table summarizes the recommended devices and accessories for DeKalb County school students:
| Grade | Required Devices | Recommended Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| 3-5 | Laptop or Chromebook | Headphones/earbuds, charger, case, stylus (for tablets) |
| 6-12 | Laptop or Chromebook | Headphones/earbuds, charger, case, mouse, stylus (for tablets), internet access |
Creative Supplies for Hands-on Learning
In the DeKalb County school district, creative supplies play a crucial role in fostering hands-on learning experiences for students throughout their educational journey. These materials empower young minds to explore their creativity, develop problem-solving abilities, and enhance their overall academic growth. The following list outlines the essential creative supplies recommended for the 2024-2025 school year:
Markers
Encourage artistic expression and fine motor skills with a variety of markers, including permanent, washable, and metallic options.
Crayons
Introduce vibrant colors and encourage creativity from a young age with high-quality crayons in assorted shades.
Colored Pencils
Foster precision and detail-oriented work with colored pencils that allow for blending and layering.
Paint and Brushes
Provide the tools for imaginative painting experiences with tempera paint in primary and secondary colors, along with paintbrushes of various sizes.
Construction Paper
Encourage student projects and artistic endeavors with an ample supply of construction paper in assorted colors and textures.
Scissors
Develop fine motor control and spatial reasoning skills with child-safe scissors designed for precision cutting.
Glue Sticks and Tape
Foster creativity and hands-on problem-solving with glue sticks and tape, enabling students to assemble projects, create models, and bring their ideas to life.
School Uniform Guidelines and Availability
Dekalb County Schools require all students to wear school uniforms. The dress code is intended to create a more positive learning environment, promote school pride, and reduce distractions. The specific uniform guidelines vary by school level.
Elementary School Uniforms
Elementary school students must wear:
- Navy blue or khaki pants, skirts, or shorts
- White or light blue polo shirts
- Black, navy blue, or white socks
- Black or brown shoes
Middle School Uniforms
Middle school students must wear:
- Navy blue or khaki pants, skirts, or shorts
- White or light blue polo shirts
- Navy blue or gray cardigans or sweaters
- Black, navy blue, or white socks
- Black or brown shoes
High School Uniforms
High school students may wear:
- Navy blue or khaki pants, skirts, or shorts
- White or light blue polo shirts
- Navy blue or gray cardigans or sweaters
- Black, navy blue, or white socks
- Black or brown shoes
Uniform Availability
School uniforms are available for purchase at a variety of retail stores and online retailers. The following table lists some of the most common retailers that sell Dekalb County school uniforms:
School Supply List for Dekalb County Schools 2024-2025
Each school within Dekalb County will determine its own school supply list based on the specific needs of its students and curriculum. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s school directly to obtain the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the required school supplies for the 2024-2025 school year. The school supply lists are typically made available to parents in the summer months preceding the start of the new school year.
In general, most Dekalb County schools will require students to have basic supplies such as pencils, pens, paper, notebooks, and backpacks. Other common items on school supply lists may include items such as calculators, USB drives, and headphones or earbuds. It is important to note that the specific supplies required may vary depending on the grade level and subject matter being taught.
