howard county school supply list 2024-2025

As the sun bathes the rolling hills of Howard County, casting a warm glow upon the eager faces of its young scholars, the anticipation for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year builds to a fever pitch. With minds abuzz and hearts aflutter, the students eagerly await the unveiling of the essential tools that will empower them on their educational journey: the Howard County School Supply List. Like a meticulously crafted symphony, each item on this list holds a vital role in unlocking the doors of knowledge and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

The 2024-2025 Howard County School Supply List is not merely a collection of mundane necessities; it is a carefully curated selection of resources designed to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and cultivate a thirst for exploration. From the humble pencil that traces the first words on a blank page to the advanced graphing calculator that unlocks the secrets of complex equations, every item on this list has been thoughtfully chosen to support the unique learning styles and academic goals of each student. As the year unfolds, these supplies will become indispensable companions, accompanying students on countless adventures into the realms of knowledge.

Furthermore, the Howard County School Supply List transcends its practical purpose. It serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the county to providing its students with the best possible educational experience. By equipping each student with these essential tools, Howard County empowers them to reach their full potential, fostering a generation of critical thinkers, problem solvers, and visionary leaders. It is through the collective efforts of parents, educators, and the community that this list becomes more than just a collection of supplies; it becomes a symbol of opportunity, growth, and limitless potential.

Essential Supplies for Howard County Students in 2024-2025

Essential Writing Supplies for 2024-2025

Every Howard County student needs a solid foundation in writing skills. To ensure success in the classroom, students must have access to the essential writing supplies. These supplies include:

Pencils: Pencils are a must-have for students of all ages. They are used for writing, drawing, and taking notes. Make sure your child has a good supply of pencils, including #2 pencils for standardized tests and colored pencils for art projects.
Pens: Pens are also essential for students, especially in middle and high school. They are used for writing essays, taking notes, and completing assignments. Make sure your child has a variety of pens, including black or blue pens for formal writing and colored pens for highlighting or note-taking.
Notebooks: Notebooks are used for taking notes in class, completing assignments, and keeping track of important information. Make sure your child has a notebook for each subject, as well as a general notebook for jotting down ideas or taking notes on extracurricular activities.
Highlighters: Highlighters are a great way for students to mark important passages in their textbooks or notes. Make sure your child has a few different colors of highlighters so they can easily distinguish between different types of information.
Erasers: Erasers are a must-have for any student. They are used for correcting mistakes, erasing notes, and cleaning up drawings. Make sure your child has a good supply of erasers so they can keep their work neat and tidy.

Grade-Specific School Supply Requirements

Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS) has released the school supply lists for the 2024-2025 academic year. The requirements vary depending on the grade level.

Elementary School (Grades 1-5)

Core Supplies: All students in grades 1-5 will need the following core supplies:

Backpack
Pencils (No. 2 or mechanical)
Erasers
Crayons (24-count box)
Markers (washable)
Colored pencils
Scissors
Glue sticks (12-count pack)
Folders (2-pocket, 1 for each class)
Paper (notebook paper, construction paper)

Grade-Specific Supplies: In addition to the core supplies, students in each grade may require the following grade-specific items:

Grade	Supplies
Grade 1	Reading log Plastic pencil box Pencils with erasers attached Headphones
Grade 2	Spiral notebook (1 subject) Highlighters Index cards Calculator (basic)
Grade 3	Protractor Compass Graph paper Science goggles
Grade 4	Atlas Dictionary Thesaurus Laptops or tablets (optional)
Grade 5	Algebra notebook Protractors Calculators (scientific) Flashcards

Technology and Electronics for Successful Learning

Laptops

All high school students are required to have a laptop for use in class and at home. Laptops should meet the minimum specifications set by the school district. Students may purchase their own laptops or lease one through the school district.

Calculators

All students will need a graphing calculator for math classes. Schools may recommend specific calculator models, or students may choose to purchase their own. The suggested calculator for Algebra I and Geometry is the TI-84 Plus and TI-84 Plus CE. The suggested calculator for Algebra II and Precalculus is the TI-Nspire CX or TI-Nspire CX CAS.

Additional Technology and Electronics

In addition to laptops and calculators, students may bring the following technology and electronics to school:

Device	Purpose
Tablets	Note-taking, accessing online resources, reading e-books
Smartphones	Accessing school websites, communicating with teachers and classmates
Headphones	Listening to audio recordings, watching videos
Flash drives	Storing and transferring files
Power banks	Charging laptops and other devices

Addressing Diversity and Inclusivity in School Supplies

To ensure that all students feel valued and included in the classroom, it is crucial that school supply lists reflect the diversity of the student body. This includes considering the cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds of students.

One way to do this is to provide a range of options for school supplies to cater to different needs. For example, instead of specifying a particular brand or type of notebook, the list could include a variety of options that meet different preferences and budgets.

It is also important to be mindful of the language used in the school supply list. The language should be inclusive and avoid using terms that may be unfamiliar or offensive to students from different cultures.

Additional Considerations for Inclusivity

In addition to the above considerations, here are some specific suggestions for making school supply lists more inclusive:

Suggestion	Explanation
Include a variety of hair and skin-colored crayons and markers	This allows students to choose supplies that match their own appearance and feel represented.
Offer books that feature characters from diverse backgrounds	This helps promote cultural awareness and empathy for different perspectives.
Provide sensory supplies such as fidget toys or stress balls	These can be helpful for students with sensory needs or who struggle with attention.

Supporting Students with Special Needs

Students with special needs often require specific adaptations and modifications to participate fully in the educational process. The Howard County school supply list for 2024-2025 provides essential information for parents and guardians to ensure their children have the necessary materials and resources.

Adaptive Equipment

Students with physical disabilities may require adaptive equipment, such as:

Writing aids (e.g., grips, pencil holders)
Assistive technology (e.g., speech-generating devices, text-to-speech software)
Ergonomic furniture (e.g., adjustable desks, specialized chairs)

Sensory Supports

Students with sensory sensitivities may benefit from:

Weighted blankets or lap pads
Fidget toys
Noise-canceling headphones

Visual Supports

Students with visual impairments may need:

Magnifiers or reading glasses
Large-print textbooks and materials
Assistive technology (e.g., screen readers, text-to-speech software)

Audio Supports

Students with auditory impairments may require:

Hearing aids or cochlear implants
Captioned videos
Amplified sound systems

Communication Supports

Students with communication challenges may benefit from:

Speech therapy services
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices (e.g., communication boards, picture exchange systems)
Social skills training

Disability	Support
Physical	Assistive technology
Sensory	Sensory supports
Visual	Assistive technology

Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Supplies

Durable and Reusable Items

* Encourage students to use reusable water bottles, lunch bags, and utensils to reduce waste.
* Use sturdy backpacks and binders that can withstand daily use and minimize replacements.

Recyclable and Biodegradable Materials

* Opt for notebooks made from recycled paper or sustainable sources to reduce deforestation.
* Choose pencils and pens with biodegradable components to limit landfill waste.

Energy-Efficient Options

* Consider using rechargeable batteries for calculators and other electronic devices.
* Promote the use of LED pencils and other low-energy lighting options.

Local and Ethical Sourcing

* Support local businesses by purchasing supplies from nearby vendors.
* Choose materials from ethically sourced companies that prioritize environmental and social responsibility.

Waste Reduction Measures

* Encourage students to share supplies with classmates to minimize individual purchases.
* Implement recycling programs within classrooms and throughout the school to reduce waste.
* Consider using digital resources and online textbooks to reduce paper consumption.

Table: Recommended Environmentally Friendly Materials

Item	Sustainable Options
Notebooks	Recycled paper, bamboo, tree-free materials
Pens and Pencils	Biodegradable plastic, bamboo, recycled materials
Highlighters	Water-based, plant-derived pigments
Backpacks	Recycled fabrics, durable canvas, waterproof materials

Parent Partnerships

Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS) recognizes the importance of parent involvement in their children’s education. Parents are encouraged to participate in school events, volunteer their time, and communicate regularly with teachers. The district offers a variety of opportunities for parents to engage, such as parent-teacher conferences, open houses, and school advisory councils.

Supply Affordability

HCPSS understands that school supplies can be a financial burden for families. To ensure that all students have access to the necessary materials, the district has implemented several programs to reduce the cost of school supplies. These programs include:

School Supply Banks:

Each school in HCPSS maintains a school supply bank that provides students with essential supplies, such as pencils, paper, and notebooks, free of charge. Families can request supplies from the school supply bank at any time during the school year.

Partnerships with Local Businesses and Organizations:

HCPSS has partnered with local businesses and organizations to provide discounts or free school supplies to families in need. These partnerships include:

Organization	Discount/Free Supplies
YMCA	Free backpacks and school supplies for students in need
United Way of Central Maryland	Back-to-school supply kits for students from low-income families
Walmart	Discounts on school supplies for families with a SNAP card

Donations and Community Support:

HCPSS welcomes donations of school supplies from individuals, businesses, and organizations. These donations are distributed to schools in need, ensuring that all students have access to the materials they need to succeed.

School District Resources for Supply Assistance

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) offers several resources to assist families in obtaining school supplies.

Community Partnerships

HCPSS has established partnerships with local organizations, such as the Salvation Army and United Way, to provide backpacks, school supplies, and other necessities to students in need.

School-Based Programs

Many schools within HCPSS have their own supply assistance programs. Contact the school directly to inquire about available resources.

Title I Schools

Schools designated as Title I are eligible for additional funding to support students from low-income families. Title I schools often offer free or reduced-price school supplies.

Donations

The community is encouraged to donate new or gently used school supplies to HCPSS schools. Contact the school or local organizations for more information on how to donate.

School Supply Drive

HCPSS hosts an annual school supply drive in August. The drive collects donations from the community to benefit students in need.

School Social Workers

School social workers can connect families with resources for obtaining school supplies. Contact the school social worker for assistance.

Community Resource Guide

The HCPSS Community Resource Guide provides information on local organizations that offer school supply assistance. The guide can be found here

Howard County Community Action Council

The Howard County Community Action Council (HCCAC) offers a range of services to support low-income families, including school supply assistance. HCCAC can be contacted at (410) 313-6400.

Importance of a Prepared Students in the Classroom

A prepared student is a successful student. When students come to class prepared, they are more likely to be engaged in the lesson, and to participate and learn. Teachers appreciate students who come prepared as well, because it creates a better learning environment for everyone.

Organization

One of the most important things that prepared students do is come to class organized. This means having all of the necessary materials, such as textbooks, notebooks, pens, and pencils. Organized students are less likely to waste time looking for materials, and they can focus on the lesson instead.

Punctuality

Being on time for school is another important part of being prepared. Punctual students are more likely to be alert and ready to learn. They also show respect for their teachers and classmates.

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Students who miss school often fall behind in their studies, and they may have difficulty catching up. Attending school regularly also helps students to develop good habits, such as being on time and being prepared.

Homework

Homework is an important part of the learning process. Homework helps students to review what they have learned in class, and to practice new skills. Prepared students always complete their homework on time and to the best of their ability.

Study Habits

Good study habits are essential for academic success. Prepared students study regularly, and they use effective study methods. They also create a positive study environment for themselves, free from distractions.

Participation

Participating in class is a great way to learn. Prepared students are willing to answer questions, ask questions, and share their ideas. They are also respectful of the opinions of others.

Note-taking

Taking notes is an important way to record information from class. Prepared students take notes that are complete, accurate, and organized. They also review their notes regularly.

Test Preparation

Preparing for tests is essential for doing well on them. Prepared students study for tests in advance, and they review their notes and textbooks. They also get a good night’s sleep before the test.

Digital Literacy

In today’s digital world, it is important for students to be digitally literate. Prepared students are able to use computers, tablets, and other devices to access information, complete assignments, and communicate with their teachers and classmates.

Creating a Positive and Equitable Learning Environment

1. Foster Inclusivity and Belonging

Ensure that all students feel valued, respected, and connected to their peers and educators.

2. Establish Clear Expectations and Routines

Provide clear and consistent expectations and routines to create a structured and predictable environment.

3. Encourage Student Voice and Ownership

Give students opportunities to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences to foster a sense of agency and empowerment.

4. Promote a Growth Mindset

Encourage students to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and persevere in their learning.

5. Celebrate Diversity and Representation

Reflect the diversity of the student population in materials, activities, and celebrations.

6. Address Barriers to Learning

Identify and address factors that may hinder student success, such as language barriers or learning disabilities.

7. Provide Equitable Access to Resources

Ensure that all students have equal access to essential resources, including technology, materials, and academic support.

8. Establish a Culture of Respect and Kindness

Promote a positive and respectful school climate where bullying and discrimination are not tolerated.

9. Collaborate with Families and the Community

Engage with parents, guardians, and community organizations to support student learning and well-being.

10. Continuously Evaluate and Improve

Regularly assess the effectiveness of practices and make data-driven adjustments to promote continuous improvement.