Student Posts

Friday, August 21, 2009

Welcome Back...Supplies!!!

*****In an attempt to build a more environmentally conscious and sustainable classroom, I’m asking for some different supplies than usual… Thanks for your help!******

FRIXION ERASABLE PENS: These are the only erasable pens that I’ve found to work really well (and they look cool). I hate erasable pens, but LOVE these! I’ve found that they last longer than the store brand pens and therefore cut down on waste. Staples has a good supply.

MECHANICAL PENCILS: The mechanical pencils that look like “wooden pencils” are the only ones that I have found to really stand the test of 4th and 5th graders. They are more costly, but hopefully more economical and sustainable in the long run.

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE for water- students can take home and bring back, or simply leave at school.
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I know the list is long, but these supplies will really help us get off to a strong start. I am listing the supplies in four categories: individual, communal, optional, and at-home. Please review the list carefully and read the descriptions of each item. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding these supplies!

Individual Supplies
These supplies should take priority. It is important for each child to have the following supplies in hand by the first day of school. Children should bring these supplies to school with them so that they can get off to a strong start.
□ 3- 4 composition notebooks (Meade or similar brand), lined paper

□ 1 graph-paper notebook for use in math (same size as composition notebooks)
***Please do NOT get spiral bound notebooks; these come apart too easily. Notebooks work much better.***

□ 1 assignment notebook (This can be a daily planner or small pad for keeping track of homework assignments.)

□ 1 thin lightweight loose-leaf binder (These are for storing papers and homework. The homework binder travels back and forth, and a lighter weight makes it easier on the shoulders! Also, the bulkier binders will not fit in the children’s cubbies.)

□ 1 folder with three holes punched, for keeping inside the binder

□ 1 zip-up pencil case for holding pens, pencils, etc. in backpack

□ 1 (or 2) pen(s) that you really love

□ 1-2 packages of dividers for binders


Communal Supplies
These are supplies for the entire class to use. Because there are many supplies, I am splitting the list in half. If your child’s FIRST name begins with the letter A-L, please buy the items on list one. If your child’s FIRST name begins with the letters M-Z, buy the items on list two. I have done my best to make the lists approximately even in terms of price.

LIST ONE (First names from A-L)

□ 3-4 packs of Fusion pens (varied colors) □1 pack 200 sheets of loose-leaf paper

□ 1 package of page reinforcements for loose-leaf papers □ 2-3 rolls transparent tape (with dispenser)

□ 2-3 packages of post-its (any size, shape, or color) □ 2- 3 boxes Kleenex

□ 1-2 pack(s) of markers



LIST TWO (First names from M-Z)


□ 6 packages .07 mm lead for mechanical pencils □ 1-2 packages of hot glue gun sticks

□ mechanical pencils for size .07 lead (The imitation “pencil” kind is preferable)

□ 2-3 sturdy, absorbent sponges □ 2-3 packs of paper towels

□ 2-3 packages of post-its (any size, shape, or color)

□ 1-2 packs of colored pencils


Optional Supplies
I know this list already seems really long! Here are a few things that are always good to have, in case you’d like to contribute more to our class supply.

□ dish soap and/or all-purpose cleaning spray/ Clorox wipes (such as Windex, 409, etc.)
□ post-its (different size, shape, color, design is best!)
□ tabs (post-it kind for dividing notebooks into different sections)
□ clear CONTACT PAPER (notebook decorating)
□ TAPE (different size, color, dispensers)- scotch, masking, packing, etc. + glue gun sticks!!
□ Zip-lock baggies
□ STAPLERs □ Sharp scissors □ sharpie markers (black and/or bold colors)
□ BLANK RECORDABLE CD’S
□ 3-hole punchers
□ sculpting CLAY (any non-drying sculpting clay- all colors), SCULPTING WIRE (any hardware store carries this), NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS OR JEWELRS PLIERS
□ Fresh flowers (for our tables)

□ Band-aids (Band-aid brand has worked the best for us. The others do not stick or hold, so we end up wasting a lot!)

□ any art or craft supplies you feel might be useful for project time.
- GLUE GUN STICKS
- GLUE GUNS
- CLAY (see above)
- MARKERS
- colored pencils
- colored or interesting paper, card stock, construction paper, origami paper, fabric, needles and thread, old magazines, scrap cardboard, etc.-- you’d be surprised what can get turned into a project!)

At-Home Supplies
These supplies are to help students complete their homework. They will stay at home and do not need to travel back and forth with the students.

□one ruler with inches and centimeters □ one student dictionary

□ supply of Post-it notes for reading assignments, etc. □ supply of loose-leaf paper


THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP TO A GREAT START!!!