Start the school year off right

Wed., Sept. 7, 2005

ARA

Back-to-school shopping for your kids’ supplies can seem like survival of the fittest after a summer filled with barbecues and family vacations. This year, parents’ missions to fill their children’s backpacks begin with one common goal — organization.

Maria Bailey, Office Depot’s family organization expert, an award-winning author, bluesuitmom.com founder and working mother of four kids, has tips to help parents get their kids in gear this school year.

“Parents can start the school year off on the right foot by getting their kids and home ready for the back-to-school season,” says Bailey. “It’s as simple as following a few survival tips to make sure your child is ready with the right tools to make the grade.”

• Prepare the Supplies: Before sending your kids off to class, make sure they’re fully loaded with this year’s best supplies; their school usually sends out a must-have list –which makes shopping easier, if not pleasant. Survival Tip: Buy in bulk to save on items like construction paper, poster board, markers and glue.

• Balance Your Act: Back-to-school time also means it is time to start balancing busy schedules. Make sure your child can be productive while on-the-go by creating a mobile workstation. Buy a lap desk with handy pockets on the side – fill the pockets with travel-sized supplies. Now, homework can be done in the baseball stands or in the car.

• Secure the Home Base: Two of the most popular study areas at home are the kitchen and bedroom – with or without a desk. Stock up on portable bin organizers to store and organize those supplies that move from room to room.

• Tech-Savvy Skills: An overwhelming majority of parents indicate that their child needs at least “some” technology to be successful in school. If you’re investing in tech tools, help protect and organize these products with sturdy backpacks and binders. Look for bags and binders with multiple compartments – they’re perfect for carrying the latest gadgets from hand-held organizers to graphic calculators to cell phones.

• Re-evaluate the Field: Each school year is filled with quizzes, group projects and assignments. Have the latest software on-hand to alleviate late night homework stresses. Teachers usually know what works best – don’t be afraid to raise your hand and ask!

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