Back-to-school must haves: 5 essentials to start off the school year right
A lot of nerves and excitement are ahead of next week as students head back to school.
Make sure your kid has the back-to-school essentials to start off the school year right.
1. Backpack
Each year, students are sent lists of supplies that they'll need to get through a successful school year. In addition to pens, pencils, note cards and tissues, a lot of students are going to need a new backpack.
Look for one with a cushioned laptop pocket to help protect their computer.
Note that a loaded backpack shouldn’t be any more than 20 percent of your child’s weight. For an 80-pound student, it should not weigh more than 16 pounds.
The CPSC said each year, roughly 7,500 kids under age 19 go to emergency departments for backpack-related injuries.
So the hurt they can cause is real.
2. Pencil pouch
Make sure your child has a way to keep their pencils, pens and highlighters organized and all in one place.
Get one that's large enough to fit a calculator and any other items they may need for class.
3. Headphones or ear buds
They’re on many school supply lists this year.
You can easily find affordable headphones and ear buds at your local department stores.
4. Lunch box
Based on a previous 5 On Your Side story, don’t forget lunch box care.
When we teamed up with NC State researchers to test 100 lunch boxes for germs, results found mold and even fecal matter.
So make sure you regularly clean and disinfect your kid's lunch box.
5. Water bottle
It's important that kids stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months.
You don't want your child missing class to get up and use the water fountain every 15 minutes. A water bottle is a great way to make sure they stay hydrated and focused on learning.
Find a water bottle that fits easily in your kid's backpack, and make sure it has a lid that's spill-proof.
