Organization skills are important for success in middle school. Teachers recommend that students create one portable binder system that can be used for all classes. Some teachers will recommend additional supplies after school starts. School supplies are requested but not required. If purchasing school supplies creates a financial hardship, please contact the office manager and supplies will be provided for you.
The binder system that works best is:
- One binder 2 ½ - 3 inches (needs to be thick enough to store everything)
- Pencil pouch with 3-hole punch (nylon suggested for durability)
- A planner will be provided when school starts. The planner has a 3-hole punch and will be kept in binder.
- 5 folders with pockets and 3-hole punched, labeled for each subject area. (Math, English, Science, Social Studies and Health Fitness).
- 5 plastic dividers with pockets
- 3 spiral notebooks, college ruled and 3-hole punched
- 1 - 2 composition books
- College ruled paper (some in folder, keep some at home)
- Graph paper (1/4 inch square) 3-hole punched (spiral notebook preferred, can be difficult to find)
- Ruler (cm & inches)
- 4 function calculator for science (See below for recommendations)
The pencil pouch should always have:
- Pencils
- Pens (Black, Blue and Red)
- Highlighters (3 different colors)
- Post it notes (3x3 inch)
- 8 colored pencils
- 4 function calculator (see below for recommendations)
Backpacks: Belongings, school supplies, textbooks, etc. are to be kept in backpacks either in lockers or with the student at all times during the day. Please keep all valuables and non-school related items at home.
Graphing Calculator: Starting with limited use in 8th grade and 7th Challenge Math, but extensive use in Algebra 1 and Geometry, students will be using the TI-83 Plus or TI-84 graphing calculator. If parents are planning to invest in a graphing calculator, we recommend the TI-83 Plus graphing calculator, as our curriculum includes technology tips for this specific model. In addition, this calculator is used in high school math classes and can be used in future college math classes. It is programmable, upgradeable, and not likely to become obsolete, which makes it useful for many years. The TI-84 is more expensive but does the same thing as the TI-83 Plus. While it is not required for students to have a graphing calculator (except for students in Algebra 1 and Algebra ll/Trigonometry who will need to have one), it is advisable for students to have access to one. There are classroom sets of graphing calculators available for students to use during class time and after school. A calculator at home will allow the student to finish class work outside of class.