Back to school can be an exciting time for kids, as they put on new clothes, carry new backpacks, and sport new haircuts. And I never blame a parent for feeling a little relieved that summer is drawing to an end, as all kids can be a handful when you have them 24/7. However, back-to-school costs can rack up quickly. How expensive will it be in Lubbock?
Read More: Nee Doh Toys And The Heat Risk Parents Should Know About
How Much Are Lubbock ISD School Supply Lists This Year?
School supply lists can be rough. I remember purchasing Clorax wipes, tissues, and dry-erase markers for a small army one year, and couldn’t help but feel that I was covering way more than my child’s fair share. I’m sure many parents relate. Lubbock ISD has published the school supply lists from Elementary and Middle School, so I took a peek to see how much they are asking for this year.
Read More: Kratom Is Legal In Texas, But Some Families Say It’s Dangerous
A Look At Elementary School
I chose Waters (because I went there), and I picked 3rd grade because that seems like a good “average” for a school supply list. Here is the list with an estimated total, if I were to buy everything on Amazon:
ItemEstimated Amazon Price2″ 3-ring binder$6.994 composition books$5.0024-count crayons$2.00Disinfecting wipes$4.00Earbuds$8.00Glue bottle$1.5012 glue sticks$6.002 yellow highlighters$2.00Colored pencils (“map colors”)$3.50Washable markers$4.002 dry-erase markers$3.00Wide-ruled notebook paper$4.0048 #2 pencils$7.00Pink eraser$2.00Student planner$8.00School box or zipper pouch$5.004 folders with brads$5.00Pointed scissors$4.00Spiral notebook$2.003 boxes of tissues$9.00Estimated Total≈ $98.99
A hundred bucks is not too bad, until you consider that this list does not include a backpack, new clothes, haircuts, athletic supplies/ costs, food, and more. Then you are looking at a $500- $1000 range. Shopping sales and special deals can help you curb some of the cost, but it’s still brutal.
Middle School Costs In Lubbock
For Middle School, I chose Cavazos (again, where I went) and 7th grade. Here’s that list:
ItemEstimated Amazon PriceHand sanitizer (8 oz or larger)$4.00Box of colored pencils (“map colors”)$3.502 boxes of Kleenex$6.004 composition notebooks$5.004 folders with pockets & brads$5.002 glue sticks$2.00Handheld pencil sharpener$3.002 highlighters$2.004 packs wide-ruled notebook paper$16.00Scissors$4.00Pencil pouch$5.0024 #2 pencils$4.50Ruler$2.00Estimated Total≈ $62.00
While you may be getting a break on middle school supplies, you know you’ll pay more for clothes, etc.
What To Do If You Can’t Afford Supplies
Look for back-to-school supply events like the Citywide Back-2 School Bash on August 1st. There will likely be others too. For a free haircut (which will certainly help you cut back on these costs) you can attend Rebellion Salon’s Free Kid’s Cut Event on August 9th (more information here). Additionally, you can reach out to nonprofit groups like Hub City Outreach Center, Communities In Schools of the South Plains, or talk directly with your child’s school about bridging this gap. There is no shame in getting help for your child.
Summer Activities That Land Lubbock Kids In The ER
We all want to have fun in the summer; however, some summer activities lead to more ER visits than others. Here’s a look at what ER doctors are seeing in the hospital, and how to make these activities safer.
Gallery Credit: Renee Raven