Las Cruces Public Schools Supply List 2025-2026

Alright, parents and students of Las Cruces! Getting ready for the 2025-2026 school year means one thing: school supplies! Let’s dive into what you'll need to ensure your kids are fully equipped for a successful academic year. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview, making back-to-school shopping a breeze. We’ll cover everything from the basic essentials to specific items your child might need depending on their grade and courses. So, grab your list, and let's get started!

Elementary School Supply List

For our young learners in elementary school, having the right supplies is super important for a positive and productive learning environment. Elementary school supplies usually consist of items that support basic learning activities, foster creativity, and help keep things organized. Let's break down what’s typically needed.

General Supplies for Elementary Students

• Pencils: Lots and lots of pencils! Both regular #2 pencils and colored pencils are essential. Opt for pre-sharpened ones to save time, or invest in a good pencil sharpener.
• Erasers: Pink erasers or pencil-top erasers are a must for correcting mistakes. Trust me; there will be mistakes!
• Crayons: A box of 24 crayons is perfect for art projects and coloring activities. Consider washable crayons for easier cleanup.
• Markers: Broad-tip markers are great for younger kids, while fine-tip markers are better for older elementary students. Make sure they are non-toxic and washable.
• Glue: Both glue sticks and liquid glue (white school glue) are useful. Glue sticks are less messy for everyday tasks, while liquid glue is better for more intricate projects.
• Scissors: Blunt-tip scissors are a safe option for young children. Ensure they are age-appropriate and easy to handle.
• Notebooks: Wide-ruled notebooks are perfect for practicing handwriting and taking notes. Get several, as different subjects might require their own notebook.
• Folders: Folders help keep papers organized. Get a variety of colors to color-code different subjects.
• Backpack: A sturdy and comfortable backpack is essential for carrying all these supplies to and from school. Look for one with padded straps and multiple compartments.
• Pencil Box or Pouch: This helps keep pencils, erasers, and other small items organized within the backpack.
• Ruler: A standard 12-inch ruler is needed for math and other activities involving measurements.
• Hand Sanitizer: With hygiene being a top priority, a small bottle of hand sanitizer is a must-have.
• Tissues: A box of tissues for personal use throughout the day.

Grade-Specific Items

Keep in mind that some grades might require additional items. For instance, third graders might need a protractor, while fifth graders could need a specific type of calculator. Always check with your child’s teacher or school for any grade-specific requirements. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the school if you are unsure about something.

Middle School Supply List

As students move into middle school, the academic demands increase, and so does the need for more specialized supplies. Middle school supplies are geared towards helping students manage more complex subjects and assignments. Here’s a general list of what middle schoolers typically need:

General Supplies for Middle School Students

• Pencils and Pens: Mechanical pencils are popular among middle schoolers, along with blue or black pens for writing assignments. Highlighters are also useful for marking important information in textbooks and notes.
• Erasers: A good eraser is essential for correcting mistakes made with both pencils and pens.
• Notebooks: College-ruled notebooks are preferred by many middle school students because they allow for more writing per page. Consider getting one notebook per subject.
• Folders or Binders: These are crucial for keeping notes, handouts, and assignments organized. Binders with dividers can be particularly helpful.
• Loose-Leaf Paper: Lined loose-leaf paper is great for taking notes and completing assignments. Keep a supply in your binder.
• Graph Paper: This is often required for math classes, especially algebra and geometry.
• Calculator: A scientific calculator is usually required for middle school math courses. Check with the teacher for specific model recommendations.
• Ruler: A 12-inch ruler with both inches and centimeters is a must-have.
• Protractor and Compass: These are often used in geometry classes.
• Colored Pencils or Markers: These are useful for projects and presentations.
• Glue Sticks and Scissors: These are still needed for various projects and assignments.
• Pencil Pouch or Case: To keep pens, pencils, and other small items organized.
• Backpack: A durable backpack with multiple compartments is essential for carrying textbooks and supplies.
• Planner or Agenda: This helps students keep track of assignments, due dates, and extracurricular activities. Many schools provide planners, but it’s good to have a backup.
• Hand Sanitizer and Tissues: For maintaining hygiene throughout the day.

Subject-Specific Supplies

• Math: In addition to a calculator, protractor, and compass, students might need specific graph paper or a geometry set.
• Science: Safety goggles might be required for science labs. Check with the teacher for specific requirements.
• English: A thesaurus and dictionary can be helpful for writing assignments. Some teachers might also recommend specific novels or workbooks.
• History: Colored pencils or markers can be useful for creating maps and timelines.

High School Supply List

High school is where things get even more specialized. High school supplies need to cater to advanced coursework and independent study habits. Here’s what high school students typically need to succeed:

General Supplies for High School Students

• Pens and Pencils: A good supply of pens (blue, black, and red) and mechanical pencils is essential. Highlighters are also crucial for studying.
• Notebooks: College-ruled notebooks are standard for most high school classes. Consider getting one notebook per subject.
• Binders: Large binders with dividers are great for organizing notes, handouts, and assignments for multiple subjects.
• Loose-Leaf Paper: Plenty of loose-leaf paper for taking notes and completing assignments.
• Graph Paper: Essential for math and science classes.
• Scientific Calculator: A scientific calculator is a must for math and science courses. Some courses might require a graphing calculator.
• Ruler, Protractor, and Compass: These are needed for geometry and other math classes.
• Flash Drive: A USB flash drive is essential for saving and transporting documents and projects.
• Planner or Digital Calendar: To keep track of assignments, due dates, and extracurricular activities. Many students use digital calendars on their phones or laptops.
• Backpack: A durable and spacious backpack is needed to carry textbooks, notebooks, and other supplies.
• Pencil Case: To keep pens, pencils, and other small items organized.
• Highlighters: Different colors to highlight important information.
• Index Cards: Useful for studying and creating flashcards.
• Hand Sanitizer and Tissues: For maintaining hygiene throughout the day.

Subject-Specific Supplies

• Math: A graphing calculator (such as a TI-84) is often required for advanced math courses like algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
• Science: Safety goggles, lab notebooks, and specific measuring tools might be required for science labs.
• English: A thesaurus, dictionary, and style guide (such as the MLA Handbook) can be helpful for writing assignments.
• Foreign Language: A language-specific dictionary and verb conjugation chart can be useful.
• Art: Specific art supplies such as drawing pencils, erasers, paintbrushes, and sketchbooks might be required, depending on the course.
• Music: Sheet music, a tuner, and other instrument-specific supplies might be needed.

Tips for Back-to-School Shopping

To make your back-to-school shopping experience smoother, here are some helpful tips:

1. Check What You Already Have: Before you head to the store, take inventory of what supplies you already have at home. You might be surprised at how much you can reuse from the previous year.
2. Wait for Sales: Many stores offer back-to-school sales in July and August. Take advantage of these discounts to save money.
3. Shop Online: Online retailers often offer competitive prices and a wider selection of supplies. Plus, you can shop from the comfort of your own home.
4. Buy in Bulk: If you know your child will need a lot of a particular item, such as pencils or notebooks, consider buying in bulk to save money.
5. Read Reviews: Before buying a particular item, read online reviews to see what other customers have to say about its quality and durability.
6. Involve Your Child: Let your child have a say in choosing their supplies. This can make them more excited about going back to school.
7. Check School Policies: Some schools have specific rules about what types of supplies are allowed. Be sure to check with the school before making any purchases.

Additional Resources

• Las Cruces Public Schools Website: Check the official website for any updates or specific supply lists.
• Teacher Communication: Stay in contact with your child’s teachers for any specific needs or recommendations.
• Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs): PTOs often provide valuable information and support for back-to-school preparations.

Conclusion

Getting ready for the 2025-2026 school year in Las Cruces doesn't have to be stressful. By following this comprehensive supply list and utilizing the tips provided, you can ensure your child is well-prepared for a successful academic year. Remember to check with your child’s school and teachers for any specific requirements, and happy shopping, folks! Make this school year the best one yet!