Back to School Supplies

Today, students all around Wilmington will make their way back to the classroom. The question is what will they be bringing with them?

These days shopping for school supplies can be every bit as important as the traditional back to school clothing trip.

So what could be so important about school supplies? Well, ask almost any parent and they will tell you that the battle can begin before you even arrive at the store.

Parents want practical, kids want fun. So where does the compromise lie? Well, here at Patch we have a few suggestions that can make the trip back to school a little easier.

First and foremost, every Wilmington student needs Wildcat gear. Whether it’s a nylon backpack, a water bottle, a sweatshirt or pants, no one wants to go back to school without their Wildcat pride. 

A quick trip to can usually take care of clothing and backpack needs. They have a full selection to take care of every size Wildcat in town.

As for folders, notebooks, rulers and water bottles and other necessities most are available thought the PAC and, early in the school year, an order form usually comes home. For older kids there’s a school store with plenty of reasonably priced items.

For elementary school students supplies are pretty simple. Pencils, colored pencils, glue sticks, erasers, pencil sharpeners, notebooks, folders and binders top the list. 

Store shelves are filled with bright colors and fun patterns and kids love them. The best advice, however, is stick to reliable brand names when it comes to pencils and crayons. 

Nothing can be more distracting in a classroom than a student fumbling with a pencil that just will not sharpen or a crayon that keeps breaking off.

As for notebooks and folders, non-tear covers and sturdy pockets are without a doubt a must. Backpacks are crammed and paper really doesn’t stand a chance. Quality supplies mean fewer trips back for replacement supplies.

Middle School brings its own set of challenges for students and parents alike but school supplies don’t need to be one of them.

Lockers become a part of everyday life for Middle School students and, therefore, locker organization becomes a priority. Patch found everything from metal shelves to magnetic dry erase white boards to help keep your middle schooler on track.

Also on the list a protractor, small hand held calculator and, oftentimes, a USB Thumb Drive. How about, just for fun, you check out the full assortment of “animal shaped” thumbdrives available at ? Why not put a smile on everyone’s face with a fish, monkey or even a panda bear?

Parents be warned, high school is where the requirements can really get expensive. Along with the school supply basics like notebook and folders, high school students are required to have a high end graphing calculator. 

The calculator doesn’t come cheap and can often run well over $100.  Before making this purchase it’s wise to check the weekly sales and surf the internet.  Of course, the most popular calculators come in bright colors and designer patterns to an otherwise boring item.

As for the high school locker, magnetic picture frames, plenty of shelves and even a bedazzled magnetic mirror can make any school day a little more fun.

Happy first day of school, Wilmington!