The following are items that all NMS students need to have throughout the entire school year in order to be prepared for class. This list does not include supplies that specific teachers may require. Students will be informed of specific requirements the first week of school
- 3-5 boxes of pencils*
- Personal size pencil sharpener
- Pencil top erasers (2 -3 boxes) or separate erasers (1-2 boxes)
- Pencil pouch or pencil holder.
- 5-7 reams of loose leaf binder paper
- 70 page spiral notebook (for Language Arts class)
- 2-3 packs of black or blue ball point pens (other colors are not acceptable for work turned in to teachers)
- 2-3 boxes 12 pack colored pencils
- 2-5 highlighters in different colors
- System for staying organized (see instructions)
- Backpack (see instructions)
Recommended but not required – USB flash drive memory stick or floppy disk
* Mechanical pencils are OK but students will also need 3-5 containerss of the correct # lead so s/he does not disrupt class asking friends for lead.
What do I keep it all in?
Let’s talk about backpacks. When picking a backpack you need to make sure it is large enough to hold 3 textbooks, plus your binder/folders, and other materials. . Make sure the backpack you pick has sturdy straps since many cheap backpacks break within the first month of school. Tiny backpacks, book bags, or purses are not acceptable. They may look cute but they do not help your education. A rolling backpack can save your back, consider it a good option. It is best if you get two backpacks, one for each semester since backpacks wear out quickly or students lose the first one.
A note to our new 7th graders: One of the biggest changes you will go through is the fact that you will carry all your stuff with you. Unlike elementary school where you have your own desk, in middle school you share your desk with students in other classes. Your backpack is like a desk you take with you. Make sure you get a sturdy backpack that fits you well. Try on your backpack in the store. Even better, load it with school stuff and see how it feels walking around. Your backpack will become your new best friend since you will have it with you most of your waking hours for the rest of this year.
How do I keep my work organized?
Which is the best way for you to organize your work? It depends on your personality. The key is to find a way that works for you and stick with it. How will you know if the system you pick works? That’s easy. Can you find your homework paper in less than 10 seconds when the teacher says it is due? If yes, than you have a great system. If no, you need to get organized. Organization is a key to success in school and in your future career.
Ask yourself these questions:
1) How do you organize your clothes?
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A. throw everything in a drawer and dig it out as you need it |
B. keep shirts, pants, socks, etc. in separate drawers |
2) How do you organize your contacts list on your cell phone?
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A. keep it all in one or two categories and scroll to find the number |
B. keep numbers separated in 3 or more categories |
3) How do you organize your room?
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A. throw everything into piles that you kick to make a path through |
B. keep things mostly where they should be in drawers, on shelves, etc. |
If you answered mostly “A” you are a global personality. Your motto is “close enough.” This can help and hurt your chances for success. The trick is to learn to be organized enough that you can find what you need when you need it. You might consider using separate folders for each subject so you can just throw stuff in there and dig it out as you need it. Make sure your folders have 2 large pockets so your papers don’t fall out. Folders wear out quickly so buy extras.
However, you may like using a 3 inch binder with subject dividers that also have folders in them (like Avery® Big Tab Insertable Plastic Dividers, Single Pocket, Multicolor, Set Of 5 Tabs). This allows you to keep all your work organized in a binder but you can just still throw stuff in there (organized by subject, of course). It is a good idea to ask your parents to help you develop the habit of staying organized.
Make sure you organize your papers at least two days a week. You will have to fight the temptation to just throw work into your backpack and risk losing work or turning in ripped papers (not a good idea). You must develop the self-discipline to spend at least 20 minutes a week getting organized.
NMS teachers and staff who are global personalities – Principal Najera, Mr. Jones, Ms. McFadden, Mr. Taylor
If you answered mostly “B” you are an analytical personality. Your motto is “get it right.” You enjoy feeling organized and do it naturally. Binders are so you! A 2” or 3” in will suite you best. Make sure you use divers that are labeled for each subject (5 dividers should do it). You might like a binder size hole punch so you can organize as you receive papers throughout the year.
Make sure you keep your work in the correct subject divider and do not give in to the temptation to just stuff it all in the front pocket. Ask your parents to help you stay organized but also have them help you clean stuff out. Do you really need that brainstorm paper from 2 months ago?
At least once a week go through your binder and make sure everything is where it should be. It is a good idea to buy at least 2 binders since they often break from all the papers stuffed in them.
NMS teachers and staff who are analytical personalities – Vice-Principal Livingston, Ms. Toney.
Summary of Shopping List:
¨ 3-5 boxes of pencils*
¨ Personal size pencil sharpener
¨ Pencil top erasers (2 -3 boxes) or separate erasers (1-2 boxes)
¨ Pencil pouch or pencil holder
¨ 5-7 reams of loose leaf binder paper
¨ 70 page spiral notebook (for Language Arts class)
¨ 2-3 packs of black or blue ball point pens (other colors are not acceptable for work turned in to teachers)
¨ 2-3 boxes 12 pack colored pencils
¨ 2-5 highlighters in different colors
¨ 3 inch binder or 6 sturdy folders (best if you get 1 extra binder and 6 extra folders)
¨ 5 subject dividers for binder
¨ Large backpack with sturdy straps (must be able to hold 3 textbooks, binder, and materials)
