Back to School in the Treasure Valley: What You Need to Know
It’s that time of year again — backpacks are filling up, alarm clocks are getting set, and the Treasure Valley is buzzing with back-to-school excitement. Whether your kids are stepping into kindergarten for the first time or heading back to high school, preparation can make all the difference for a smooth start.
From Boise to Meridian, Kuna to Eagle, local schools are gearing up for another great year. Families can expect the usual flurry of meet-the-teacher nights, school supply sales, and traffic pattern changes around campuses. Here’s your quick guide to getting ready — plus handy supply lists to check off before the first bell rings.
Tips for Treasure Valley Parents
Shop Early: Stores like Fred Meyer, Target, and Staples often sell out of key items in the weeks before school starts.
Check with Your School: Many schools post grade-specific lists on their websites, which may differ from general lists.
Label Everything: Jackets, lunch boxes, and even water bottles can easily get misplaced in the back-to-school rush.
Ease Back into Routine: Start adjusting bedtime and wake-up times a week before school starts to help with the early morning switch.
General School Supply Lists
Kindergarten–2nd Grade
Backpack (full-size, no wheels)
Lunch box
2–3 boxes of crayons (24 count)
12–24 pencils (pre-sharpened preferred)
2 large pink erasers
1 pair of blunt-tip scissors
6–8 glue sticks
1 bottle of liquid glue
Washable markers
2 pocket folders
Spiral notebook (wide ruled)
Headphones (over-ear style)
Box of tissues
Hand sanitizer
3rd–5th Grade
Backpack
Lunch box
24–36 pencils (Ticonderoga recommended)
Pencil box or pouch
Colored pencils (12 count)
Scissors (pointed tip)
Glue sticks (4–6)
Spiral notebooks (wide ruled, 3–5)
Composition notebooks (2–3)
Pocket folders (4–5, assorted colors)
Dry erase markers (4–6 pack)
Headphones or earbuds
Ruler (with inches & centimeters)
Box of tissues
Clorox wipes
Middle/Jr. High School
Backpack
Binder (2–3 inch) with dividers
College-ruled notebook paper
Spiral notebooks (one per subject)
Composition notebooks (science/math)
Pencils (mechanical or standard)
Blue/black pens
Highlighters (multiple colors)
Colored pencils or markers
Ruler and protractor
Dry erase markers
Pencil pouch
Headphones/earbuds
High School
Backpack
Binders (1–2 inch, one per subject or a large one for all)
College-ruled paper
Notebooks (spiral or composition)
Pencils and pens
Highlighters
USB flash drive
Laptop or Chromebook (if required by school)
Index cards
Water bottle
Planner or agenda book
Ear Buds
Local Back-to-School Events in the Treasure Valley
Boise School District Back-to-School Night – Dates vary by school, usually the week after classes start.
Meridian Parks & Rec School Supply Drive – Look for donation bins at city buildings and local businesses.
Kuna Days & School Prep – Happens in early August, a great chance to grab supplies and enjoy a community event.
Getting kids ready for a new school year is more than just buying pencils and notebooks — it’s about creating a positive mindset, building excitement, and starting fresh. Here’s to a fantastic school year in the Treasure Valley!
