Students, Parents & Guardians:

At this level, we do not have required lists of school supplies.  However, here are some tips to help students prepare for the new school year with a checklist of materials that are helpful to support academic studies at home and in school.  Students in grades 7-12 interact with many more teachers across a greater diversity of course subjects than during their elementary school years.  The specific supplies for each class may vary considerably and can also change throughout the year.  

It is important that students take an active part in choosing what methods and materials work best for them.  We want to give guidance and advice, but also encourage parents to listen to your child’s wishes in terms of what items best fit his or her individual organizational preference, needs and interests.  Stocking up on a variety of general office supplies can serve a student this year and next.  Office supplies don’t spoil. Having some extra items can ensure that the “requirements” are met while preserving some flexibility to best suit each student’s learning and organization preferences. This is NOT a list of required supplies.

BACKPACKS: 

While backpacks are helpful to carry items to and from school, students should not expect to carry everything they own around all day.   A small/thin backpack or drawstring bag is more than sufficient for students in school.  A backpack with a sleeve for laptops/Chromebook is ideal for after school travel.  No bag should be so large as to be unable to fit in a locker, interfere with movement in the hall, or be a tripping hazard within the classroom.

CHROMEBOOKS: 

All students in grades 5-12 receive a Chromebook.  The device comes with a protective case.  Students will also need a set of wired earphones.  Wireless earbuds are prohibited in school. An inexpensive pair of wired earphones is essential for watching videos that will be associated with class, state testing, or other school-related activities.  The Chromebook has touch screen technology and a touchpad.  Some students may still like the use of a mouse and you may consider adding a notebook-sized wireless mouse as an accessory.

PRINTER:  

Although the use of Google Classroom and other technologies enable students to complete assignments and submit many assignments online without the need for paper or printing, there will still be a need for students to print documents from time to time.  Having access to a printer at home is still a necessity.

LOCKERS:  

Each student will be issued a locker near their homeroom with a built-in padlock.  No additional lock needed or allowed.  The locker is the same size as at ARIS:  14” wide x 10.5” deep x 35” high.  Students should use their lockers and not attempt to carry everything around with them all day.  Students will have a 20 minute lunch followed by a 20 minute study/break period that is the perfect time to exchange morning items for afternoon.  A locker shelf is recommended for those who like to keep things well-organized.  

PHYS. ED.:  

Starting in 7th grade, students have the option to change for gym class.  There is no specific PE uniform, although the HMS Home & School Association does sell sport shorts and t-shirts with Hillsborough colors and logo.  Typical sports shorts (at least mid-thigh in length) and plain t-shirts are acceptable for PE.  Students who opt to change will need a padlock to secure personal belongings in temporary lockers in the locker-rooms.

HILLSBOROUGH MIDDLE SCHOOL

SUGGESTED SCHOOL SUPPLY CHECKLIST

Home/School - General for all subjects

• Desk/Study Area - A quiet, well lit area dedicated for school work

• Earbuds/earphones (wired) - will need these for classes, state testing, as well as home.

• Printer  - Access to a printer at home is still essential

• Pencils (1-2 pkg) and erasers

• Pens (blue or black - 1pkg)

• Highlighter(s) - Useful to have 2-3 in different colors

• Two-pocket folders  - Handy for organizing handouts, homework or important papers to bring home for each subject.  Get extra as some may wear out by mid-year.

• 3-Ring Binders - One-inch binders are still useful for many subjects including science, social studies as well as math and literacy, health, art, world language, etc.

• Notebook dividers - 5-tab or 8-tab to help organize those binders.

• Loose-leaf lined paper (several packs)

• Ruler (with both English & Metric sides)

• Stapler & scissors

• Colored pencils (12 pack)

• “Sharpie” markers in different colors/sizes (thick/thin) for projects.

• Glue stick(s)

• Poster board paper on hand at home for projects.

Going to School 

• Water bottle (HMS has hands-free censor, filtered-water bottle filling stations)

• Drawstring bag - Preferred in lieu of backpack for carrying misc. items during the school day or for gym clothes  

• Locker shelf (optional, but handy)

• Tissues (optional).  Classrooms are not supplied with tissues.  Donations are appreciated.

Literacy

• 3 x 5 cards and Post-it notes (3”x3”)

• 1 Book for choice reading - A general novel for quiet reading time in literacy or other times of day.

Math

• Scientific Calculator (basic) -  Good for grades 7-12.  

• Graph paper

Physical Education  

• Padlock for gym locker (optional if student chooses to change for PE)  Good for grades 7-12.

• Sports shorts, t-shirt & sneakers for gym - no specific uniform required.  Recommended sports shorts (mid-thigh in length) and any t-shirts & sweatshirt for cooler weather.

When it comes to school supplies, perhaps the most important consideration is to ensure that students have a designated, quiet workspace at home with general office supplies to support their school work (e.g. pens/pencils, paper, stapler, ruler, highlighters, post-it notes, markers, etc.).  This should include ready access to the Internet and a printer.  Establishing a regular workspace with good lighting, comfortable seating, and a variety of resources along with regular work times and routines will not only serve your child well throughout middle and high school years, but will establish important life-long habits for learning and productivity that will last well into their future.