Back to school supplies and spending

Just like that, the summer break is almost over, and schools will be starting back in a week or so. Between August 3 and August 7, most area schools from kindergarten to 12th grade open their doors for another season of classes, projects, proms, sports, and more.

Students will need everything that comes with the transition, supplies, backpacks, clothing, and shoes for that first day back.

The Muscogee County School District basic supply list for the 2026-2027 school year requires a standard backpack without wheels, pencils, and notebooks. The list varies slightly by grade level, and individual schools may request extra items.

Elementary School (Pre-K – Grade 5)

• Pre-K: Backpack, beach towel/blanket for rest, change of clothes, and family photo.
• Grades K-2: Crayons, glue sticks, pencils, scissors, markers, pencil box, and headphones.
• Grades 3-5: Pocket folders, dry-erase markers, and ink pens.
• Optional Items: Donations of sanitizing wipes, tissues, and paper products are generally appreciated across elementary levels.

Middle and High School

• Lists are managed at the individual school level. Specific requirements can be found through the Muscogee County School District Directory or on the school’s official website.

The list probably won’t vary much for area school districts.

To check your respective school’s website or the district’s Peachjar Flyers page, as noted by the Harris County School District.

The supply list for Russell County School District can be found here: School Supply List’s.

Most parents started back-to-school shopping in early July. Many consumers are delaying purchases until later in the season or spreading out their shopping to manage their budgets. Among those who have not yet bought at least half of their back-to-school items, 46% say they are waiting for the best deals to finish their shopping, while 23% are spreading their budgets, according to the National Retail Federation.

“Affordability is a concern for families and a top priority for retailers as we enter the back-to-school season,” said NRF Chief Economist and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews. “Shoppers are keeping value front and center as they look for ways to make their dollars go further. Retailers are responding with a strong assortment of products, promotional events and more convenient shopping options, helping families find what they need while saving time and money.”

College students and their families are expected to spend a record $103.5 billion on back-to-school shopping this year, surpassing $100 billion for the first time and surpassing last year’s $88.8 billion.

Electronics remain the top college spending category, with consumers planning to spend an average of $341.95, totaling $24.63 billion in sales. Rounding out the top spending categories are $194.00 for dorm or apartment furnishings ($14.0 billion total), $182.39 on clothing and accessories ($13.1 billion total), $153.91 on food ($11.1 billion total) and $133.34 on personal care items ($9.6 billion total).

“The rise in college spending is being driven by increased purchasing plans across multiple categories,” Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “The percentage of consumers planning to purchase electronics has increased significantly this year, while several other categories are also attracting more shoppers than previous years.”

While it is still the leading shopping destination, only 41% plan to shop online this year, marking the lowest level since 2016 (38%).