Your Last-Minute Back-to-School List

If you're like most other Rhode Islanders, your summer has been taken up with trips to the beach, grilling at home, and week-long vacations to fun places.

And now — almost without knowing it — you're looking at the calendar and saying: "Is school in Johnston really starting on Aug. 29?"

That leaves you just about three days to make sure you've got everything in order for when the kids head back to classes.

Luckily for you, Johnston Patch has this list of links and information that'll save you time and money.

Shopping:

If you haven't done your back-to-school shopping yet — and for some parents, there's good reason, as you never know what each teacher will want for their classroom — be sure to check out local stores like Ocean State Job Lot [which is also offering discounts on school supplies for teachers] to stock up on the basics.

Bus Routes:

Every year, the Johnston School Department publishes bus routes in local newspapers, but you don't have to go searching for a copy: find and download Johnston school bus routes here.

Summer Packets:

Kids going into grades kindergarten through 8 can get a late brush-up on math and reading skills with the Johnston School Department summer packets. They include exercises, reading lists, and other academic information to help your student be ready from day one. Click the link above, then download the packets.

Humor:

It's a perennial big production — getting clothes and supplies, preparing for the morning rush — but the first day of school doesn't have to be all work.

Patch bloggers recently offered 5 funny blogs about the start of school that can bring a little levity to the otherwise hectic pace of getting ready.

School Happenings:

If you're the kind of parent who wants to share the good news about your school — whether it's a theatrical performance, a wonderful teacher, or your kid's sports team — Patch makes it easy to tell our readers about what's happening at your school:

• Blog: Create a Patch account and you can be blogging within minutes. How to blog on Patch.
• Post Events: You can also promote upcoming activities and events at your school by posting events on the Patch calendar.
  
• Make an Announcement: If you just want to give a quick shout-out to your school, add an announcement.