Are those backpacks really getting heavy? They are filled with books, folders, notebooks, binders and supplies. They also hold lunches, gym clothes, and personal items. In an effort to reduce the weight of our students’ backpacks, I offer the following chart outlines by grade level those books which stay home and which need to be carried:

English

Social Studies

Math

Science

Foreign Language

GRADE 5

Goes Back & Forth

Not Applicable/
magazines are used

Goes Back & Forth
available on CD

Not Applicable/
magazines are used

Does Not Apply

GRADE 6

Stays in Class

Hassell and Esposito
book stays home
Pepper book stays
in class

Goes Back & Forth
available on CD

Goes Back & Forth

Does Not Apply

GRADE 7

Stays at Home

Goes Back & Forth(RP)
Stays at Home (R and A)

Goes Back & Forth
available on CD

Stays at Home

Spanish and French-
goes back and forth

GRADE 8

Stays at Home

Goes Back & Forth(RP)
Stays at Home (R and A)

Goes Back & Forth
available on CD

Stays at Home

Spanish and French-
goes back and forth

I offer the following tips to further reduce the weight of your child’s backpack:

Only transport those notebooks and binders needed for homework. Keep the others in the locker (or in the case of grades 5 and 6, in the desk).

Use your agenda book as a checklist. Be sure you have packed only those materials necessary and check them off as you place them in the backpack.

Conserve! It is not necessary to fill the binder with an entire ream of loose leaf paper. Keep your supplies home until you need them.

Set aside time on the weekend to clean out your backpack and shed unnecessary things that have accumulated there from the week.

Make use of your gym locker. Store your gym clothes there for the week instead of carrying them daily.

Reduce the weight of your backpack during the day by carrying only your morning books before lunch, stopping at the locker at lunch time, and switching to the afternoon set.

Good luck and have a wonderful school year!