Check the backpack and supplies to see if they are in good shape. If they are, they can be reused instead of being replaced. If you think that you/your child's binder is in good shape, check the rings, the pockets, how well it opens and closes and durability. Skim through the notebooks, if they haven't written a lot then if you can,rip out the pages you/your child have written on. Glue sticks will probably last a good few years so check all glue sticks and see how much glue is in them and if they function well (if you can twist them up and down easily). Scissors are probably still good but the finger holes might be too small. If you/your child has a good pencil box/case, then you can always reuse it. If there is a good amount of "clean" sticky notes (not stained by dust and/or pencil markings), then they can also be reused. Before you even consider shopping, see what you already have. Consider reusing and recycling where possible: Go through last year's supplies and salvage what is still good to use. Clean, mend, and redecorate as necessary.What do you have on hand already? Does your child really need a new backpack if he is fine with the one he has already? Cover all books in recycled paper. Brown paper bags are free in many stores, and still the "old school" choice. Wash, clean, and stitch up any tears or holes in backpacks, lunch bags, etc. to give them another year's use. Fun patches may be a way to make a backpack look customized, rather than just mended. Note however, that trying to reuse old reusable lunch bags from last school year may not be a good idea. Fabric, plastic, and cooler-type lunch containers can harbor mold and bacteria, so reuse them only as long as they can be cleaned thoroughly. Make sure your child's backpack is still suitable. A backpack used since fourth grade may no longer be appropriate for a child going into the 6th or 7th grade. Starting in middle school, students typically have a lot more stuff to carry with them, and the backpack will need to be big and sturdy enough. , using materials already available at home. Many of these items will be as sturdy as the commercial equivalents, and sometimes better. Make boring binders, folders, and notebooks more exciting by adding embellishments using markers, stickers, scrap fabric and paper, etc. This can be a big part of the fun of getting the supplies ready to go. Middle school and high school students should label binders and notebooks clearly with class names (History, German, Algebra, etc.) as well as one's personal name--if the notebook is lost on the bus it is more likely to get to your student if there is a name on it. Most schools with uniforms will have a uniform reuse system in place, and the clothing will be in good condition. If you have to purchase a textbook, or a copy of a certain book, costs can rise rapidly. New textbooks and books are typically the most expensive, but used books cost a lot less. Check Amazon.com for used books. This is a worldwide market for textbooks, books, and more of all kids, and you can save a lot of money. Pay attention to the edition. If your professor asks for the 6th edition, often the 5th edition is almost identical, and a fraction of the price. Sometimes editions really are different, but more often or not changes are minor. Sometimes books are available through your local library. Even if it is not available in your town, inter-library loan may be able to get the work to you for free. The one problem is if someone mid-semester puts a hold on your book. See if your school's library has a copy of the textbook required. Many schools actually have the textbooks available. However, they may sometimes not be allowed out of the library or have other restrictions.
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One-sentence summary -- Consider reusing your child's supplies. Recycle and reuse where possible. Make your own pencil cases, laptop cases, backpacks, etc. Decorate plain (but less expensive) supplies for a personalized touch. If uniforms are required, use the school's used uniform distribution system. Textbooks can be very expensive, so search for second-hand.

Don't be tempted to settle back down under the covers when your alarm goes off. As soon as you wake up, swing your feet onto the floor and get out of bed. Here's what you can do to get moving. Get the blood flowing. Exercising stimulates the production of endorphins, which reduce stress and anxiety, and improves blood circulation, making you feel more awake. Try high-intensity full body exercises like jumping jacks, push-ups or squats, which can be done in your bedroom as soon as you wake up. Experts also suggest getting outdoors and taking a morning walk or a morning run to wake up. Concentrating on taking a few deep breaths when you wake can improve focus and make you feel energized. Try some diaphragmatic breathing exercises or yogic breathing exercises, both can boost blood oxygen and energy. After sleeping all night the body is often dehydrated, so you may feel tired and low on energy. As soon as you wake, drink a glass of water. Some experts believe that drinking water first thing kick-starts the body's metabolism and can even help you lose weight. The most important meal of the day, eating a healthy and nutritious breakfast in the morning can combat tiredness and improve your energy levels throughout the morning. Pick something with protein and fiber. Experts suggest a breakfast with a good combination of fiber and protein to boost your energy. For example, nuts are a particularly good breakfast item because they contain both fiber and protein. Avoid too much sugar. A sugary breakfast may give you immediate results, helping you feel awake, but it causes your blood sugar to spike rapidly and will ultimately leave you feeling more tired for the rest of the day. Complex carbohydrates. Although carbohydrates supply our bodies with much-needed energy, simple carbohydrates found in many breakfast foods such as donuts and pastries are quickly used up by the body and can leave us feeling fatigued. Opt for complex carbohydrates (found in whole grains and fruits) instead, as these release energy slowly, preventing that mid-morning slump. A breakfast of complex carbohydrates combined with protein will also make you feel fuller for longer. Use your senses of smell and touch to feel revitalized and energetic in the mornings. Smell the coffee. Scientists have found that just the aroma of coffee can reduce the effects of sleep deprivation. Essential oils. It's not just the smell of coffee that can wake us up, research suggests that essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary can also improve subjective feelings of alertness. Take a cold shower. Taking a cold shower improves circulation and can make you feel wide awake.
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One-sentence summary --
Get moving. Breathe deeply. Drink water. Eat a healthy breakfast. Stimulate the senses.