And just like that…Summer Break is over. Little Miss starts high school tomorrow, and Mr. College leaves this weekend. Except instead of buying a new backpack and locker decor for her, we’re setting up an at-home learning station.
She’ll have remote learning for the first month, then switch to a hybrid model where she’s in-school two days, and at-home for three. When school closed last Spring, we scrambled and just ‘made it work,’ assuming it was a short-term detour. Ha, little did we know then…am I right?!
Back to School in 2020 may look a little different, but the supplies are still fun! I rounded up some useful things to help our high-schooler have a more organized and successful year…and bonus, it’s all on Prime!
one // Gel Pens // Nothing is more fun than a fresh pack of pens and pencils, and she not only loves the bright colors of these, but the gel formula is her favorite.
two // Multi-Plug & USB // We’re hoping to form small ‘pods’ of school friends, and rotate having school at different houses. This way the kids get more socialization and study help, and the parents get a little help. But several girls around the dining table means lots of laptops, so we ordered this compact cube to keep everyone charged up.
three // File Folders // So many subjects to keep up with…these colorful and cute file folders make organizing easy.
four // Desk Chair // A step up from school chairs, that’s for sure! Might as well be comfy and stylish while sitting all day.
five // Drawer Organizers // I have these acrylic drawer organizers all over the house, including Little Miss’s desk. Perfect for corralling everything from pencils to paper clips. The mix-and-match sizes fit most any space, too.
six // Rose Gold Desk Organizer // Folders, papers and pens never looked so good. Keep the desktop clear of clutter with a handy caddy.
seven // Phone Tripod // Funny enough, six months ago I’d never heard of Zoom…now I wish I’d invented it! This portable, lightweight tripod holds any phone at a flattering angle for calls.
eight // Desktop Mousepad // I have this oversized pad on my desk, and it serves as a mousepad and protects the desktop. It’s also a great surface for writing. These prints and colors are fun for teens.
nine // Compact Desk // Make a dedicated school spot just about anywhere in the house with this compact, yet sturdy desk. It even has a cut-out for cords.
ten // No-Contact Thermometer // For the days she does have in-person school, we’ll be sure to check her temp before and after. This one is no-contact and registers an accurate temp in seconds.
eleven // Pencil Case // Who can resist a darling new pencil case? It wouldn’t be back to school without some fun new accessories.
twelve // Desktop Wireless Charger // One of my fave finds this year, this wireless charger sits discreetly on my desk, and gives my phone a fast charge without having to plug it in.
thirteen // Rolling Caddy // The perks of at-home school include mixing up your study space. Stock the essential supplies in this caddy, and roll it anywhere in the house…including outside.
fourteen // Student Agenda // Kids will have to track their assignments and tests with fewer teacher reminders now, so an agenda is key. This one is geared just for students, and follows the school calendar.
fifteen // Ring Light // They might not be passing in the halls, but the kids still want to look their best! This clip-on ring light attaches to your phone or computer for optimal and flattering light for all those Zoom classes.
sixteen // Oversized Post-It Notes // Little Miss loves a To-Do List for a sense of accomplishment (that’s my girl!), and these oversized post-its are a fun way to track. They’re also cute to use as fun notes around the house.
seventeen // Motivational Wall Art // Crank up the creativity and motivation in their work space with these cute prints…frame included!
eighteen // Compact Printer & Scanner // This printer is a workhorse and does it all. Plus, it’s compact and fits easily and discreetly on any shelf.
nineteen // Affordable Air Pod Headphones // Video calls require headphones (especially if we want any peace), and these affordable headphones are an excellent Apple alternative, at a fraction of the cost.
twenty // Desktop Organizer // An organizer for everything files and papers, to scissors and pens…keep it all corralled!
When do your kids head back to school? What’s the school plan for them? My love goes out to all of you navigating this semester…especially the teachers! Nothing but compassion and patience for them! In fact, if you’re a teacher, tell me how you’re feeling in the comments and I’ll send a few of you a little something-something!
What am I missing for back to school, 2020 style?! If you’re sending one to college, find my Dorm Room Essentials HERE.
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Hi Cassie!
I teach elementary school and as eager as I am to be back with the students, I am also anxious about starting in these times. We are supposed to be back in person very soon and it is a little unnerving given the current situation.
On a sidenote, I never post comments but I truly adore reading your blog each day. I appreciate how genuine, honest, and real you are.
Good luck to you and your family as you navigate a new school year!
Carrie
Thanks so much, Carrie!! Same to you! xo. C
I have been teaching for 20 years and have loved every minute of it! I’m worried that when I go back in two weeks, my job will have changed so much I no longer recognize it. Everything that makes it special (smiling at my kids, giving them a high five when they’ve succeeded at something, or a hug when they need it) will no longer be allowed. I’m anxious about being able to do my job justice while maintaining a safe and heathy environment. I feel a big part of my day will be mask control, hand washing, sanitizing work surfaces, and reminding students to keep their distance. I’m 100% ready to be back with my kiddo, but not entirely sure I’m ready to navigate this new world in education.
Agreed…so much will be safety patrol! I made sure Little Miss fully understood her responsibilities if she chose the hybrid model, it’s her job to follow the rules! xo. C
I am a teacher in Oklahoma, and we start school in person next week! I couldn’t be more excited to see my students. I also move my son to college today. Your post for dorm essentials was extremely helpful! Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear it, Christy!! Good luck with the move! xo. C
I really love the positive vibe that you are communicating in this post! I am a veteran teacher of 31 years, and returning to school has been a whirlwind of emotions. I am a huge proponent of the hybrid model for a safe return, and I am so glad that your daughter will get to have the BEST of all situations; a great plan to open up her school in a safe and healthy way! Thank you for finding all of these fun things for teachers to use, too!
Thank you so much, Melissa! I’m thrilled the post was helpful, and congrats on an incredible career!! xo. C
Great list! We start school Thursday full time face to face here in my little corner of GA. We’ve had extra days to plan & prepare, and it feels great to be back amongst my teacher tribe! Can. Not. Wait. to see the kiddos! I appreciate your prayers and grace. It’s going to be a wild ride for sure!
Much love to you this school year!! xo. C
Oh, the schools, teachers and parents that must scramble.
The drawer organizers are just brilliant.
Hi Cassie! I am a 4th grade teacher entering into my 19th year and I have never been more nervous. We are supposed to start in a hybrid model. One of the biggest challenges especially if we switch to virtual is being able to build relationships with your students. Very difficult through a screen.
This post was super helpful, as I also have an 8 year old and 6 year old at home.
Your stories/posts have put a smile on my face each day and I look forward to them! Thank you:)
I hadn’t even considered the connection part…I hope my kids are able to build some sort of relationship with their teachers. Congrats on 19 years and thank you for what you do!! xo. C
I teach kindergarten and I’m feeling overwhelmed! I am so thankful to have the best job in the world, but just feel so lost when it comes to this year. It’s all new territory!
Those sweet kinder kids!!! thinking about you this year, Rachel! xo. C
Hi Cassie,
First off, love following you!
Second, I am a Wisconsin teacher and just like you, we are virtual until deemed safe to return. I have a million emotions about it but right at the top is sad. I chose this career to connect with kids and build relationships and be an integral part of a child’s story but I feel like I’m being robbed of all of that. It’s a difficult season for all; that’s for sure!
Thanks for your support for teachers and for creating such a happy little space on the internet ❤️
Thanks so much, Laura!! I’ve been thinking mostly about the safety and work load for teachers, but hadn’t considered how much you actually miss the kids themselves!! My love to you! xo. C
The links for #5 & #20 are swapped! This is a great list, thank you! My kids went back in building last week but since things are so fragile…I really need to get something setup for my freshman son.
Ooopsie, sorry about that! Fixed now!
Such a cute roundup. I have a high schooler starting in a few weeks in California and want to lift her spirits. Some virtual back to school shopping might do the trick!
Do you have a ring light for us mamas on our computers all day for Zoom calls? I need a little pizazz for those days when even coffee doesn’t cut it 🤩
Yes!! The ring light in the collage attaches to a phone or computer!
Great post! I am a middle school teacher and have so many mixed feelings about this school year. We are still in limbo as to how the start of the year will look– that position is difficult for planners! We may be virtual or we may be on an A/B schedule with 50% capacity per day. My classroom has been set up for social distance and it’s a shell of what it would normally look like. I think mostly, I am sad. I miss seeing and interacting with students every day! And even if we are in person, it will not be the same at all! This year will be a difficult one for sure!
Yes!! The uncertainty is so hard…I need to plan!!! Much love to you! xo. C
I am a kindergarten teacher and feeling so anxious to start the school year! It was so hard to teach over zoom during the last few months last year. Hopefully we can get a routine and system down!
Thinking about you, Maddy! I hope this year goes smoothly!! xo. C
Hi Cassie!
Love this post! Heading back in a few weeks hybrid model … we think? Not sure if I’m teaching the same thing … it’s all kind of stressful. After 27 years, you’d think we could roll with it! Your posts are spot on. Even when you are struggling. It shows us ( your faithful love bugs) that we too aren’t crazy! I know Little Miss is bummed about being remote to start, but there’s a plan a place. There is so much to manage! Hope both kids have a successful year.
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Stephanie!! It’s nice to know we’re all in this craziness together! xo. C
Love this post!! I am a high school teacher in Massachusetts…starting my 19th year! We will know this week what our school year will look like. Lots of uncertainty and anxiety…I am also waiting to hear what my two daughters will be doing for school as well. I Hope your daughter has a great start to the year! Teenagers are the best!😀
Thanks so much, Melanie!! Thanks for all you’re doing! xo. C
I am going into my 16th year of teaching and am so overwhelmed this year ! The fear of the unknown and worry about our kids’ health, development, safety, well-being, and mental health is all consuming. Hoping it all goes smoother than I’m picturing!
Much love to you, Emily, and praying for a smoother school year! xo. C
My daughter started high school Monday…not what we had pictured since it’s virtual but I am so proud of her positive spirit! We splurged on a ginormous Lilly Pulitzer daily planner to perk her up since there was no back to school clothes shopping or fun new backpack yet…loved seeing her big smile when she pulled it out this morning XO Melissa
What a great idea!! I hope her first day ‘back’ was a great one! xo. C
Thanks for these ideas! Our kids are going into 2nd and 5th, and we’re doing small groups, rotating host homes. I needed a small printer for the room where the kids will be, and this one looks great. I think I might also bite the bullet and get a ring light! I sure do appreciate how hard teachers are working this year!
That’s a great idea about rotating homes! I hope the printer works out for you! xo. C
Awesome post. as always! Would love to see a photo of your daughter’s desk set up!