MNPS students start school on August 6, while surrounding counties also begin during the first week of August. That means it’s time to buy back-to-school supplies and clothes, which can get expensive fast! I’ve got some cost-saving tips below, as well as information on where to find free school supplies and clothes.
How to Find School Supply Lists & Dress Codes
Your school’s website should have a list of school supplies by grade and the dress code, but they can be tricky to find. While I found my daughter’s MNPS supply list fairly easily under “Families,” I had to search for the dress code. If you’re having trouble finding either, check out the school’s and PTO’s Facebook pages. Often, the PTO will post school supply lists and dress codes there.
I know the supply lists can seem overwhelming and bizarre — why exactly does my daughter need 10 glue sticks and only Fiskars brand scissors? — but teachers know what they’re doing. Kids are vicious with glue sticks, and teachers don’t want students using scissors that break after only a few uses.
The good news is that local stores know what’s on the school supply list and will have the right brands in stock.
Some MNPS schools, including my daughter’s, use a SSA dress code. This stands for standard school attire, and is similar to a uniform. Students must wear solid-colored collared shirts or dresses with jeans, slacks, or solid-colored skirts. Solid-colored leggings may be worn only under skirts and dresses. Often, spirit wear (meaning school T-shirts) can be worn on Fridays.
Not all MNPS schools use a SSA dress code, which can be confusing! Make sure to check before shopping for back-to-school clothes.
This kid is excited and ready for school in her SSA approved outfit. (PixelCatchers / Getty Images)
Taking Advantage of Tax-Free Weekend
Tax-free weekend is Friday July 26 through Sunday July 28. Tax-free items include clothes, school supplies, and some computers. Tennessee has the nation’s second-highest sales tax rate, making tax-free weekend a great way to save money. However, every store will be packed. School supplies and SSA clothes will sell out fast.
Tax-free weekend includes online shopping, so if you want to avoid the crowds, shopping online might be a good idea. You can also try hitting up places like Target early in the morning. It’s typically pretty empty on Sunday right at opening, though you might find everyone has bought up the school supplies over the weekend!
Places to Find Cheap School Supplies & Clothes
- Receive $10 off a $30+ purchase when you recycle old school supplies or select electronics at Staples. Staples often doesn’t have the same crowds as Target, so it can be a smart way to shop!
- For clothes, my favorite children’s consignment shop is Once Upon a Child, which has locations in Antioch, Franklin, and Murfreesboro. You can sell gently used clothes and toys there and use the cash to buy school clothes.
- The Children’s Place is one of the cheapest places to buy children’s clothes online, including SSA, though they tend to get holes in them fast. I decided that as long as the holes were on sleeves or at the bottom of dresses, they were still wearable 😆
- Keep an eye on local Facebook BST (Buy, Sell, Trade) or parent groups. You can sometimes find some good deals there!
Where to Find Free School Supplies & Clothes
- Check your school’s website to see if they offer assistance with school supplies and clothes. Many MNPS schools partner with UniCycle, which provides free clothes to kids who need it.
- MNPS also partners with PENCIL to give free school supplies to students who need them. Contact your school for more information. They will be happy to help!
- Local Buy Nothing Facebook groups sometimes list school supplies and clothes; if you don’t see anything, ask! People are often happy to help, and just need an extra push to clean out their closets.
