Back to School

Set yourself up for academic success: smart habits for college freshmen

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:34:00 GMT

(ARA) - Got your extra-long sheets? Check. Flip-flops for the shower? Check. What about your school-branded hoodie, hat and T-shirt? You may think you've thought of everything for your first year of college, but without a plan to achieve success you are still unprepared.

Sara Rathburn, associate dean of Student Affairs at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Maximillian Matthews, student engagement advocate and coordinator of Academic Support at The Art Institute of Washington, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, offer habits to help you make the most out of your college experience and lay the foundation for an academically successful future.

1. Get involved
"Freshmen who feel connected to campus through student organizations and campus events tend to strive for success," says Matthews. Getting involved will not only enrich your college experience, but it will also pay dividends once you graduate. According to Rathburn, "Your college degree will one day show that you have knowledge in a field. Your out-of-class experiences will demonstrate that you have a skill base to go along with that knowledge."

2. Get out of your comfort zone
Don't be afraid of new experiences. "College is a time to test yourself - make mistakes, grow your strengths," says Rathburn. She recommends trying something completely new, such as joining a club dealing with a topic that is foreign to you.

3. Manage your time
"Make the most of every minute," says Rathburn. "Every hour of every day presents a choice - decide early on in your college experience that you will make the most of your time." Matthews agrees. "Freshmen should get in the habit of prioritizing and planning ahead to balance their workload and increase productivity," he says.

4. Manage your money
College not only helps you prepare to pursue a successful career, but can also teach you the skills that are necessary for financial success in the future. Rathburn suggests making meals instead of eating out, taking advantage of free local events, and making sure what you want is really what you need. "Don't sacrifice a financially secure future for fleeting fun now," she says.

5. Go to class
Even on days when you feel like sleeping in, Rathburn recommends making it a habit to go to class. She encourages students to make the most out of their time and financial investments.

6. Overcome fear of seeking help - talk to faculty and staff
Both Rathburn and Matthews recommend communicating with your professors. "Freshmen should get in the habit of letting their professors know when they will be late, absent or have questions about class material," says Matthews. Rathburn adds, "Speak up and make yourself known. Building connections can lead to greater opportunities today, tomorrow and in the years to come."

7. Personal organization
"Develop a system that works for you," says Rathburn. She recommends starting a filing system that is simple and can be built upon.

8. Learn about resources
Whether you need a tutor, help with a resume, or have questions about financial aid, campuses offer a variety of resources designed to help guide you through every aspect of your college career. Matthews recommends attending campus events, especially orientation. "Freshmen need to know who to go to when they need help, not only in academics but in financial aid and career counseling. This is why freshman orientation events are essential."

9. Remember your goals
"Stay focused," says Rathburn. "You are starting college for a reason - remember that reason. Let that reason motivate you when you are bogged down with homework or struggling with an assignment."

10. Be an active learner
"Active learning means concentrating on the current task, taking notes and asking questions," says Matthews. He says that if freshmen practice active learning from the beginning, "it will be natural for the remainder of their time in school."

Pack a school lunch they won't want to trade

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:29:00 GMT

(ARA) - Packing school lunches filled with healthy, appealing and creative foods is an excellent start to encouraging children to make sensible food choices now and in the future. But if lunch items you pack are less than appetizing, it could be the next item of trade in the cafeteria: a risk not worth taking in the age of nutrient-deficient and calorie-heavy school lunches.

Break up the mundane sandwich routine with well-rounded lunch combinations that will have kids eating well and growing strong with every bite. Here are some important components to a lunch they'll think is worth keeping and eating:

A main meal - Taste is important to children, and feeding the occasional "picky" eater can be quite a challenge. A tortilla roll-up with enticing ingredients like avocado, tomato or cucumbers with turkey, fish or chicken will show even the finickiest of eaters that there is more to lunch than the same old sandwich. Use the main meal as an opportunity to offer kids different textures and flavors and make a lasting impression about the many possibilities of food.
A fun food - Making lunch food exciting is the first step to discourage trading and motivate kids to try something new. A well-thought-out presentation can inspire a healthy curiosity, and kids will naturally want to give it a taste. Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and fresh basil alternating on a toothpick is a fun and healthy salad-on-a-stick with easily-controlled portions. Sweet potato chips are another fun make-at-home option that are packed with vitamins A, B6, C and more. Bake up a batch on Sunday and pack them in lunches all week.
Something that goes "crunch" - Carrots, apples and pretzels provide a lunch box with plenty of crunch to keep things fresh. Crunchy snacks are the secret to waking up your child's brain before afternoon lessons begin, allowing them to finish off the day strong. Snyder's of Hanover pretzels are available in more than three dozen shapes, flavors and gluten-free varieties so everyone can have their own favorite. Grab a 10-count of single 100-calorie snack packs in sticks, snaps or minis to change it up from day-to-day and keep kids wondering, "what's next?"
A thirst quencher - Many kid-friendly drinks are loaded with empty calories like sodas and sweetened iced tea. It's important for a school lunch to include liquids that keep kids hydrated so they can think, move and perform at their best. Limit caffeinated and sugary beverages like sodas and iced teas, and instead encourage your children to get in the habit of drinking water, milk or real fruit juice.
A love note - Lunchbox food is important, but so is a reminder that the menu was made with love. Encourage your children to do well in class by slipping a note inside their lunchboxes. Consider painting the inside of a lunch box with chalkboard paint so you can write and erase messages daily. Include a hand-written note or draw a picture for a sack lunch bag.
After-school energy boosters - Kids experience the afternoon slump just as much as parents. With smaller stomachs, children are often in need of snacks to keep their energy levels going strong - especially after school. Keep some Snyder's of Hanover 100 calorie packs handy. Kids can pair the snaps or minis with cheese or meat slices for an extra energy boost. With less fat and less sodium than many other salty snacks, these portion-controlled packs are the perfect snack that won't spoil any appetites before dinner.

These essentials will have you thinking outside the (lunch) box and make your lunches the envy inside the cafeteria. Try planning a menu with your kids at the beginning of each week and let them choose what meals and snacks they want to eat on which day. Homemade lunches are an easy way to control what your children eat and you'll know that they're getting the healthy nutrition needed to perform well in school. Not only will they not want to trade it, they'll keep coming back for more.

Top five back-to-school organizing tips

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:59:00 GMT

(ARA) - The start of a new school year is like a fresh box of crayons - full of possibilities.

Ginny Bean, mother of three and publisher of Ginny's catalog, suggests families take advantage of this clean slate by establishing some new organizing routines.

Think ahead. Mornings are chaotic in most households with school-aged children. Consider handling as many daytime preparations as possible the night before. Lay out clothes. Pack lunches. Set out the breakfast dishes and cereal. Pack backpacks.

Bean suggests making systems kid-friendly, so young helpers can feel involved, and save mom some time in the process. "Carve out a spot on a lower shelf of the pantry for lunch boxes and lunch-making supplies. Then make children responsible for putting away their empty lunch boxes at the end of the school day, or even packing their own lunch."

Tackle school paperwork. Make a habit of sorting through children's backpacks with them the same day they come home. Allot time after school, when you arrive home from work, or after dinner, depending on your family's schedule. Use a tiered letter sorter or filing system with designated slots for each child's papers, and an "A.S.A.P." space for teachers' notes, permission slips and anything else that requires immediate attention.

For schoolwork and artwork you want to keep, try a two-step approach. First, purge unwanted items as soon as they come in the door. Collect the possible keepers in a storage bin or wheeled cart with color-coded drawers that allow for easy separation by child or project type. Go through stored items at regular intervals, perhaps once a month or once a quarter. Keep in mind, the more you accumulate, the easier it will be to pare down, as the best pieces will stand out from the crowd.

Designate a homework spot. Decide on the best spot in your home to set up homework central. Take into consideration how involved you need to be with homework and your child's style. Does he focus better with people around or in a private setting? Is he better suited to sit at a desk or curled up in a favorite chair with a laptop cart?

Once you have a place picked out, gather together handy homework tools and supplies into a nearby bin, drawer or cabinet. Stock up on age-appropriate supplies such as pens, pencils, erasers, paper, crayons, markers, a ruler, dictionary, calculator and a pencil sharpener.

Create a communication hub. Include the family calendar, a chalk or bulletin board for posting messages and reminders, a binder for key documents, colored markers, pens and pencils. If you're a visual person, consider color coding your calendar by assigning each family member a different color.

Remember not to forget. Use wall hooks and baskets or bins near the front door to corral the items you need to remember each day: backpacks, books, lunches, gym shoes, sports equipment and musical instruments.

To request a copy of Ginny's catalog, visit Ginnys.com or call 800-487-9024.

Creating safety and fairness for students with diabetes

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:02:00 GMT

(ARA) - School is supposed to be a safe haven for children - a healthy place where they can learn and grow. Unfortunately, that's not always the case for the nearly 200,000 American children with diabetes who may place their health at risk when they board the school bus each day.

Diabetes is a disease that must be managed 24/7, 365 days a year. At home, these children have parents, baby sitters and others to assist them. Similarly, there needs to be someone available to help during the many hours students spend at school and school-sponsored activities. For some students, that means having trained school personnel to help with the insulin they need to survive; for all students, it means someone who knows how to help in an emergency. And although diabetes experts agree that school personnel can be easily trained to help a child with diabetes in need, there are many examples where students are left on their own and often aren't welcome at school because of their diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association's Safe at School Campaign has worked for years to make sure all children with diabetes have the care they need at school and the same educational opportunities as their classmates. Keeping a child with diabetes safe at school requires a collaborative effort among parents, doctors and other diabetes health care professionals, school nurses, teachers and administrators. Accordingly, the Association has developed the resources needed by parents and all members of the school care team. Through the Association's Safe at School Campaign, thousands of families and schools have worked together to develop plans for safe care at school. In many states, statewide policies were developed specific to diabetes care at school. Recent legislative successes include state laws in Florida and Illinois that prohibit segregation based on diabetes, allow students who are able to do so to self-manage their disease, and ensure school personnel are permitted to provide the care that students with diabetes need to succeed.

"It is vital to ensure that all children with diabetes have the same educational opportunities as their peers," says Linda Siminerio, RN, PhD, CDE, co-chair of the Safe at School Working Group. "The American Diabetes Association's Safe at School Campaign trains parents, health care professionals and school personnel to make sure children with diabetes have the care they need, and are not being discriminated against or placed in life-threatening situations."

But in other states, widespread problems remain. In California, for example, there is only one school nurse for every 2,200 students and a record of students not getting the insulin they need at school. Some students became ill and others were placed at increased risk of long-term complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and amputation. Some parents lost their jobs because of the need to leave the workplace to attend to their children. In a lawsuit currently pending before the state supreme court, the Association is arguing that under both state and federal law, school employees should be allowed to volunteer to be trained to help a child with diabetes in need. Supporting the Association is a broad array of agencies and organizations including the United States Departments of Justice and Education, the California Department of Education, diabetes medical experts, school boards, and civil rights organizations.

"The American Diabetes Association is fighting every day, in California and across the country, to Stop Diabetes and make sure that children with diabetes are never abandoned at school," says John W. Griffin, Jr., chair of the board, American Diabetes Association. "Diabetes experts from parents to doctors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree the solution is to train non-medical personnel to safely administer diabetes medications in school when a nurse is not available, just as family and friends of children with diabetes are trained every day."

Although the Safe at School Campaign has made significant progress, there is still much work to be done. To learn about the Safe at School Campaign, go to www.diabetes.org/sas or call (800)-DIABETES. To join the fight to stop diabetes in your community, go to http://www.stopdiabetes.com/.

Five time-saving tips to get ready to go back to school

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:02:00 GMT

(ARA) - Summer trips are wrapping up and kids are counting down the days until they have to go back to school. With many parents weighed down by worries about escalating back-to-school costs, brushing up on tips and tricks for making the summer-to-school transition smoother will be helpful for the entire family.

In fact, a recent survey by Bing and Impulse found that 52 percent of parents are the most concerned with the price of school supplies. To save time, money, and lighten up the mood, try implementing these tips from Lisa Gurry, a past recipient of Working Mother Magazine's Mom of the Year award.

"These simple tricks can make the back-to-school transition go from stressful to stress-free," Gurry says.

* Shop early: Schools often provide a long and daunting list of required school supplies. Don't try to buy everything in one day. Rather, be open to grabbing items you see on sale while out and about throughout the summer. Use local coupon-finding tools, like Bing for Mobile Deals on m.bing.com to find daily deals on all the supplies you're looking for.

* Get (cleverly) organized: Reduce the amount of time you spend running around the house looking for the keys, backpack, and lunch boxes by picking a location for each item. Try leaving your keys in the fridge with your lunchbox so you'll never forget the lunch again.

* Pack a healthy lunch and freeze a few dinners: Make sure to pack healthy lunches for your children that will help protect their immune systems and energy levels during the new transition. Great lunch options include chicken wraps and strawberry and cream cheese sandwiches. Another great idea is to prepare a few healthy dinners in advance and freeze them so you'll have one less thing to worry about. Check out Bing.com for healthy dinner recipes like chicken noodle soup.

* Get advice: Don't forget to use your network of friends to find the best deals. Share your shopping list with your friends using Bing Shopping and get advice from your trusted friends about what they think are the best purchases.

* Routines rule: Nothing causes more stress or confusion than an inconsistent schedule. Create a schedule early on and make sure you stick to it. Try to re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines at least one week before school starts to prepare your children in advance.

Going back to school doesn't have to be a stressful experience. With a few simple tips, you can make back-to-school transition more efficient, less of a hassle and even easier on your wallet.

Back to School Shopping: Technology Edition

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:17:00 GMT

With the end of summer quickly approaching, it’s time for the kids to pack away their bathing suits and dust off their backpacks. So what’s the back to school trend for 2011? These days the buzz isn’t about slap bracelets or Pokémon. Kids today are itching for the newest gadgets and mobile technology. The question is, do they need it and how much? And can you afford it? Here’s our breakdown for the value-seeking parent:

Calculators:

Beginning in middle school, many math classes actually require calculators. Teachers will generally recommend scientific calculators like the Texas Instruments TI-30X, which has more functions than traditional calculators, but isn’t as advanced as the calculators used in high school and college. These scientific calculators generally cost about $20, though they can be found cheaper online and on sale. However, if you think your child won’t lose it, consider investing in a graphing calculator now. Graphing calculators are powerful devices capable of executing complex calculations, and while they’re not cheap – fancier versions can easily run over $100 – they will be required for high school math. One good choice is the Texas Instruments TI-83+, a durable, economical graphing calculator that can serve your child all the way through the SATs and college.

Laptops:

Not every student needs a laptop, but if you’re tired of your children using your computer to write their essays, consider purchasing a laptop. Many high schools allow their students to take notes on computers and encourage the use of technology for educational purposes. Starting at $449, the Dell Inspiron 15 is an affordable laptop option for your young scholar. Despite its modest price tag, this laptop doesn’t lack for features. Your child will love to watch movies on the 15.6" HD LED display and video-chat on its integrated webcam (after the homework is done, of course). With 3 GB of RAM, a 320 GB hard drive, and a CD/DVD burner, the Inspiron 15 can accommodate a serious music library, and still have ample space for those all-important essays and projects.

Netbooks:
If your student is constantly on the go, try a light-weight netbook like the Toshiba mini NB505. With 1 GB of memory, a 250 GB hard drive and more than 8 hours of battery life, this Toshiba mini offers quality features at an affordable price. With its sleek lines and multiple color options, the NB505 looks far more costly than its $299 price tag. Keep in mind that while netbooks are great for taking notes in class or surfing the web, they’re not designed to handle serious multitasking or demanding games.

Tablets:
Since the iPad first took the tech industry by storm in 2010, the tablet market has exploded with competition. All the major manufacturers are trying to get a slice of the pie. Still, for the time being, nothing beats Apple’s iPad 2 on its striking design, ease of use, and vast app selection. It boasts two cameras, easy video calling, and a gorgeous LED display. Starting at $499, The iPad 2 is only 0.34 inches wide and weighs only one and a third pounds.

While the iPad 2 offers the most complete package, it doesn’t come cheap and it also doesn't play Flash. Those seeking a more economical option might consider the Dell Streak 7. At $299 – or $199 with a two year service plan – the Streak 7 is priced well below the competition. With its seven inch screen, the Streak 7 is smaller and more portable than the iPad 2. The Streak 7 offers dual cameras, video chatting, the Android 2.2 platform and compatibility with T-mobiles’s new 4G network. Remember, if these products are for your kids, you’ll want to invest in a durable case to protect against drops and spills.

Smartphones:
If your student truly needs to stay connected all the time, a smartphone is the way to go. The LG Optimus T (available on T-mobile) may not be the most advanced Android phone, but you can’t beat its price: free – with the standard 2-year contract. With its slim design, large touch screen and Google applications, the Optimus T holds its own against the most advanced phones available. While it isn’t 4G capable, the Optimus T features a media player, FM radio, 3.2 megapixel camera, voice command and GPS navigation. This is a one-of-a-kind Android deal.

Creative and affordable ways to personalize school supplies

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:58:00 GMT

(ARA) - It's time to trade in the sunglasses, swimwear and flip-flops for book bags, crayons and calculators.

The hustle and bustle of the back-to-school season means shopping for all the new clothes, electronics, books and supplies needed to start the school year off right. Back-to-school shopping can be difficult for students looking to express themselves and for parents who face the increasing expense of education.

Book bags, pencils and pens - even calculators and rulers provide a palette for creative expression. A new and inexpensive way to add flair and creativity to ordinary book covers, plain notebooks and dull folders is to use Duck Tape brand duct tape Sheets. The sheets are available in a variety of colors including blue, white, red, silver, black, green, purple and yellow. For students who really want to stand out, sheets also come in prints, such as zebra, leopard, camouflage and tie-dye.

Here are ways to add a touch of personalization to school supplies and other belongings using duct tape or other household crafting tools:

- Jazz up notebooks and folders with different colors or prints for each class to make them quick and easy to find when grabbing supplies from your book bag or locker.

- Personalize a pencil case, lunch box or book bag with your name so they don't get lost in the shuffle.

- Make a duct tape wallet or purse and tuck your lunch money in a safe place.

- Use stencils to trace letters and add the name of each class or subject to make finding the correct book easy.

- Create fun artwork out of duct tape shapes and designs to decorate the insides of lockers.

- Accent personal belongings, such as cell phone cases, clothing and more.

- Make and decorate picture frames for lockers to hang pictures of favorite school memories.

The school bells of a new school year also mean it's time for fall sporting events. Students can be the biggest fan in the stands at pep rallies and games. They can show their school spirit by making pennants, flags, megaphones and even T-shirts. Visit DuckBrand.com for crafting instructions using Duck Tape Sheets.

Heading back to school gives students, from elementary to high school, the opportunity to develop and show off their own style and personality with a unique twist on traditional school supplies.

Prep kids for school success with healthy lunches

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:57:00 GMT

(ARA) - As the new school year begins, parents have a lot on their minds - supplies to buy, extracurricular activities to plan, and, of course, preparing kids to be successful in the classroom.

According to recent research, healthy lunches are an essential tool in a student's ability to learn effectively. In fact, studies show kids who eat healthy breakfasts and lunches have better cognitive function, improved performance in the classroom and miss fewer classes.

Parents concerned about the quality of the food their kids are consuming have a simple solution: prepare healthy options at home. While a good, balanced breakfast is easier to execute on your home turf, pulling together and sending a bag lunch proves a bit more challenging.

To boost your kids' learning potential at school, keep these tips in mind as you pack their lunches:

- Consult the new food guidelines. The pyramid is out and the plate is in - the USDA reintroduced its nutrition guidelines as MyPlate, which is designed to be easier for both kids and parents to read. Consult it to determine how much of each food group your kids should be eating - for example, it's recommended that half of your "plate" should consist of fruits and vegetables.

- Keep it kid-friendly. Health benefits can be a hard sell with children - they're more interested in whether something looks and tastes appealing. Small portions perfect for little hands have instant appeal, and even more so when filled with a healthy treat. Tree Top's apple sauce and 100 percent juice apple juice boxes, made from 100 percent American apples, are easy to slip into a lunch bag and are a smart way to help your kids get their necessary fruit servings.

- Make it whole. Grains are a necessity in your kids' diets, but it's essential that they're getting the healthiest kind: whole grains. An increasing number of products offer whole grains that appeal to kids. They might be added to kids' favorite cereals or used in pasta, but to most people's palates, the difference is nearly indistinguishable.

- Know what to cut. Too much sodium, sugar and saturated fat can add up to an unhealthy diet for your kids. If you're using pre-packaged food for their lunches, check the label to make sure that you're choosing options that are low in sodium. Also try to avoid foods and snacks that are rich in sugar and fat but without much nutritional value, such as cakes, cookies and candy. Instead, look for naturally sweet and tasty foods and juices that appeal to kids.

Starting your children's day with a healthy breakfast will help them perform well during the first hours of the school day. But to maintain kids' healthy learning habits, a nutritionally rich lunch - packed by you - is the key to finishing the day on a good note.

Top 10 easily overlooked back-to-school essentials

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:56:00 GMT

(ARA) - Pens, pencils, erasers, paper - these are the school supplies students need year after year and are on almost every parent's back-to-school shopping list. However, that doesn't mean they're the only supplies students need to survive the school year with ease. Instead of waiting until your student realizes what he's missing once it's too late, shop now for these easily overlooked back-to-school essentials.

"Most students have that 'oh no' moment once they're under a deadline and realize they don't have the right materials to complete it or when they're already stuck in a difficult situation," says Rebecca Smith of Master Lock. "Using past experience to think ahead and shop early will help students - and parents - avoid those dreaded moments and navigate the school year a bit easier."

1. Pencil sharpener. You've got the pencils, but sharpening them can be a real hassle as not all classrooms have a functioning built-in sharpener. To help students avoid trips to and from their desk during important tests, purchase a small pencil sharpener with a built-in shaving collection system that can be stored in a backpack pocket.

2. Portable stapler. Students are often in need of a quick staple, yet a stapler is nowhere to be found. A small, portable stapler can be a major timesaver for students who are frequently required to turn in multiple-page assignments.

3. Umbrella. Whether walking to class on a college campus or home from middle school, umbrellas are an easily overlooked school essential that pay dividends in student comfort. A collapsible model that fits in your student's backpack or book bag will be easiest to carry whenever the weather looks questionable.

4. Correction fluid or tape. For last-minute, on-the-go fixes to important school assignments, a bottle of white correction tape or a correction pen is a must when re-printing or re-doing isn't an option.

5. USB flash drive. Since so many school projects are now completed on computers, a USB drive makes it easy to save files and work on them anywhere. Whether your student is working on a paper at home, or on a group presentation at a friend's house, files will be easily accessible.

6. Stain remover pen. From lunch spills, to grass stains to stray pen marks, students appreciate being able to touch up messy spots that wind up on their clothing throughout the day. Where water doesn't always work, portable stain remover pens work well on hard-to-remove spots.

7. Security products. School supplies become useless if they're stolen from your student. To help avoid theft, invest in at least four types of security products: a padlock for students' school or gym lockers such as Master Lock's Speed Dial combination lock, a backpack lock to deter pickpockets, a portable mini-safe that can help keep valuables safe in a dorm room or in transit and a lock to attach to your laptop or desktop computer.

8. Three-hole punch. From organizing class notes and handouts in a three-ring binder for easy review, to binding presentations before turning them in, students find endless uses for a three-hole punch after investing in one.

9. Mints or brush strips. Since many schools do not allow gum in classrooms, mints or brush strips are great options for students to carry with them for use after a potent lunch.

10. Water bottle. If your school allows it, help your student stay hydrated by providing them with a portable water bottle that can hang from a backpack via a simple carabineer. A hydrated student equals a happier and more productive student. Water bottles are particularly handy if the school is older and not equipped with air conditioning.

For more advice on back-to-school essentials, visit www.masterlock.com.

Save big on back-to-school sales

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:55:00 GMT

(ARA) - The back-to-school season can become a very expensive time of year - especially if you have a child that grew several inches over the summer months.

Add to new clothes all the school supplies and sporting equipment she'll need if she decides to try out for a school team and you've got yourself a full list.

But there are ways to meet your budget, and make sure you get everything on your kids' back to school lists. Here are some tips to cut costs and keep money in your pocket:

- Only purchase what you need. Look over last year's equipment and have your child reuse pencils, pens, rulers or glue for the classroom. Sure, folders and notebooks take a beating so you probably will have to purchase some new school supplies. The same holds true for clothing. Find just a couple of mix and match outfits that will stand up to frequent wear and multiple washings to help reduce what you spend on clothing.

- Shop the sales. Many states offer clothing tax-free holidays during the back to school season, providing a nice discount. And most department stores also hold promotions and discounts on school supplies and clothing, so keep an eye out for store brochures that will allow you to comparison shop for the lowest prices.

- Stay home and save big online. Instead of driving all around town trying to find the best deals, stay home and shop your favorite stores through website like Ebates.com. For example, if you shop at jcpenney.com for school supplies, you not only can take advantage of discount codes and coupons through the Ebates site, but also receive up to 6 percent cash back check in the mail.

- Buy in bulk. Items are cheaper if you buy in bulk, so make a list of all the supplies your children will need for the entire school year and purchase them now, during the back-to-school sales. If you don't need such a large supply, ask a friend or relative to join you in the expense so all of your children can benefit from bulk shopping.

The back-to-school season is so exciting and you can easily get caught up in the flurry of activities while trying to get your children organized. But make sure you're an economical mom and stick to your budget so you can save money for some other fun activity.