While summer is just getting started for many families across the country, the uncertainty of schools reopening has left parents stressed and confused. The questions of whether or not schools will fully reopen, follow a hybrid model, or go virtual loom overhead. Parents, teachers, and students remain in a holding pattern as officials figure out the next steps.
In the meantime, as you continue to order your groceries online for that staycation campout, you may be wondering what fall school reopenings might look like. Here are some ideas on what COVID-19-fighting items to pack in your child’s school backpack as they wade through this unfamiliar territory.
Back-to-school shopping is on everyone’s radar. With it comes the added element of ensuring safety and offering protection against the coronavirus. Gathering school supplies this year means stocking up on items typically outside the normal realm of back to school.
School reopening concerns and safety guidelines
COVID-19 backpack essentials
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers school reopening suggestions for supplies that parents can either pack in their child’s backpack or provide to the classroom. The CDC has suggested providing classrooms with no-touch trash bins and soap dispensers to help minimize contact. In addition to the usual classroom supplies like glue sticks and pencils, the supply list might also include supplies to help slow the spread of COVID-19:
- Antibacterial soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes
- Disposable face masks
Jennifer Auer’s sons recently had the chance to try out full-face shields. She told Mom.com she may consider making part of her boys’ backpack essentials. “I like them because so much of how we communicate with teachers, fellow students, and each other comes through facial expressions and eye contact. Wearing masks, while important, make that harder,” the mom of two told Mom.com. Auer intends to use a face shield herself so that she can easily communicate with her own students.
