Essentials:
* Pencils: #2 pencils are usually preferred, and a good quality mechanical pencil can also be helpful. Bring plenty!
* Pens: Black or blue ink pens are typically required for most assignments. Red pen for corrections might also be useful.
* Erasers: A good quality eraser that won't smudge is essential.
* Ruler: A 12-inch ruler is standard.
* Notebook paper: Wide-ruled or college-ruled, depending on preference and teacher requests. Consider a large notebook or binder to keep everything organized.
* Binder(s) or folders: To keep papers organized by subject. Three-ring binders with dividers are usually best for organization.
* Pencil case: To hold all your writing instruments and small supplies.
Highly Recommended:
* Highlighters: Useful for marking important information in textbooks and notes.
* Colored pencils or markers: For art class and other projects.
* Scientific calculator: Many 8th-grade classes, particularly math and science, require a scientific calculator. Check with your teachers to see what type is allowed (some schools prohibit graphing calculators).
* Index cards: Useful for flashcards and note-taking.
* Sticky notes: Helpful for marking pages or making quick notes.
* Sharpener: A hand-crank sharpener is more reliable than electric ones.
Possibly Needed (Check with your teachers):
* Graph paper: For math and science classes.
* Protractor: For geometry.
* Compass: For geometry.
* Dry-erase markers: If you'll be using a whiteboard.
* Laptop or tablet: Some schools require or recommend students have a personal device for classwork and assignments.
Organization Supplies:
* Dividers for binder: To separate subjects within your binder.
* Binder clips: To hold loose papers together temporarily.
It's crucial to check your school's website or your teachers' syllabuses for a definitive list of required supplies. This list provides a good starting point, but individual teachers may have specific requests.