WOODBRIDGE, Va. — As the back-to-school time approaches children start to feel their free summer days creeping to a close. At the same time, many parents see the money creeping out of their wallets.
Prince William County Schools released supply lists for the 2012-13 school year, and parents are gearing up to find the lowest prices possible when it comes to getting what their children need for back-to-school. Schools like Ashland Elementary off Va. 234 near Manassas even provide parents with an estimated cost for their supplies
But finding the right supplies at the listed prices can be a difficult task.
On a recent trip to Walmart with two shopping lists in hand – one from Ashland elementary and the other from Antietam Elementary School in Lake Ridge — we shopped for a student who is entering first grade.
The list from Ashland offered $15.25 as their estimate for supplies, while Antietam’s list offered no estimate. On the Ashland list, we spent $29.34 before tax for basic supplies (supply products with no logos on them), and on the Antietam list we spent $29.33 before tax. Adding supplies with team logos or favorite cartoon characters can almost double the cost of listed items.
These lists don’t include uniforms, school clothing, backpacks, lunch boxes, or other costs assoticated with the classroom. After visiting a Dollar Tree store, we did find many of the items available for the $1 cost listed on the Ashland website, but unusual brands and package counts were common.
Former Fairfax County school teacher Sheri Suess cautions that while she was always “just happy to have a healthy supply of crayons in her classroom.”
“There’s something ’off’ about off-brand supplies which may mean they break, don’t work, or need to be replaced sooner than their brand-name counterparts,” said Suess.
She says Crayola brand crayons usually outlast the competition.
Blogger Laura Harders who writes BeltwayBargainMom.com suggests parents can keep their costs down on school supplies by shopping for the basics now and then looking for special sales later on.
“Back-to-School shopping can be stressful and expensive, but I want to encourage others that it doesn’t have to be that way.” said Harders.
Her tips to save money when heading back to school include shopping sales at multiple stores rather than getting everything done at one store, using coupons and loyalty rewards cards for companies such as Office Depot, Staples, and Office Max. She also encourages children to buy generic items and decorate them with stickers or craft items already found around the house.
School supplies are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to school spending. Parents also have to figure in class projects, field trips, additional supplies midyear, and special events and fundraisers that happen several times a semester.
The National Retail Federation reported that in 2012 parents would spend over $600 before they even send their children through the school room doors in September.
Recent Stories
Commuter traffic in the Washington, D.C. metro area is set to surge as President Donald Trump issues an executive order ending remote work for federal employees. The Center Square reports that Trump’s directive mandates federal workers return to their offices full-time, with limited exemptions determined by department heads. The move is welcomed by regional leaders like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who have long urged a return to in-person work to bolster public transit ridership and address underused federal buildings. Federal employees, who constitute a significant portion of D.C.-area residents, are pivotal to the region’s economy.
Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause. Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.
In a pivotal discussion during the January 21, 2025, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding measures for a new fire station in the Brentsville District, addressing a pressing need for expanded emergency services. The debate revolved around whether to utilize proffer funds—developer-contributed resources earmarked for public infrastructure—or tap into the county’s fire levy fund.
Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy initiated an amendment to the funding resolution, proposing the use of Brentsville District fire proffers “to the greatest extent possible” before considering the fire levy fund. With $3 million available in Brentsville fire proffers, Gordy emphasized aligning these restricted funds with their intended purpose: supporting fire and rescue services.
“This approach ensures that we prioritize restricted funds before relying on broader resources like the fire levy,” Gordy explained.
Arctic high pressure continues to grip the region, keeping dangerously cold temperatures and bitter wind chills in place through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service warns that these frigid conditions will persist, with temperatures struggling to climb above freezing during the day and plummeting overnight.
Temperatures on Wednesday will remain well below freezing, with daytime highs only reaching the teens and lower 20s. Wind chills will remain a significant concern, with values ranging from -10°F to -25°F in many areas.
By Wednesday night, winds will ease slightly as high pressure drifts overhead, but temperatures will still drop to the single digits in many areas, with subzero readings likely in higher elevations.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
