Kansas City Connect

Say goodbye to summer splashing and hello to shiny new notebooks, fresh haircuts, and that glorious smell of sharpened pencils. In Kansas City, back-to-school isn’t just about swapping pool time for pop quizzes. It’s the season of new beginnings. Here’s your easy, step-by-step guide to ace your family’s back-to-school prep, plus the inside scoop on the best places in town to stock up without breaking a sweat.

School Supply Treasure Hunt: Best Stores in KC

Making a list and checking it twice is only fun when you know exactly where to go. Kansas City offers a wide range of options, from basic pencils to art supplies that would make Picasso proud.

Check out these reliable favorites for your supply run:

*Just a quick drive from Kansas City!

Back-to-School Checklists Made Easy

There’s no shame in keeping it simple. No need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to picking up supplies. Grab your school’s specific list online (most schools in KC post theirs), or use this quick starter cheat sheet for elementary:

Essentials for Elementary Students:

• Backpack (full size)

• 2 packs of #2 pencils

• 2 packs 24-count crayons

• 2 glue sticks

• 1 pair blunt-tip scissors

• 3 folders with pockets and prongs (different colors = less confusion)

• 2 wide-rule composition notebooks

• Thick washable markers (because things get messy)

• Youth-sized headphones (tech is everywhere)

• 1 small plastic supply box

• 2 boxes of Kleenex (kids share germs, so you might as well be ready!)

Good news: Many of the stores above carry all of these, and yes, some even have friendly staff who’ll help you hunt down every last item.

Enrolling and Registering: The Fast Lane

Starting new in Kansas City public schools, or just need to re-register your child? North Kansas City Schools keep things smooth with a convenient online registration portal. For fall 2025, new student enrollment starts March 17. Create your account, complete “New Student Registration 2025-2026,” and you’ll be golden.

If you need a hand, school offices are ready to help. Call or email your child’s school—there are no silly questions.

Need to know:

• 22 elementary schools

• 4 middle schools

• 2 sixth-grade centers

• 4 high schools

• Online registration for all families

• Contact info: North Kansas City Schools, 2000 NE 46th St, Kansas City, MO 64116, Phone: (816) 321-5000

Tips For a Smoother School Morning (With Fewer Tears)

Getting out the door on school mornings can sometimes feel like an Olympic sport. With a little prep, you can win the gold!

Try these parent-tested hacks:

• Pack backpacks and lunches the night before—less chaos, more breakfast.

• Lay out clothes, shoes, and masks before bed. Fewer decisions in the morning means happier kids.

• Use big, colorful checklists on the fridge so no assignment or permission slip gets left behind.

• Plan a bedtime routine that starts at the same time nightly. Kids might trade grumbles for giggles (eventually).

• Build in a fun wake-up song or silly dance-off to start the day—you set the tone!

• Label everything. Lunchboxes, water bottles, even jackets. More names = fewer lost treasures.

Score Free Supplies: Operation Backpack

Why not save a little cash? Kansas City rolls out the red carpet with Operation Backpack. This drive-through giveaway gives out free backpacks, school supplies, computers, and more. The event this year happens at Swope Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 3. Don’t miss the snacks and back-to-school spirit!

Don’t Forget: The Fun Part

School prep doesn’t have to be all checklists and scheduling. Squeeze in some fun! Host a family “school supply fashion show” with wacky poses, or create goofy binder covers together. Make freezer-friendly breakfast burritos or pancakes the weekend before and laugh as you high-five your own organizational genius.

Go ahead, snap those first-day pics with big cheesy grins. This is your Kansas City back-to-school tradition. Bring the excitement, show your KC pride, and watch your student take on the year with confidence.

Here’s to a school season that’s organized, happy, and very, very KC.