Your Last-Minute Back-to-School List

If you're like most other Rhode Islanders, your summer has been taken up with trips to the beach, grilling at home, and week-long vacations to fun places.

And now — almost without knowing it — you're looking at the calendar and saying: "Is school in Bristol-Warren really starting on Aug. 28?"

That leaves you only a couple of days to make sure you've got everything in order for when the kids head back to classes.

Luckily for you, Bristol-Warren Patch has this list of links and information that'll save you time and money — and help you tell the great stories happening at your school.

Shopping:

If you haven't done your back-to-school shopping yet — and for some parents, there's good reason, as you never know what each teacher will want for their classroom — be sure to check out local stores like Ocean State Job Lot [which is also offering discounts on school supplies for teachers] to stock up on the basics.

Bus Routes:

Every year, the Bristol-Warren School Department publishes bus routes in local newspapers, but you don't have to go searching for a copy: find and download Bristol-Warren school bus routes here.

Humor:

It's a perennial big production — getting clothes and supplies, preparing for the morning rush — but the first day of school doesn't have to be all work.

Patch bloggers recently offered 5 funny blogs about the start of school that can bring a little levity to the otherwise hectic pace of getting ready.

School Happenings:

If you're the kind of parent who wants to share the good news about your school — whether it's a theatrical performance, a wonderful teacher, or your kid's sports team — Patch makes it easy to tell our readers about what's happening at your school:

• Blog: Create a Patch account and you can be blogging within minutes. Find: How to blog on Patch.
• Post Events: You can also promote upcoming activities and events at your school. Find: Posting events on the Patch calendar.
  
• Make an Announcement: If you just want to give a quick shout-out to your school, add an announcement right to our front page. Find: Making an announcement on Patch.