Back to School Guide 2012

Deals & Sales

Coupon Lock - links to coupons for back to school
Jersey Gardens - coupons and sales at various retailers
Payless Shoes - back-to-school sales
Old Navy - some kids' clothes starting at $4
Walmart - deals in their Back to College section

Things Worth Checking Out

10 Terrific Apps to Help High School Students - parents can embrace the better part of technology with some of these apps that can help your student; free to up to $3.99
iTunesU - More than 800 universities have iTunesU sites offering lectures and courses in a wide range of subjects
100 Best Free iPhone Apps for College - from a free Spanish tutor to the US Presidents to the more social apps, this list gives a lot of options for college students (some are compatible with iPod Touch & iPad)
5 iPhone Apps to Save Money - of course you have to have an iPhone (or an iPad or iPod Touch), but parents and older students who do might find these apps useful
Science 360 for iPad - free app with science & engineering images & video from around the globe and a news feed featuring breaking news from National Science Foundation-funded institutions
Spanish Anywhere - offers common phrases in Spanish and English; cost $3.99

Shopping Guides

Newegg - Back-to-School Guide for electronics and computer equipment

Helping Needy Students Start School Right

Nick Jr helps give books to kids in need through First Book - just click here (it's free) to donate a book
Better World Books - When you buy a book they will donate a book
Warren Girl Scout Collects School Items - items collected as part of the United Way's Stuff the Bus Program which also has other local drives & drop-off locations including:

• United Way of Central Jersey
  
• Greater Mercer County Stuff the Bus
  
• United Way of North Jersey, Somerset County -
  

First Book NJ Boards - provides books to needy kids
The Bridge of Books Foundation - located in Rumson (Monmouth County)  and accepts new and used books for children
Reach Out and Read - gently used or new books are welcome. NJ locations to donate books or money or  volunteer

Money-Saving Strategies & Tips

Saving Money Online - list of ways to save money while shopping online for school clothes
10 Ways to Save Money - tips to save money school-supply shopping from Family Education

Less Stress Back-to-School Prep

For Kids with Food Allergies - guide for preparing for Back-to-School when your child has food allergies
Family Education - has survival tips including a checklist for younger kids
10 Ways to Switch from Summer to School - helpful tips from Scholastic's Resource section
School-Supply Shopping with Older Kids - article on how to let kids be involved in the process while keeping a budget
Is your child ready for kindergarten? - take Dora the Explorer's quiz to find out and learn ways to help prepare your child for kindergarten

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Other Resources for NJ Parents

New Jersey Department of Education and New Jersey school districts
Dept of Agriculture website - info on lunch programs at schools including the Healthier US School Challenge

Encourage Learning at Home

Summer Reading Fun - reading clubs, prizes & promotions for readers & reading book lists & tips
Free Activities - includes museums, historic sites & other attractions offering free admission
Museums & Planetariums - list of NJ museums & planetariums
Historic Sites in NJ - homes, barns & parks of historic significance in NJ
Fun Theme Pages - including History, Science, the Arts & more