Back to School 2025 Checklist for Administrators

Get ready for another great year. 

Summer means time to relax for students. But there’s no vacation for school administrators.

Here are some tips on how to use the summer break to prepare your staff, faculty and facilities for the first day of school.

Checklist for back-to-school tasks

• Conduct a staffing review: Identify openings to determine which roles you need to fill before the school year begins. 
• Catch up on facility work: Prioritize maintenance requests that benefit from empty halls and classrooms. 
• Review safety equipment and procedures: Check for updated guidance on safety and emergency requirements, and ensure your facilities meet them. 
• Evaluate standardized testing compliance: Do you know all the standardized tests students must take next year? Start planning how you will communicate their dates and requirements to staff, students and parents now. 
• Share important info with parents: Along with standardized testing schedules, parents will appreciate it if you provide them with updates on class assignments, school bus routes and parent-teacher conference schedules before the school year begins. 
• Shop for supplies and technology: Look for bulk buys that save your schools time and money. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered in the next section. 

Must-haves to start the school year

Now’s the best time to ensure all your classrooms have what they need for effective, safe and fun learning experiences. Here are six categories to look for on your district’s back-to-school shopping list.

• School technology: Technology empowers students to discover new learning experiences. Look for gear that’s both “future proof” and “tried and tested” to get the most value possible. 
• Classroom furniture: The right furniture creates more functional and comfortable learning environments. Each teacher’s preferences will be different, but items that help organize spaces and display important information are universal. 
• Teacher supplies: Teachers already have a lot to handle. Give them a head start on their classroom needs with desk organizers, notebooks and incentive items to keep students engaged. 
• Markers and highlighters: Whether for whiteboards, sketchpads or workbooks, markers and highlighters are must-haves for creative, communicative classrooms.  
• Bulk classroom supplies: Can you ever have too many glue sticks? These and other common school supplies are great bulk buys, since they can be distributed across many classrooms with extras held in reserve for next year. 
• Classroom snacks: Individually wrapped snacks give students a nutritious boost. Ensure their ingredients are easy to consult for any allergies or dietary restrictions. 

Empower schools all year long

Looking for more ways to make this next year the best ever for your schools and district? The low prices and resources you need to do more with your budget are waiting. You just need to sign up for a free Walmart Business account.

If you’re ready to make the grade with free shipping, no order minimum,¹ and free delivery from store, $35 minimum,² you can do even more with a Walmart Business+ membership. Take your choice of three plans to lock in the most savings for your schools.

¹ Excludes most marketplace items. Freight & location surcharges may apply.

² Restrictions apply.