Virtual School Supply Shopping During Florida’s Tax-Free Holiday
Virtual School Supply Shopping During Florida’s Tax-Free Holiday
By: Anne Flenner, FLVS School Counselor
As summer break winds down, it’s time to “gear up” for the best deals on school supplies that’ll make back-to-school shopping easier on your wallets. Mark your calendar for Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which runs now through Aug. 11.
Additionally, to ensure you have what you need to be successful this school year, our team put together supply lists for Florida Virtual School (FLVS) elementary, middle, and high school students.
Here are seven school supplies you’ll need:
1. A Trusty Computer
You don’t need the most expensive computer on the market, but you do need a computer with specific capabilities. Here is what we recommend:
- A Windows or Mac-based computer to complete coursework. Courses use a wide variety of features, technologies, and specialized components to help you achieve a more immersive learning experience. While you can use devices such as iPads, Chromebooks, and tablets, the best experience is on a computer due to limitations to browsers and devices. FLVS Full Time students cannot use Chromebooks due to technical limitations and incompatibility with progress monitoring platforms.
Do you still have questions? Learn more about our system requirements.
2. A Strong Internet Connection
FLVS is web-based, so you need a strong internet connection to load pages quickly. There is nothing worse than waiting a minute or two for a page to load. FLVS does not use textbooks. Our “textbooks” are all online in the form of your course lessons. We develop online courses based on the Florida State Standards; there is no corresponding textbook, as this course was made specifically for YOU!
3. A Flash Drive or Thumb Drive
It is inevitable that one day, you’ll be working on an assignment, and a Florida storm will roll in and knock out your power. The best way to combat losing your work is to save it. Whether you save it on your desktop, a flash drive, or the cloud, this will save you time and frustration for those unforeseen technical issues. While you can’t save all of your work on a flash drive, it is still a good practice if you need to move between devices.
4. A Notebook for Every Course
Yes, you can still color-coordinate your binders and notebooks! Even though you’re learning online, you’ll need to take notes throughout each course. Stay organized by separating notes for each course to easily find what you need for your upcoming tests, Discussion-Based Assessments (DBAs), etc. If specific materials or supplies are required for an individual course, these will be listed in the course description. At the start of school, your teachers will outline any other requirements.
5. A Desk and Dedicated Work Space
Fight the temptation to complete your schoolwork on your bed or living room couch in front of the TV. Your bed or couch is the place where you relax. If you try to complete your work there, your brain may go into relaxation mode. Your FLVS teachers need you to be alert, focused, and free of distractions. A great idea is to set up your own office or study. Find a location in your house that is quiet. Set up a desk (or table) and chair (comfortable, but not too comfortable), and set up your computer and notebooks. Let your family know this is your area for school. Parents, if you have a child in elementary school, designate a particular area of the house as their “classroom.”
6. Printer
While a printer is not required, printing guided notes for each course can be helpful. Guided notes are outlines you’ll complete during a course to ensure you’re focused on the most critical points of the lesson. You may also find other assignments or information in the lesson that you must print. However, try not to print everything, as it is not often a good use of your time or money.
7. A Desk Calendar or Planner
A great way to get organized is to buy a big desk calendar that you can write on. Before you begin your week, take your schedule or pace charts and plan your week! Write down what assignments you’ll complete each day to stay on track. Don’t forget to also schedule time for sports, extracurricular activities, family and friend time, and any other important events during the week.
A planner can also be a handy place to jot down phone numbers or “office hours” for your FLVS teachers, school counselors, or administrators. You can also note what courses you intend to take this year and your long-term goals to help stay on track.
Looking for other suggestions? Check out an FLVS student’s blog post, in which he shares his five steps to making this school year your best one yet.
To see the school supply list for specific grades and courses, click the links below:
Elementary School Supply List
Middle School School Supply List
High School School Supply List
Remember to take advantage of Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday through Sunday, August 11. The holiday includes laptops, tablets, and accessories like keyboards, monitors, and routers. Personal computers or personal computer-related accessories with a sales price of $1,500 or less are included. Get ready to embrace the power of technology for your online studies with FLVS.
Also, check out our back-to-school overview blog that includes everything you need to know to have a fantastic start to the school year.
About the author: Anne Flenner has worked to meet the academic, social, personal, and professional needs of FLVS students since 2011. Previously a school counselor in Alachua County, she has received several awards and serves on multiple state counseling boards and committees. She has a Master's degree in Counselor Education from UF. Anne loves working with student-athletes, supporting college and career readiness, and focusing on student mental health and wellness.
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