9 Back to School Must Haves for Teachers

Starting a new school year is always a mix of excitement, nerves, and a to-do list a mile long. I remember how overwhelming it could feel to prepare everything – forms, classroom systems, first day plans, you name it. That’s exactly why I created my Back to School bundle. I wanted to make that back to school prep feel doable, and even fun! This collection of must haves for teachers is designed to take the stress off your plate while still making a great first impression with your families and students.

Whether you’re teaching upper elementary or middle school, these resources are flexible, easy to edit, and ready to go. Let’s break down the nine items included in the bundle and how each one helps you kick off the school year with confidence.

1. Meet the Teacher or Open House Forms

If you’ve ever found yourself frantically piecing together materials the night before Open House, this pack of forms will feel like a total game changer. These thoughtfully designed, editable forms walk you through every step of Meet the Teacher night. They’re truly must haves for teachers who want to keep things running smoothly while still creating a warm and welcoming environment.

The pack includes a colorful checklist that your parents can follow as they move around the classroom. It helps to make sure they drop off supplies, sign up for volunteer opportunities, meet you, grab a syllabus, and find their child’s seat. There are also clean, editable sign-in forms so you can keep track of who attended. You can even collect email addresses and class period info to follow up later. I loved how this checklist gave me an organized way to make sure nothing was missed in the flurry of the evening.

You’ll also find volunteer sign-up pages that let you plan out classroom helpers and special events ahead of time. Whether your parents want to lend a hand weekly or just for field day, this setup makes it easy for them to get involved. These forms were always must haves for teachers who value building community and keeping communication strong right from the start.

2. Meet the Teacher Slideshows

Let’s be honest. Open House or Meet the Teacher night can feel a little like hosting a mini presentation. That’s exactly why the slideshows in the bundle are absolute must haves for teachers. With two editable versions included, you can choose the format that fits your style while still hitting all the important points your parents need to know.

Each slideshow is designed to guide the evening smoothly, so you’re not left rambling or forgetting key details. The slides walk through things like classroom expectations, contact information, curriculum highlights, grading breakdowns, homework routines, and even classroom management tips. What I loved most was how it helped me build trust with the families. Instead of trying to remember every little thing I needed to say, I could just click through and stay on track.

Plus, the slideshows are editable, which means you can add personal touches. I included photos of my family, classroom pictures, and even fun facts about myself. This helped my parents and students get to know me as a real person, not just the teacher standing at the front of the room. These slides are time-saving tools that help you communicate clearly and confidently.

3. First Day Student Gift Tags Are Must Haves for Teachers

There’s just something special about walking into your new classroom on the first day and seeing a little welcome gift waiting at your seat. These first day student gift tags were always one of my favorite must haves for teachers who want to create a welcoming environment from the very start.

This resource includes a variety of cheerful, pun-filled tags that pair perfectly with small, inexpensive items like markers, stickers, or popcorn. Messages like “Let’s shape this year into something fantastic!”, “Thanks for popping on by!”, or “I’ve marked a special place for you in my class!” are playful, inviting, and guaranteed to bring smiles. There’s even a “stick with me” tag that goes adorably with a fun water bottle sticker. It’s those little details that help your students feel seen and appreciated before the first lesson even begins.

What I loved most about using these was how easy they are to prep. You just print, cut, and tape or staple to a treat. It didn’t take much time, but the impact was huge. These are must haves for teachers who want to set a positive tone and make every one of their students feel like they belong right from day one.

4. Yearly Calendar & Newsletter Template

Parent communication can either be a stressor or a lifesaver. I’ve always believed that being proactive makes all the difference. That’s why this editable calendar and newsletter set is one of those must haves for teachers who want to build strong, clear communication systems from day one. With this resource, you can keep your families informed and engaged without feeling like you’re reinventing the wheel each month.

The calendar runs from August to July and includes holidays and observances that help you stay culturally responsive while planning ahead. What I love is that it’s totally editable. So, you can add text boxes, icons, or even clip art to personalize it. Want to highlight spirit days, homework due dates, or field trips? Just click and type! These pages are made to look polished, but they’re easy to update and reprint as needed.

Each month also includes a “News & Notes” section that gives you space to share announcements, reminders, or shout-outs. Whether you’re printing these to send home in Friday folders or uploading them to your classroom website, they keep everyone in the loop without spending hours formatting every month. It’s a simple tool that leads to consistent parent involvement all year long.

5. Scavenger Hunt for Classroom Systems

We all know that teaching procedures during the first week of school is essential. We can also be real with each other and agree that listing out classroom rules can feel a bit dry. That’s why this Scavenger Hunt is one of my favorite must haves for teachers who want to bring some movement and excitement into the mix while still reinforcing those all-important routines.

This scavenger hunt turns your classroom into an interactive learning space. Your students are challenged to search for different classroom areas and items, like the bathroom sign-out sheet, math manipulatives station, and line-up spots. Then, they answer questions related to how each system works. It transforms the typical tour into a game, making it way more memorable. I loved how my students took it seriously but still had fun moving around, reading signs, and figuring things out with their new classmates.

An added bonus is that it’s editable. That means you can customize the questions to reflect the exact systems you’ve set up, whether that’s how to request a pencil, where to find early finisher activities, or how to access classroom technology. It’s a great way to encourage independence and set expectations without standing at the front of the room doing all the talking.

6. Policy Packet & Classroom Syllabus

There’s nothing like starting the year with clear expectations. The editable policy packet and syllabus combo is one of those must haves for teachers who want to build structure from day one. It’s professional, polished, and covers everything you’d want your students and families to know all in one place.

Inside, you’ll find editable templates for a full syllabus that breaks down classroom expectations, grading policies, and communication preferences. What makes this so useful is that it’s flexible. You can choose how much detail to include. There’s even a version geared toward both upper elementary and middle school students. Whether you’re departmentalized or teaching multiple classes, this resource makes it easy to give everyone a consistent message.

The policy packet goes a step further. It offers editable pages you can customize for your specific classroom routines, everything from how you handle late work to behavior policies. It was always important to me that my families knew exactly what to expect, and this made it simple to send that message early on. These pages are also a lifesaver during parent meetings or conferences. They’re a reference point you can both go back to.

7. Classroom Donation Station

We all know that classrooms run on more than just pencils and paper. There are always those extra supplies that make everything run smoother. Asking for help can sometimes feel awkward. That’s why the Classroom Donation Station is one of those must haves for teachers who want to make it easy for families to support the classroom in a low-pressure, friendly way.

This setup includes editable display signs and themed labels that you can attach to items like hand sanitizer, tissues, glue sticks, or snacks. It turns a table or counter into an eye-catching and inviting donation hub. Whether you’re setting it up for Open House night or leaving it out the first week of school, it gives your families the opportunity to help if they can. No awkward announcements necessary.

One thing I appreciated about this resource was the flexibility. You can customize the request cards to fit your classroom needs, swap out items throughout the year, and even use them as part of a seasonal display. It’s perfect for replenishing supplies mid-year, too!

8. Supply Labels Are Must Haves for Teachers Who Love a Tidy Space

There’s nothing better than walking into a classroom where everything has its place. Even better, your students know exactly where things go. That’s why the Supply Labels are one of those must haves for teachers who care about organization, independence, and saving time in the long run.

This set includes over 150 pre-made labels with common classroom supplies like pencils, glue sticks, dry erase markers, and headphones. They are all designed with bold, clear visuals and simple text. They’re perfect for helping your students quickly find what they need and know where to return it. The visual cues mean less confusion and fewer interruptions throughout the day.

You can print and laminate these labels for bins, drawers, baskets, and shelves. You can even use Velcro or tape to make them easy to swap as needed. Whether you’re setting up a new classroom or giving your current space a refresh, these labels are the perfect way to make sure your systems run smoothly.

9. Bonus Door Signs

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. That’s exactly why the bonus door signs are an absolute must-have for teachers heading into the first week of school. Whether it’s Back to School Night, Meet the Teacher, or the first day with students, these signs help you create a cheerful and welcoming vibe right at your door.

These editable signs cover everything from basic greetings to event logistics, like where to meet (“Please meet us in the cafeteria”) or what time the performance begins. With fun fonts, bright colors, and clear messaging, they’re perfect for easing nerves and directing traffic when your families are trying to find their way around a bustling school building. I loved how they made the classroom feel put together even before anyone stepped inside.

Even better, the templates are super easy to tweak to fit your needs. Hosting a parent performance in the gym? There’s a sign for that. Want a friendly note that says, “I’m so happy you’re here!”? That’s included, too.

Start the Year Right with These Must Haves for Teachers

Heading back to school doesn’t have to feel like a whirlwind. With the right tools in place, it can feel exciting, organized, and even a little fun. That’s exactly why I created this bundle of must haves for teachers to take some of the stress out of planning and help you walk into your classroom feeling confident and prepared.

From editable forms and engaging scavenger hunts to polished door signs and thoughtful student gifts, every item in this bundle was designed with upper elementary and middle school classrooms in mind. You can mix and match what works best for your style. And you can do all of this while saving time and setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

So, if you’re ready to check a whole bunch of things off your back to school list, this bundle has everything you need. Here’s to starting the year off strong with less stress and more smiles! Head over to my TPT store to grab this bundle and walk confidently into the new year!

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