[marjorie]

I'd b looking at thrift shops and garage sales and the like for backpacks you think the kids will like that you should be able to pick up now for a song. I think it's usually in July that Rite-Aid begins the Freebates on some school supplies, and that should continue on until Fall. Kmart and the office supply places around here often seem to have the best early deals if that helps. The greatest savings of all will, of course, be realized by the parents that have been give supply lists already. Might be worth calling the school and requesting them.. Good luck. That should be enough money for everything (except perhaps scientific calculators) with very careful shopping.