Our son tossed blue and yellow tissue paper high above his head; gift wrap shreds strewn around him in a neat circle on our living room floor.

He pulled out a monogrammed L.L. Bean backpack, a practical present my husband and I gifted to him during his birthday festivities, a five-year fete, just in time to get back in the game for school.

Our boy was born during a midsummer night during what now feels like a dream indeed as the past quintet of years has dashed rapidly to this point.

It’s getting real. A new backpack can only mean one thing – kindergarten.

When did my husband and I become old enough to have a child old enough to enter those ranks?

We teared up during last year’s first preschool drop-off, but kindergarten, with its oh-so-serious German moniker, is an entirely different level of its own.

But I suppose each grade is a new step, a new journey, a new back-to-school list.

As someone who works in advertising, I’m totally aware back-to-school shopping promotions are in full swing before Independence Day, almost as though to rush our kids’ independence.

Although I get an inner squeak of glee when I see red and green glittered Christmas goods prematurely poking around a Halloween aisle in mid-October, I don’t take that same enthusiastic approach when I see large cardboard cut-outs of cartoony apples, paper clips and pencils in big box stores in June pointing out Trapper Keepers.

But now there’s no avoiding it. Parents are scrambling to land their backto school shopping lists, clothing, bus schedules, you name it.

My husband, for one, named tissue boxes.

“Because moms and dads will need them day one”, he says.

Ain’t that the truth.

For complete supply lists, check in with your child’s school, and familiarize yourself with the school’s web site and faculty contact information. Different grades call for different supplies, ranging from pencil boxes to crayons to blunt-tipped scissors.

According to realsimple.com, your elementary school child should have a backpack large enough to fit a lunch box – if you are not using the hot lunch program – along with folders and supplies.

Other typical elementary checklist items may include: an art smock, box of crayons, washable markers, glue, glue sticks, freezer packs and packaged hand wipes to tuck into lunch boxes, No. 2 pencils, erasers, healthy packaged snacks, plastic storage boxes for crayons or crafts, and spillproof drink containers.

Checklists also may include a plastic toolbox to store scissors, glue and supplies, folders with pockets, tissue packs, safety scissors, shoes with slip-proof soles, a pencil sharpener, small umbrella, hooded rain jacket, resealable large plastic bags to take home craft projects.

For preschoolers, it’s a good idea to keep a change of clothes at school for spills or accidents.

For middle schoolers and up, lists will likely include one binder and folder per subject, highlighters, loose-leaf paper, planner for homework assignments, compass and protractor, pens, ruler, mini stapler and multi-subject spiral notebooks.

Older kiddos should also keep flash drives handy to save work done on computers.

Sort through clothes, and donate items too small. Shop for new ones that are appropriate for all seasons.

Get a game plan together. According to allyou.com, older kiddos should practice using locker combinations at home before using it in school when it’s go-time. They should write down and double-check their class schedules, room numbers, teachers’ names and agendas.

Above all, be smart – be sure your children are completely up to date on their immunizations!

Two weeks before the first bell rings, make sure before-and-after-care arrangements, carpool and new daily routines are set.

If your child is taking the bus, go over the bus stop routine with him or her to become familiar.

Discuss any questions or concerns your child may have.

On the night before your child’s first day, lay out clothes, shoes, backpacks.

Plan breakfast, and get your camera ready to rock.

Most importantly, get a great night’s sleep!

And don’t forget the tissues.

Happy back-to-school days!

— Michelle Cote is the art director of the Journal Tribune. She enjoys cooking, baking, and living room dance-offs with her husband, two boys and a dog. She can be reached at mcote@journaltribune.com.