The Rochester Collection

Sharpen the pencils and dust off those backpacks! The sunny days of summer are winding down, and it’s time to get your crew prepped for a brand-new school year right here in Rochester, Michigan. Back-to-school prep doesn’t have to be a pain—it can actually be fun (yes, really). Let’s make it smooth, upbeat, and maybe even a little bit exciting. Here’s your go-to guide for rocking the 2025-2026 school year.

Smart Tips to Make Back-to-School a Breeze

Start With Sleep
A good night’s sleep is the unsung hero of school success. Ease back into that early bedtime routine now. Devices off, lights dimmed, and maybe a quick story before lights out. Kids who are well-rested handle first-day jitters and long school days like champs.

Morning Routines: Mission Possible
Set a morning routine that actually works by prepping as much as you can the night before. Lay out tomorrow’s outfit, pack lunches, and line up shoes at the door. You’ll thank yourself when the Monday morning scramble is nowhere to be found.

Create a Homework Headquarters
Claim a spot for stashing pens, pencils, and brainpower. Whether it’s a kitchen corner or a desk, make sure school supplies live here so homework gets done and nothing disappears into the abyss.

Label All The Things
Kids are experts at leaving things behind, so slap labels on everything: lunch boxes, water bottles, backpacks, and even gym sneakers. It’s the difference between “lost” and “found”!

Get Kids Involved
Let your child help pick out supplies and notebooks—it adds excitement and helps them feel more confident and independent as the first day approaches.

Meet a Buddy
If your child is headed to a new school or grade, see if you can link up with another student for the big day. It’s always easier walking in together than going solo.

The Supply Run: Where to Shop Local

Rochester and its nearby neighborhoods have you covered for school supplies. Skip the last-minute scavenger hunt and check out these spots sure to stock the goods for every grade:

Staples
1950 S Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Packed with everything from crayons to calculators, and you can shop online with same-day in-store pickup.

Walmart Supercenter
2500 S Adams Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Scores of backpacks, notebooks, and bins for your homework station dreams. Open from 6am if you’re an early bird.

Learning Gizmos
1111 W Avon Rd, Suite 150, Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Perfect for educational games, unique supplies, and creative inspiration.

Rock Paper Scissors
214 S Main St, Rochester, MI 48307
Looking for a local spot with fun stationery and personalized pens? This boutique shop brings back-to-school shopping to a whole new level.

Hart Middle School: Don’t Miss These Key Dates

Hart Middle School families—mark your calendars!

Visit the School Day
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 (with a backup on Thursday, August 21 if needed)
6th Grade: 10am to noon
7th Grade: 8am to 10am
8th Grade: 1pm to 3pm
Here’s your chance to find your locker, walk your class schedule, pick up a school map, and load up your supplies!

School Pictures
Make sure to smile for the camera—school pictures are snapped during the August 13 “Visit the School Day” only. This is your one-and-done opportunity, so don your favorite shirt.

6th Grade Orientation
Tuesday, August 12, 8am to 10:30am
A great time for new sixth graders to learn about the school, buddy up, and get the lay of the land before classes start.

New Family Orientation
Wednesday, August 13, noon to 12:30pm, Large Group Instruction Room (A35)
If you’re new to Rochester Community Schools, meet staff and get answers to your burning questions in a friendly, welcoming setting.

Bonus To-Do List for Visit the School Days
Practice your locker combo so you’re not the kid wrestling a stubborn lock in the hallway. Drop off any medication or forms outside the Counseling Office (parents only for this part). And, if you’re pursuing sports, get those physical forms uploaded before tryouts sneak up.

Make It Fun: Getting Kids Excited to Learn

Let your kiddo know all the good stuff waiting for them: seeing friends, learning cool things, maybe even meeting a teacher who tells the best stories. Start a small countdown to the big day or make a shopping trip into a special event. Hype up the new supplies, let them decorate their notebooks, and maybe even throw in a surprise lunch note for the first week.

Celebrate Routines
Kids thrive when they know what’s next. Make a fun family calendar or checklist to keep track of school events, homework, and after-school extras.

Encourage Questions
If your child is feeling nervous, talking it through is key—no question is too small, and sometimes all it takes is hearing that even grown-ups get a bit of “first day” butterflies, too!

And Just Like That…

Back-to-school in Rochester is shaping up to be the start of something great. With the right prep, a touch of local shopping, and some good old-fashioned family teamwork, you’ll send your student into the new school year excited, organized, and smiling all the way to the classroom door.