Plano Now

Back-to-school season in Plano, TX, is rolling in faster than teenagers’ text replies. Whether your crew is headed to kindergarten or high school, getting organized early can turn panic into excitement. Why wait for the last-minute rush? This year, let’s make the start of school feel less “uh oh” and more “bring it on!”

Mark Your Calendars: Plano ISD 2025–2026 Key Dates

Before you sharpen those pencils, plug these dates into your favorite family calendar:

• First Day of School: August 12, 2025

• Fall Break: October 13–17, 2025

• Thanksgiving Break: November 24–28, 2025

• Winter Break: December 22–January 5

• Spring Break: March 16–23, 2026

• Last Day of School: May 22, 2026

Enjoy that feeling of being the parent who actually knows when breaks are happening!

The Plano ISD & City of Plano Back-to-School Fair 2025

Make back-to-school errands a quest for goodies and new friends.

• When: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

• Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

• Where: Plano Event Center, 2000 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• Backpacks filled with school supplies (Plano ISD families need to pre-register and bring students with a ticket)

• On-site school registration and enrollment

• Free haircuts for the “new year, new you” vibe

• Boxes of shelf-stable food

• Health screenings and immunizations

• Helpful booths with info from city, district, and community groups

Arrive early, bring your ticket, and snag supplies before they run out.

What’s On the Back-to-School Shopping List?

Back-to-school shopping is Plano’s unofficial Olympic event, but you don’t need nerves of steel. A little list goes a long way.
Here’s what makes the top of most teachers’ and students’ lists:

• Notebooks, binders, and folders

• Pencils, pens, highlighters, and erasers

• Backpacks and lunchboxes

• Water bottles and reusable snack bags

• Art supplies like markers, colored pencils, and rulers

• Tech essentials like chargers, headphones, and flash drives

Budget tip: Before you head out, check closets and drawers for supplies left from last year. Your wallet will thank you.

Where to Shop: Plano’s School Supply Hotspots

Skip closed-down stores and count on these reliable spots for everything you need:

• Walmart Supercenter
  6000 Coit Rd, Plano, TX 75023
  Your one-stop shop for just about everything on your supply list, often with those classic school supply sales.

• Kinokuniya Bookstore
  8280 Preston Rd #120, Plano, TX 75024
  Unique notebooks, pencils, and Japanese stationery to help kids stand out with style.

• Lakeshore Learning Store
  4701 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093
  Specialty educational and art supplies—especially great for early learners and creative kids.

• Teaching Etc.
  2304 Coit Rd #540, Plano, TX 75075
  Teacher-favorite supplies and fun learning tools, plus a surprisingly entertaining sticker selection.

• Teacher’s Store
  3400 Preston Rd #205, Plano, TX 75093
  The go-to spot for creative learning games and specialty classroom tools that make homework less homework-y.

• The CORE Store (Plano ISD only)
  3900 W 15th St, Suite 102, Plano, TX 75075
  Exclusive for Plano ISD teachers and staff. Free classroom supplies with a valid badge—BYO enthusiasm!

Upgrade Your Routine: Fun Tips for Every Student

Time to switch from summer snooze to “Let’s do this!” Here’s how:

Make Mornings Marvelous

• Pack lunches and bags the night before, so mornings aren’t a mad dash

• Pick outfits in advance. Bonus if kids do this themselves—hello, extra parent sleep!

• Create a drop zone by the door for backpacks and lunchboxes, so nothing gets forgotten

Get Kids Excited About Learning

• Make school sound like an adventure (even if Algebra is more “meh” than “wow”)

• Celebrate wins, big or small—like that first solo locker combo

• Ask your kids what they want to learn this year, then cheer them on

Organization = Calm (Just Trust Us)

• Hang a checklist by the back door so nothing important gets left behind

• Clean out old supplies every quarter—let go, Marie Kondo style

• Set up a cozy, well-lit spot for homework (fairy lights? Yes, please!)

Routines are Your Friends

Structure for the win:

• Start regular bedtimes and wake-ups a week early (bye, late summer nights)

• Older students: Help set up a weekly schedule with time for study, chores, downtime, and fun

Don’t Forget Tech—and Tech Breaks

• Charge devices overnight in one safe spot

• Keep non-school screen time in check for better focus

• Remind kids about cyber safety—strong passwords, respectful behavior, and telling an adult if something’s weird online

Plano’s Secret Weapon: Community Spirit

Back-to-school is a team sport in Plano. Plug in wherever you can—volunteer, join a parent group, share tips with neighbors. You might meet your new favorite carpool buddy.

A little preparation now means more time for pep rallies, science fairs, and Saturday family naps. Pack the sparkly pencils, charge the tablets, and get ready for those first-day smiles. School’s almost in session, Plano—you’ve got this!