HICKORY, N.C. (WHKY) — Students are beginning to return to classrooms across the region, and parents could spend hundreds of dollars preparing them for the new school year.

Mooresville Graded School District students returned Wednesday, August 5. Iredell-Statesville Schools’ traditional-calendar students return Wednesday, August 12.

The first day for students in Catawba County Schools, Burke County Public Schools and Caldwell County Schools is Monday, August 24. Early-college, year-round and other specialized programs may follow different calendars, so parents should verify dates with their child’s school.

The National Retail Federation estimates that households with children in kindergarten through 12th grade will spend an average of $863.86 on back-to-school purchases this year. That is a household average, not an estimate for each child.

Electronics represent the largest projected expense at $293.11. Families expect to spend an average of $250.29 on clothing and accessories, $174.01 on shoes and $146.45 on traditional school supplies.

Nationwide K-12 back-to-school spending is expected to reach a record $43.3 billion. The estimate is based on an early-July survey of more than 7,600 consumers.

The Better Business Bureau recommends obtaining the school’s official supply list and checking what is already at home before shopping. Reusing backpacks, binders, calculators, scissors and other serviceable items can prevent duplicate purchases.

Parents can also set separate limits for clothing, shoes, supplies and electronics; compare prices among several retailers; use coupons and legitimate rebate programs; and purchase store brands for frequently replaced supplies.

Families may save by purchasing only immediately needed items before school and waiting for later sales on clothing or specialty supplies. Parents considering a computer or tablet should first confirm the school’s technical requirements and determine whether the school already provides a device.

The BBB also recommends checking return policies and researching unfamiliar online retailers. The Federal Trade Commission warns that unusually inexpensive name-brand products advertised through social media may lead shoppers to counterfeit websites. Credit cards generally provide stronger fraud protections than payment applications, gift cards or wire transfers.

Parents needing additional assistance may check with their child’s school, community organizations and local school-supply drives.