Back-to-school: How to shop smart and find help if you need it

Summary by The Midland Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Rachel DePompa, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · June 30, 2026 · 1 min read

(InvestigateTV) — Back-to-school shopping is no longer just about picking up pencils and notebooks, it’s also other supplies.Cherry Dale, vice president of financial education at Virginia Credit Union, said school costs can vary depending on a child’s age and interests — and that new shoes and cl...

Why this matters in The Midland

In Midland, where the cost of living can be relatively high, back-to-school expenses can be a significant burden for many families. The advice to plan ahead and stick to a list is particularly relevant here, where the summer break is long and the transition back to school can be abrupt. Local schools, which often partner with community organizations to provide support to families in need, can be a vital resource for those struggling to make ends meet. By reaching out to their school, Midland families may be able to access free backpacks, clothes, and other essential supplies. Additionally, the suggestion that older children contribute to the expense or even get a part-time job can help teach them valuable financial skills and responsibility, which can benefit them in the long run. As the new school year approaches, Midland families would do well to take advantage of any available resources and plan carefully to manage the costs of back-to-school shopping.

About this story

Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: schools · Published: June 30, 2026 · Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · Reading time: 1 min

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This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.

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This story was reported by Rachel DePompa at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

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