Getting children ready to go back to school can be a financially trying time for families - especially for those with multiple children. The problems are compounded by the current economic environment.

Besides school supplies, there are new school clothes to replace those outgrown over the summer, fees for various activities and, depending on a child's age, medical exams and shots.

It's good to see the generous response to school supply drives organized by various organizations.

As many as one in four children in the Twin Cities - possibly more - can't afford all the supplies they need, according to Tom Laxton, a member of the Achievement Gap Task Force who also served on the Back to School Program committee.

If you don't have children or haven't had one in school for quite some time, go to a major store and pick up one of the lists or recommended/required supplies available. You might be surprised to see "back to school" means more these days than a new box of crayons and a notebook.

Depending on the grade, the lists include washable markers, eraseable pens, rulers marked in increments of one-quarter inch and centimeters as well as protractors, scientific calculators and graph paper.

Being ready to return to school involves more than just having all the supplies on a list. It also means being ready to work hard and being eager to learn.

New school supplies can play a role in that.

Sure, a child can use a patched up backpack and nubs of broken crayons. But having new things to call their own can add to the excitement about going back to school and increase the feeling of being prepared.

But there are intangibles that can't be bought at any price and are just as important - actually, more so - than a new outfit for the first day of school

Those important intangibles include having parents who get to know their children's teachers and get involved in school. Children need parents who take an interest in what they are learning and see that homework assignments are completed.

Above all, parents need to instill in their children the value of an education - encouraging them to do well and set their goals high.

So, as we approach the beginning of a new school year, share the excitement with your children or your neighbor's children.

And if you have school supplies to donate, but didn't get them to one of the organized drives in time, contact your local school or school district directly about how you can help.