The summer is coming to a close and the 2012-2013 school year is upon us.

The seemingly endless list of school supplies and clothes has to be handled now. It’s time to get the backpack and supplies. The kids need new clothes and shoes.

This year the average family with students from Kindergarten to 12th grade is expected to spend $689 on Back-to-School items. It’s up from $604 last year according to the National Retail Foundation.

“When it comes to their children, there’s nothing more important to a parent than making sure their children have everything they need, even in a tough economy—and especially when it comes to back-to-school shopping,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.

Here are six ways you can save a little money and go back to school on a budget:

1. Know the Dress Code – Before you go out shopping for school clothes make sure you fully understand the dress code. We want to ensure the clothes we buy can all be worn to school.

2. Buy Supplies for the Whole Year – August is typically the cheapest month for school supplies. Many of the big office stores even price items below cost. Look for notebooks, paper, pencils, and other items on super discount and stock up.

3. Break Down Bulk Snacks – Save some money by purchasing larger packages and divide it up into individual portions.

4. Know When It’s Not a Deal – Tax free weekend, back to school sales, semi-annual clearance. You will hear plenty of creative names for sales. Check the prices and make sure it really is a deal.

5. Wait For The Clearance -Stores will begin marking down school supplies right after the rush. You can get some great deals if you can hold out a few more days.

6. Give Them a Budget – Let your kids get involved in the process by giving them a budget for school supplies and clothes. They will appreciate learning how to stretch the dollar and get the most out of their budget.

How do you handle this time of year to make sure you go back to school on a budget?