This is the first story in a weeklong series of articles about where to get the best local back-to-school deals.

Today we're featuring school supplies. 

A&P 

(various locations, including 560 Valley Rd. and Route 23 North in Pompton Plains. Hours: Monday through Saturday: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m..

Bic Ball Pens: $2.55 a pack.

Mead Folders $1.29 each.

Mead one-subject notebook: $1.39 for 70 sheets.

Mead index cards: $1.39 for a 70-count package.

Acco USA 12-inch binder: $1.99 each.

Post-it Notes, four packs of 50 each: $2.99.

Other local grocery stores, including Stop & Shop in the Preakness Shopping Center and Shop Rite on Hamburg Turnpike, have one aisle, or half of an aisle, of school supplies that are often priced lower than traditional office supply stores.

Also, Michaels on Route 23 North has aisles of art supplies and other back-to-school items. 

Staples

1491 Route 23 South. Hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..

Staples No. 2 Pencils, 12-count: $1.89.

Weekly deals

Best-Rite Dry-Erase Board $17.99, save 40 percent this week.

Pink cap erasers: 25 cents each.

Paper clips: 50 cents for 50-count box.

Bic Quick Dry Wite-Out: 50 cents.

Hammermill copy paper 50 cents for 500-count package, after mail in rebate.

Small binder clips: $1 for a 40-count box.

Office Depot

797 Hamburg Turnpike. Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..

Foray chisel-tip liquid highlighters: $12.99 for a 12-count package.

Office Depot loose leaf paper, 11.5 x 8”: $1.99 for 150 sheets.

Office Depot insertable dividers, 8.5 x 11”, $1.99 for eight.