Do you frequently lose assignments? 

Do you think you turned assignments in to the teacher but then find them 3 days later crumpled at the bottom of your backpack or locker?  

Have you earned Zeros on work because you didn't know it was due?                

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then this page is for YOU!

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Being organized is a quality that comes easily to some and is a constant struggle for others.  The key to planning and organization is to find a system that works best FOR YOU.  Here are some tips to help:

• Some type of planner is an essential piece of equipment!  The school provides a very nice planner for you with lots of great information included.  While this works for most students, for others, it is OVERWHELMING! 

If this is your experience, I suggest you try using a simple file folder with an enlarged monthly block calendar stapled inside.

Write each assignment in the block on its due date.  Write small enough in case you have something else to add for that date. (You could be really fancy and use a different color for each class, but don't do this if you need things to be simple.) When you are finished with a month, you can tear it off and recycle it!

• Purchase a clear accordion file folder and label each tab with the name of each of your classes. If it is CLEAR, YOU CAN SEE IT!

*label one section "Homework to do" and another one "Homework ready to turn in".

*label an individual section for each subject.

*Keep the papers you are working on in the accordion folder under the correct class. 

*Carry the accordion folder with you to all your classes. ((Zip it up inside your binder if you use one.)

* You can keep your manila folder calendar in it too!

*At the end of each week, ask a parent or teacher to help you to take out any papers that you don't need any more.

*Purchase a pad of ruled notebook paper for taking notes in all your classes.   When you are finished, neatly tear off the paper you used and place it in the accordion file under the correct class.  Because some teachers require 3 hole punched ruled notebook paper, make sure the pad you buy has the 3 holes.

• Make a date with your adviser! When you check out at the end of each day, go over your calendar together and check to see you have everything you need in your backpack for the night. Taking these extra few minutes before you leave will pay off, and don't worry: the bus won't leave without you!

• When you finish your homework in the evening, pack everything up right away and set it all by the door so you can grab it easily before you run out the door in the morning. (hint: While you are at it, choose your clothes for the morning and lay them out so you are ready to jump into them.)

Whatever method you decide to use, KEEP IT SIMPLE.  If it is too complicated, you won't use it!

For Parents:

Pick a place in the house where your middle schooler can easily concentrate on homework.  If your child has a cell phone or instant messaging on the computer, homework time is the time to put this out of reach and turn it off. 

According to Andrea Downing Peck, a Washington-state-based freelancer who is an expert on organizational strategies, most students receive at least 20 instant messages a night.  You do the math!  This may add up to 2 hours a night that is not being used to do the actual homework!

Set up a hanging file system for your child at home in a small plastic hanging file box. 

 label sections with each subject your child is taking AND extracurricular activities such as "sports" or "religion class".  When you and your child clean out the school accordion file, place the papers you want to save in this Home Hanging File Box. You may even want to label a section for important phone numbers, addresses, pictures to save, etc.  Then when you find these things laying around the house, you can put them in the Home Hanging File Box and they won't be lost!  You and your child will always know where this important "stuff" is!

An excellent book for you to read is The Organized Student by Donna Goldberg.

As always, I encourage students and parents to come see me or ask questions for extra support.  This is why I am here: to help, guide, mentor, support and teach.

Happy Organizing!  

Mrs. Clark

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