Organization

Add Headings and they will appear in your table of contents.

Agenda/Planner:

Keep your Agenda in your backpack! Carry it to EVERY class and home each night.
DON’T TEAR OUT PAGES! Folding the used pages back is acceptable, but the BEST THING to do is to use a book mark to locate the present week.
Write everything down that you see written on the homework board.
Don’t abbreviate words unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure you will remember what you were supposed to write.
ALWAYS write down due dates!
Neatly highlight (or put one line through) completed homework. DON’T completely cross out or scribble the work you finished.

Accordion Folder/Binder:

Label each section with each class name, in the order of your classes.
- You probably don't need a separate section for P.E.
Place your classwork for the specific class inside the appropriate section (keep the most recent or important papers towards the front).
If there is room, have a section for “PAPER” at the back. You should have at least 20 extra sheets of lined paper at all times.
If you don’t have a chance to file your papers in class behind the right divider, file your papers daily when you get home.
DO NOT leave your papers at the bottom of your backpack. This is the number one problem for students who have missing assignments.
Keep all graded work until you see your graded assignment on Aeries and/or your report card comes home! If you don’t want to keep it in your binder, have a spot in your bedroom for graded work—a separate accordion file or small box works well for this!
A pencil pouch stocked with sharpened pencils and other supplies is very helpful.

Backpack

Clean your backpack out AT LEAST once a week (daily is better).
DON’T carry unnecessary items (example: leave textbooks at home)!
Your backpack should not weigh more than 10% of your body weight.

Graded Work--Don't Toss It Just Yet!

I suggest using a paper box or accordion folder to save graded assignments when cleaning out your backpack and accordion folder. Keep this box or second accordion folder at home (in your closet or under your bed are great places). Only empty this box at the end of each semester. This allows you to clean out your backpack and binder and stay organized without accidentally throwing away an important assignment.