Organization is a skill which can be improved with practice and repetition.  It will allow for you to complete work in a more efficient manner and will ultimately result in less stress.  There are a wide range of strategies which can help students to be more organized.

Using a planner

• On the monthly calendar page, write down important school dates such as the start and end of the grading period, interim dates, days school is closed, and exam and project dates.
• On the daily pages of your planner, write down each assignment and its due date under the date it is assigned. When you finish the assignment, check it off on that page. Be sure to check the monthly calendar page for test/quiz dates so that you can write in study time on your daily pages.
• For projects and papers, break down the assignment into smaller parts. Then, write these tasks in your daily planner. For example, for a writing assignment you received on Monday that is due on Friday, do planning/research on Monday, complete an outline on Tuesday, write a rough draft on Wednesday, Revise and write your final draft on Thursday.
• Write in all activities and appointments in your monthly or daily pages.
• If you prefer electronic calendars, consider a smart phone app such as In Class, iStudiez Pro, or Myhomework.

Organizing your books, papers, etc.

• Use a different color pocket folder for each class. In this folder, put your homework assignments, returned papers, handouts, etc. When the folder starts to get full, throw away any items you don’t need. Keep old tests, reference handouts, and other important papers in a portable file either at home or at school.
• Notebooks – Either use individual spiral notebooks or three ring binder for class notes. Color code the spiral notebook with the colored pocket folder. If you use a three ring binder, make sure you put in a tab divider for each class. This could be color coordinated with the pocket folders as well.
• It is important to go through your backpack each evening so that any loose papers can be filed in the appropriate folder.
• Before you go to bed, make sure that the homework you completed that evening is in the correct folder and all folders are in your backpack.
• Keeping your locker and backpack organized will help when transitioning from class to class and prevent misplaced or lost assignments.

Organization Tips

• Use your time at school to start homework so that you have less to do at night.  Additionally, if you have a few extra minutes in a class, check to be sure that you haven't just stuffed something in your backpack randomly through the day.  A few minutes is all it takes to stay on top of your organization system.
• Consider using a weekly schedule to plan out evening activities, practices, chores, dinner etc. That way, you will be able to see when you have blocks of time for homework and studying.
• Develop a homework routine – consider taking a short break for a snack and down time after school. Then, work in small chunks of time on your homework assignments. For example, you may want to tackle your toughest subjects first and then take a break before moving on to another subject.
• Create To-Do Lists.  Focus on what you are doing and take pride as you can cross off each accomplished task.
• Use Infinite Campus regularly to check to make sure all of your assignments are up to date.
• Seek support and assistance from the Academic Assistants in Room 209 for more organization help.
• Recycle or throw away what you no longer need.  Do not allow it to clutter up your organization system and structure.
• Help your son/ daughter be more organized during the school year by having them keep track of their own schedules, plans and appointments in a calendar during the summer months.

This article from US News & World Report features 12 Steps to Recognizing and Remedying Your Disorganization.

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