Ten Ways to Help Students Stay Organized

Students in middle and high school can organize their own schedules, notes and school supplies, with a little help from parents with these easy tips. 

Don't wait until you are sitting in your first period class to begin thinking about what you need to do to stay ahead of your school work.  Instead, take a little a bit of time to create a back-to-school plan and alleviate unnecessary stress.  Here are a few hints for organizing a successful school year:

1. If you've been staying up late and sleeping in all summer, it's time to change that routine.  You cannot be organized and prepared if you are overtired.  Figure out what time you must wake in the morning to get dressed, eat breakfast, and catch the bus on time.  Make sure that you go to bed early enough to get 8 or more hours of sleep.    It may take a few days or longer to adapt a healthier sleep pattern.
2. Take a few minutes to review the Commack school calendar and highlight important events and test dates.   While some of these dates might be months away, they will stand out each time you open to a new month.  At a glance, you'll be able to focus on the events that have been scheduled for a particular month.   Be sure to post the school calendar in a place where you can access it easily.   
3. Set up a personal calendar/daily planner.   Whether you use a traditional planner or a digital one, be sure to enter important due dates and assignments.  Get in the habit of looking ahead a few days at a time.  On busy days, use a highlighter or different colored pens to make important details stand out.
4. Spend some time thinking about the activities you plan to do after school.  Make a list of the days and time commitments for each activity to create an overview of a typical school week.   Include a daily study period as well.  Make sure you can balance the activities and school work.   Be sure to log the dates and times in your daily planner. 
5. Make a list of school supplies and shop for as much as possible before the year starts.  Buy extra pens and pencils and keep a stash at home, in your backpack, and in your locker.  You may need to buy additional supplies once you've met with your teachers, but you can get your backpack and desk stocked with the basics.   Be sure to factor in some shopping time during the first week of school to purchase additional supplies.
6. Set up a notebook/binder system for yourself.  Your teachers may give you specific requirements regarding your class notes.  If they don't, consider what works best for you.  Binders with loose leaf paper allow you to rearrange notes, as well as add worksheets and handouts distributed by teachers.  Color code binders by class.  Always include the date at the top of your notes.
7. Familiarize yourself with school policies and procedures.  Be sure you understand the rules and policies of your school.    
8. Familiarize yourself with you class schedule.  Take some time to consider the workload of each class and readjust your study time as needed. 
9. Start keeping "To Do" lists on busy days.  You will feel a sense of accomplishment and stay focused on what needs to be done.
10. Start the year with a positive attitude.  Having a bad attitude will only compound your anxiety about getting back to school.  Remember each new school year offers an opportunity to start fresh.

Getting into a routine can be a challenge, but if you plan ahead and keep organized, you are sure to have a successful start to the school year.  Good Luck!

Michele Shulman is a graduate of Hofstra University where she majored in English and earned both a B.A and M.A.   She taught English at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Bayside, Queens and Farmingdale High School, here on Long Island, before taking a leave of absence to raise her children. Currently, she teaches SAT preparation classes and tutors privately.