GET ORGANIZED FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR By Mary Sigmann, CPO®

GET ORGANIZED FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR
By Mary Sigmann, CPO® 

Lay the foundation for a successful and harmonious school year by being prepared to meet the challenges.  Planning ahead, having designated places for things, and establishing routines are important factors.

CHALLENGE:  School is starting, but the family is not used to getting up early.  
SOLUTION:  Start the new routine a week or two ahead of time.  Set the alarm and have a check list.  Do trial runs and make them fun.

CHALLENGE: Lots of school, sport and family activities, but no system.
SOLUTION:  Have a color-coded family calendar that everyone can see, understand and access.  Everyone will know what’s going on and what activities involve them.  Write important phone numbers on the calendar or have them posted where all can see.

CHALLENGE:  School supplies start to run out in the middle of the school year.  They become harder to find and more expensive.
SOLUTION:  At the beginning of the season buy early and in bulk while supplies are good and things are on sale.  Keep extras in a cabinet, drawer or plastic bin.

CHALLENGE:  School papers get misplaced and overlooked during the week.  They accumulate and create a mess.
SOLUTION:  Establish a basket or tray for each child.  Label it with the child’s name.  Have your student deposit all their papers in their basket and set up a weekly appointment with your child to go over their work.  Add a brightly colored pocket folder for homework so it has a special place and doesn’t get forgotten.

CHALLENGE:  Personal items are lost or misplaced at school.
SOLUTION:  Use a felt-tip pen to label everything with the child’s name, grade and teacher’s name.  If lost, there’s a better chance it will be returned.

CHALLENGE:  Parents don’t hear about the cupcakes for the school party or see the permission slip that needs to be signed until the morning they are due.
SOLUTION:  Have a basket labeled “Mom” or “Dad” with envelops and index cards nearby.  Your child can write a note on the index card or place a teacher’s note or permission slip in the basket for the parent to clearly see.  Use an envelope for returning the permission slip and required money to school.

CHALLENGE:  School and birthday parties require cards and gifts and busy parents want to be prepared.
SOLUTION:  As soon as you know about the party put the invitation on the refrigerator or bulletin board and add the date to the family calendar.  Buy ahead gift cards to local bookstores or variety stores that carry kid’s items.   You may not know the child being honored well enough to know what they like or need.  This way, they get to choose.


© Copyright Mary Sigmann, CPO®

Mary Sigmann is a Certified Professional Organizer®, coach and speaker.  Please visit www.organizer-coach.com for additional information, articles and tips, or contact Mary at harmonypro@aol.com or 515-233-5191.