1.  PENCIL, PEN, & PAPER

At the beginning of the year, students should use their class supply list provided by Miss Cantillon.  Throughout the year, students need to use a “Supply Update List” to record supplies needed during the year. (I will provide this form.) An example of how to use this form is below:

	Supply Update List
TODAY’S DATE	SUPPLY TYPE	DATE NEEDED
10/1/09	3 X 5 Index Cards	10/5/09
11/2/09	2 black pens	12/1/09
2/8/09	New battery for calculator	2/9/09

Cross off each item as you get it.  Keep a current copy of this form in a page protector sheet in the front of your binder.  When a teacher mentions a supply you need, or if you find you are running low on something, WRITE IT DOWN!

Other tips about supplies:

1.  Keep a copy of your Supplies Update List in the front of your binder (in a page protector sheet). 

2.  Keep a folder full of loose-leaf paper in your binder.  Label the folder “Paper Supply.”

3.  Keep an extra box of pencils and an extra box of pens in your desk/cubby.  You can never have too many pens and pencils.

4.  Replace old folders, book bags, and pencil cases before they fall apart, causing you to lose supplies and assignments.

5.  Buy good quality materials that will last.

2.  WHAT’S IN A NAME?

         Labeling your papers and projects can really help you to get organized.  It is one of the best habits you can get into with your work.  Labeling involves two things:  (1) giving the assignment a title, and (2) creating a heading.

Other labeling tips:

*The most important part of your label is your name.  Even if you are in a rush, be sure to put your name on your assignment.

*Label the things you take to school, such as your lunch, book bag, calculator, uniform, etc.

*When there is more than one page to your assignment, staple the papers together.

*Grading the papers that are without a title and name can be very frustrating.  Many teachers will not grade papers that lack complete labels.

*Getting into the habit of putting a complete label on all of your work and your belongings will save you much time and trouble.

3.  PAPERS, PAPERS, EVERYWHERE!  

    The Three-Ring Binder & At-Home Filing System

Binders can be very helpful because they make it possible to keep all your notes for all your classes in one place.  To organize your papers within the binder, use dividers with pockets and create a different section for each class.  Color-coding the tabs for the dividers will help you locate them quickly.

Here are some guidelines for getting your binder set up:

         1.  You will need a sturdy 2 to 3-inch binder.

         2.  Label the outside of your binder with your name and other important information, such as your school name, grade level, and homeroom teacher’s name.

         3.  Have a separate folder within the binder for loose-leaf paper.

         4.  Have a supply of hole reinforcements.

         5.  Have a separate folder within the binder for use as a “Home/School Communication Folder.”  In the left pocket of the Home/School Communication Folder are papers that need to be turned in (i.e. signed papers or completed homework).  The right pocket is for home/school communication (i.e. papers that need to be signed, notices, and homework sheets).  Anything in the Home/School Communication Folder should be left in there no longer than one night. After that, everything should be filed in your "At-Home Filing System" and/or turned in to your teacher.