new school year, newly organized: parent school binder

Last year was our first with two children in school. Our oldest son went off to Kindergarten, while our middle child started his first preschool year. Thankfully, their school calendars matched up as far as holidays and no school days. Still, there was a lot to manage with different teachers, lunches, school programs, homework, incoming papers and well, you get the idea!

I knew I needed some sort of system for important papers. I added a handful of page protectors to a letter size binder, slipped in the district calendar and pertinent papers and called it done. Did it work? Not really.  It just wasn't organized in a way that made sense but, I didn't put much thought into it beyond that.


Last month, I came across this video by AtHomeWithNikki where she shared a complete binder system, sectioned off for each child. It all made so much sense! I hit my own stash for some of the supplies and Staples for the rest. The genius in this system is that it is a one shot project. All that needs to be changed out yearly is the school and monthly calendar section. Everything else is reused year after year. I love that!

While I have yet to assemble my own (we still have three weeks of summer break to go), I thought I would share the video here along with a photo/written supply list to help other families who are searching for a better system. I spent far too long in the office supply store pulling together bits and pieces as, the only thing missing from the video was a comprehensive list. This should eliminate that hiccup for you!

Parent School Binder Supply List:

8.5x11" binder (video uses a Martha Stewart for Staples, aqua striped design)
Clear binder pockets (Staples): 4 per child + 2 extra
Tabbed dividers
Zip-It binder pockets (Studio C at Staples): 1 per child + 1 extra
Snap tab 2 pocket folder (Studio C at Staples): 1 per child
Monthly Calendar (I printed my freebies HERE)

Optional:
3 hole punched sprial notebook (my addition for note taking)
Label maker

I have enough supplies on hand to create sections for all three of our children, even though our youngest will not start preschool until 2017. During the coming year, I'll use her portion for the Mommy & Me schedule and any activities, such as swim classes.

I'm looking forward to using this system and will share photos (or, maybe a video?) once the project is complete. I hope that this has been helpful!

Cheers to a new school year!
Jen