Command Center

As you all probably know I have two school-aged kids. This means that on any given day I am overrun with papers coming home from school. Worksheets, reminders, important events and dates, etc. For other parents, I'm sure you are familiar with this as well. Last year when just Avery was in school all day I tried to get more organized to prepare for the day when both girls were in school. I had an OK system of things and I felt semi-organized.

I have since changed up my system and now I have a "Command Center". And yes, I do actually call it that. I'm a dork. It's probably not the most visually appealing but I'd rather be organized and not running around like a crazy person.


I bought a large bulletin board and divided it in half, one side for each kid. I then took some of those manila filing folders and taped up the sides and then stapled them onto each side leaving it as a pocket. On each side I have the kids calendars that they get from their teachers with their specials listed and other important dates, and the school lunch menu for Avery so we know when she wants to pack lunch or buy. In Avery's folder we keep her Spelling Notebook and her homework packet because she gets these every Monday and they are turned in on Fridays. This way we always know where it is. I use push pins to attach any papers that come home that have deadlines that need to be returned.

I get rid of A LOT! I don't save the busy classroom work that they do or worksheets. I always try to save art work or any writing assignments that are really great. I just don't have the space to save every little thing that comes home. The papers I do save get filed away in a folder in one of those plastic boxes made for file folders.

On the opposite wall I have a large calendar that I write in appointments and activities. I color code each person's events as well. It really helps to see everything that's going on. There is a child-size desk in that corner too that sometimes gets used.

So there you have it..my way of trying to stay organized. I love to hear how others stay organized so comment and share your ideas and tips!