How I Organize Deadlines
To keep deadlines organized, I color code each one. In July, I go to Target, Walmart or Office Depot to find out who has the best variety of $0.10 colored folders. Each year, the selection varies so it helps to check them all out. I then load up on a variety of colored folders. My first deadline is red, then yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink (if I find orange folders I consider myself lucky!) I then create labels for the front of the folders that include signature sign offs for peer edit, first draft, final draft and when the page is published. Inside the folder, I expect students to keep their peer edit, first draft, final draft and any documents that are important to the spread (i.e. interviews with signatures — proving the person said the quote, scoreboards from the coach, etc).
I have “in” and “out” bins that are placed on the wall where the students turn then folders in at each deadline. I HATE it when a student puts something on my desk and expects me to grade it right then. My students know that if the folder is in the “in” bin, I will grade it. They don’t ask me if it has been graded or when it will be graded because they know that when I am done with it they will find it in the “out” bin.
To store all of these folders throughout the year, I bought a colored organizer from Michaels (with a coupon.) I used a label maker and the students can find their folders in this organizer at anytime throughout the year.
When the folders are done — meaning we have submitted and published the page — I then put the folders in crates. I do not toss anything until the following year. Why, you may ask? Well, in the event anyone questions anything we have published, I can go back into the student’s folder to find out where they got the information.
I hope you find my color-coded organization system helpful as you plan early for the next staff and school year!
Helen Chwalisz
Bishop Moore Catholic (FL) HS
I am a wife, photographer, mom to three dogs and a mouse (yes, my husband talked me into it), and an Etsy shop owner. Besides teaching photography, digital art, and yearbook, I enjoy traveling around Florida on the weekends with my camera.
Latest posts by Helen Chwalisz (see all)
- How I Organize Deadlines - February 16, 2017
I love this idea thank you for sharing
I love this idea! I particularly like the interviews with signatures sheet. I sometimes question my middle schoolers about this because we’ve had a few instances in the past where a student who received their yearbook will tell me that they did not say what was printed. This should help!
This looks AWESOME!! The color coding makes me giddy! Would you be willing to share what you put into the folders? Thank you!
email me and I would be happy to – chwaliszh@bishopmoore.org