Organizational Tools for Principals

Being a principal can be challenging, right?  However, having the right tools will help you meet those challenges and deadlines.  I like to think I am organized.  I’m sure I could do better from time to time.  I’m sure we all have a junk drawer or at least I hope I’m not the only one.  I haven’t blogged in several months.  I am staying so busy with leading a school and family events.  Therefore, I thought today would be a great day to share some tips that I have found very helpful.

TICKLER FILING SYSTEM

I know we live in the digital age, but let’s not forget there are still things we must file and keep.  The tickler file is definitely back to the basics.  This system is like a calendar for your filing cabinet.  You have 43 folders- 31 numbered and 12 labeled with months.   Every morning, that day’s folder is pulled out and the contents placed on to the desk.  For example, if I have a PLC meeting on April 18, I can keep any handouts behind April 18.

How this looks in the desk or filing cabinet:

Since tomorrow is April 18, you would see folder 18 at the front, followed by 6-31, then May through next March.  When I empty the folder, I’ll place it at the back of the number folders, leaving the next day ready to be pulled out.

Why?  

This helps you prep for the year.  It is a simple but effective system that works for planning events for the year.

I love these months and numbered files from Amazon.  They are very sturdy and will last many years.

GOOGLE KEEP

4.  Begin creating.  It is easy!

DIGITAL CALL LOG

Are you looking for a way to keep track of your parent calls? Here is a DIGITAL format in Google Drive. Tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet to quickly organize by alphabet. 

Alphabet Tabs at Bottom of Call Log

SCHEDULES, SCHEDULES AND MORE SCHEDULES

I love being in a school district that utilizes Google.  I keep all my schedules in one place for the entire year.  Our master schedule, Pep Rally Schedule, Technology Resources, RtI Schedule, Afternoon and Morning Duty Schedules, etc… all in Google Sheets.  The image above shows you the tabs at the bottom that allow me to toggle from one schedule to the next.  I used to keep them all separate and got smart and put them in one place within google sheets.

The form above is printed each year to remind the staff of all the tech resources or purchased programs they have access to in the school.  It is divided by subject and grade level.

NEW FEATURE IN GOOGLE SHEETS

Google Sheets now has checkboxes!  Can I get an amen?  I can see all the possibilities with this new feature.  Check off when items are turned in, when items are completed, inventory, etc…

1.  Create your google sheet.

2.  Insert tab

3.  Select Checkbox and place in the cell you want to have a checkbox. (currently says NEW).

DOOR SIGNS MADE EASY

Back to school tip! If you need an idea to hang door signs, here’s one that won’t break the bank. Purchased the plastic displays at Walmart. They are intended to be used on tables and stand up. I flipped it on the side and hot glued to wall. I tried super glue but hot glue worked best.

Note: print your door signs double-sided for viewing and only glue one side of the plastic frame to wall so you can insert the paper each year.

You can also order them from Amazon too.  Here is a very similar set of them on Amazon.

Display Stands