During the years that I have had a high schooler in the house, I used a folder system on my computer to collect all of the inevitable high school files. First, I created the one folder to hold them all and named the folder kids. Inside the kids folder, I created more folders, one for each child and year. I name the folders after the child and the grade such as Holly_11.
Each folder will hold at least: The Excel file that I use to track grades and attendance, the course of study, and scans of the records that I turn into the private school where my children are registered. During the year, the folder will start to pile up with other files such as essays, reports, and sometimes, scans of artwork. Throughout the year, back-up the most important files. For me that usually meant backing up the Excel file every single time I added grades to it and if I made a general back up by burning files to a cd-rom, I included the kids folder. At end of the year and if I have not already made copies, I print copies of everything important and place them in our *safe. All of the files in the kids folder from this year and previous years are burned to a cd-rom.
*If you do not have a safe, place the copies in a large envelope and then inside of a large freezer bag and put them in your freezer where they are less likely to burn in a fire.
Elaine says
That is great advice, Donna. Since my son will be in 9th grade – I can’t believe he’s that old already – this is very timely info. Thank you.
Michelle says
That is great advice using the freezer, never thought of that. We do have a safe, so I’ll be putting the records there. Thanks for telling us how you organize your records. 🙂
ginger says
I am so nervous about the high school years Donna.
Seeing what you have done all ready makes it very helpful….Thank you for being so willing to share.
Michelle says
I was thinking about this last night. IF you were called upon, by the school district, to show your portfolio, do you hand them a copy of the CD?
Sure would cut back on the amount of paper work, I would have to keep. 🙂
Donna Young says
That is a good question Michelle. This is not meant to replace a portfolio. It’s main purpose is to be a single place to keep important records such as grades, course of study, schedules, copies of important papers, and school work which is already digital. I rarely digitize school work which is not originally in digital form. For instance, no math work is digitized, but some artwork is. My daughter digitizes some of her artwork herself. It is handy to teach the kids how to use the equipment and software. 🙂
Michelle says
Thanks for the help, Donna. I am going to put this together this weekend. 🙂
You’re the best.
Donna Young says
You’re welcome Michelle. 🙂
amy says
I really love all that you share on your website and blog. My biggest question is what curriculum/books did you use with your children when they were in the early grades like first and second and third. What would you reccomend for those grades? thanks again, for everything
amy