Having three school-age kids (ages 6-14) and being a military family that relocates every two to three years, one of the things I have struggled with is the best way to store their school paperwork and artwork that we wish to keep long term. Each child has their own “time capsule” trunk, where we put everything we want to save (cherished items, important papers, favorite artwork, etc.). Most of their school paperwork is in ziploc bags in their trunks. However, currently living in a small house with no garage and tiny closets has complicated things a bit; their time capsules are in a storage facility and are not easily accessible. So I’ve been on the hunt for a great way to store the kids’ school papers and artwork, beyond the current pile their presently sitting in on the bookshelf.
I so love this file box idea from I Heart Organizing — a file box with thirteen hanging files (kindergarten through 12th grade). She also provides downloadable label and cover sheet templates.
And Ali Edwards shared this memory keeper box idea. She ordered hers from paper coterie. The memory boxes (one for every year) are sized 9.75 x 13 and cost $38 each. These would even look great displayed on a book shelf (much more attractive than my messy pile).
In speaking of organizing school paperwork, I wanted to share a bit about organizing special education documents. My oldest, who is deaf with a cochlear implant, has been on an individual education program (IEP) for the past 11 years. She was diagnosed as hearing-impaired at age three and just entered ninth grade. Having advocated in nine different schools and five states, I’m pretty darn passionate about special education advocacy.
If you have a child on an IEP, one of the things I highly recommend is keeping your child’s special education documents together and organized in a three-ring binder. I actually have two: one for her medical documents and another for her special education (school) documents. I have the information divided into their appropriate sections: IEPs, evaluations, speech therapy, etc. With every IEP meeting I attended, I was able to bring my binders and have all of Kiele’s paperwork organized and there at my fingertips. I also recommend the Wrightslaw website and their books – such an outstanding resource and a wealth of information. Know your stuff. Be organized and prepared. And always remember that you are your child’s best advocate.
After graduating college, Deb Schwedhelm spent 10 years as a Registered Nurse in the Air Force. It wasn’t until she left the military that her career as a photographer began. In 2006, Deb decided to pursue her dream — she purchased a DSLR camera, began teaching herself photography and never looked back. Whether commissioned portrait sessions, commercial assignments or her ongoing personal projects, Deb always remains true to herself and her artistic vision. Deb is married to a U.S. Naval Officer and is the mother to three incredible children, who are often the subjects of her photographic work. She is currently based in Tampa, Florida. Her work can be viewed on her website, and her inspirational photoblog can be found here as well.
