Eleven individuals were interviewed, including a diverse group of students and staff. Starting with incoming freshmen, Emberely and Randy Thrower; Randy keeps all of his assignments in a digital calendar and tracks homework on his computer. “I’m not very organized, but I try to keep my backpack clean,” says Emberly. “High school is a lot different from middle school, and there is a lot more homework,” says another freshman who remains anonymous. Brightyn Boyer and Javier Soto, both sophomores, were also asked how they stay organized during the year. Brightyn says,” I make to-do lists and I keep a physical and digital planner. I also keep really neat notes that I can look back at later.” Javier says he keeps all of his schoolwork in his backpack. “I check IC for assignments and sometimes use my notes app.” Next, three juniors were asked how they stay on top of assignments. Junior, Grace Howell, stays organized by designating a folder and notebook for each class. “I’ll put my homework and assignments in my notes app to look at later,” Grace says her system works well. Isaiah Lyons and Santiago were interviewed next.  Isaiah says, “I have a binder for each class, and I check IC.” Santiago says, “Talking to teachers is important. I also use a binder.” Isaiah and Santiago also use the Notes app to keep track of assignments. Jacob Martinez, a senior and athlete, doesn’t have an organizational method. “I just do it when I do it, keep it simple,” he says. Four staff members were also asked how they stay organized. Breana Anderson, “Mrs. B,” always keeps a physical planner and makes sure to keep all of her appointments and information in one place. Mrs. Parr, a Physical ed. teacher, keeps to-do lists and loves sticky notes. “Deadlines, deadlines are super important.” She also writes urgent matters or things she needs to remember on her hand, along with keeping a planner. Custodial staff, Ken Strayer and Austin Abel, say good communication is super important. They also use their phones to set reminders and keep a consistent routine. Finally, a security specialist, Iesha Williams, uses a physical planner and her phone to stay organized and keep track of everything. After interviewing multiple people, the most common way to stay organized is to use a digital or physical planner. The next most common method is to set reminders and utilize your phone, such as a calendar or the reminder app.

Overall, students each have an organizational method that works for them. New technology is a great tool that helps students when others prefer to use a reliable, handwritten planner. Keeping track of homework and assignments is essential, especially when the school is just starting off.