From class assignments to school activities, GCISD middle school students have a lot to keep track of each week. To help them stay organized, GCISD provides all middle school students with paper planners as tools for managing their time and schoolwork.
At Heritage Middle School, students begin each Monday by recording the week-at-a-glance information posted by teachers. Throughout the week, they revisit their planners to highlight important tasks, take notes and mark assignments as completed.
“The best thing about the planners is that we don’t just give them to the students and hope that they use them,” Principal Sheila Shimmick explained. “Throughout the week, they’re planning and writing things they need to complete for their classes.”
The planners also support HMS’ work as an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) National Demonstration School, with organization serving as one component of the AVID framework. Teachers have incorporated academic resources into the planners, including note-taking strategies and email etiquette to support professional writing.
“Their planners are their checklists,” English language arts teacher Lindsey Baca said. “We revisit our planners because we want to identify ‘What is my task for this week and how do we build on it?”
For seventh grader Lilly-Kate Kelley, using a planner has become increasingly valuable since she first received one in sixth grade.
“It keeps me organized, and it reminds me when stuff is due so that I can do it on time,” Kelley said. “I can put anything in it,” she added, noting that she also records athletics and weekend plans or notes that help her with assignments.
“I put little reminders about assignments,” Kelley added. “Like in Texas history, I wrote a reminder about using the vocabulary that I learned in my slide presentation.”
Classmate Alhan Budhwani agreed that the planner helps him track his schedule, assignments and other tasks he needs to complete.
The planners also create a communication tool for families, allowing parents to see what their student needs to prepare for or upcoming events. More importantly, the routine helps students develop a skill that can extend beyond middle school.
“It becomes a part of their routine,” Shimmick said. “Hopefully, they will use it in high school and then use it in college. It’s just a good life skill to have.”
Kelley said that she already sees the planner as part of her future. “It’s really helpful and if college doesn’t use planners, then I’m definitely going to get one because it’s really helpful and keeps me organized.”