September 2025: Staying Organized (Back to School Edition)

For most of us, it isn’t long after the arrival of a new school year that someone’s lunch box goes missing or someone forgets to put their homework in their folder. Organization matters—even in the small details. With that in mind, here are a couple of strategies to minimize missing items and keep routines running smoothly.

Tools & Systems

• Weekly checklists and to-do lists

• Planners and agenda books

• Color-coded folders or notebooks for each subject

• Labels on lunch boxes, water bottles, and supplies (no more mystery water bottles at the lost-and-found!)

• Digital reminders or alarms (your future self will thank you)

• A family calendar for big assignments, projects, and activities

  
  

Daily/Weekly Habits

• Keeping a clean workspace 

• Cleaning out backpacks, binders, and folders

• Homework routines (same time, same place = less stress)

• Restful sleep routines 

• Packing backpacks and lunches the night before

• Setting out clothes for the next school day

• Reviewing upcoming assignments or tests at the start of each week

• Quick “end-of-day reset” — putting away books, supplies, or devices before bed

Little things like this may not feel huge in the moment, but they save a lot of energy later. The fewer times you have to hunt for a missing worksheet or water bottle, the more time you have for the stuff that matters—whether that’s finishing a project, spending time with family and friends, or just relaxing.

Wishing all VTO families a smooth back-to-school season!

Until next time, 

Anoushka Majumder

Vice President and Curriculum Director of English, VTO