Anonymous wrote:Case-it zipper binder. Keeps stuff from falling out.

These are so big and bulky.

Zippered binders get so heavy and it's one more thing to carry. Folders and 5 subject notebook seems the way to go. You've got to make room for the Chromebook as well.

Our MS did not allow kids to bring their own laptop. Kids were required to use the school-issues Chromebooks.

Is this the same in HS? Can a HS kid bring his own laptop?

OP here - thanks for the advice!

I agree that she needs to figure out a system for herself. Just looking to see what others may have done (versus what I did decades ago!).

Anonymous wrote:My oldest used a binder and loose leaf in HS. Freshman year, she had a course that required a separate binder with dividers. So that year, she had two.

My rising 11 girl has used folders and one 5 subject notebook. Nearly every handout has been digital.

My rising 11 boy has used folders and loose leaf. He’s gotten more hard copies.

Teachers usually provide hard copy handouts pre-hole punched so the binder hole punch was a waste of money for my oldest.

There is no additional cost to hole punching handouts on the copiers...

My oldest used a binder and loose leaf in HS. Freshman year, she had a course that required a separate binder with dividers. So that year, she had two.

My rising 11 girl has used folders and one 5 subject notebook. Nearly every handout has been digital.

My rising 11 boy has used folders and loose leaf. He’s gotten more hard copies.

Teachers usually provide hard copy handouts pre-hole punched so the binder hole punch was a waste of money for my oldest.

DS preferred a binder with a section for each class. Some teachers will want an individual notebook or composition notebook, you’ll learn this the first day of class. Make sure to get paper with reinforced holes. Definitely worth the extra money!

By high school your kid should have their own preferences. I always liked binders. Others liked notebooks and folders. There's not a wrong answer. Depends on what you prefer.

Let your HS student pick/choose what works for them as far as theor organization and their studies.

My HS kid brings 1 binder with sections for each class (and 3-hole punch) for handouts. Has a bigger binder at home when completed with a unit. Has some loose leaf paper but mostly takes notes on a laptop though.

Anonymous wrote:Case-it zipper binder. Keeps stuff from falling out.

For HS? That seems like more of an ES/MS thing.

Case-it zipper binder. Keeps stuff from falling out.

Just a pocket folder for each class, and some loose leaf paper

If you want to prepare them for college then one binder for each subject and lots of 3 hole paper or notebook that can be put into binder. Get a 3 ring punch that goes in the binder for anything else that needs to go in.

Kid starting high school in the fall.

One friend recommended 5 separate notebooks with folders for each subject. Another friend recommended a 5-subject notebook. School hasn't said anything.

How does your high schooler organize his/her stuff?