Backpack Tips

Mrs. Gornik, Counselor
Peacock Middle School

How to reduce the weight of your backpack

  • In the morning take only books, folders & spirals for classes that you have before lunch.
  • Go to your locker at lunch, drop off morning supplies and take supplies needed for classes that you have after lunch.
  • Students should never carry their Math or Social Studies book. There are two copies of the Math and Social Studies book, one copy stays in the classroom and one copy remains at home.
  • Keep extra supplies like loose leaf paper, spiral notebooks, folders etc. in your locker.
  • Purchase single subject spiral notebooks that contain 70 or 100 pages in them.
  • P.E. uniform and gym shoes should be locked in P.E. locker.
  • Keep your lunch in your locker until lunchtime.

Other Backpack tips

  • Clean out your backpack at least 2-3 times a week, throw away any unnecessary papers.
  • Keep homework and handouts in your folders; do not let them float around your backpack. This will ensure that you know where your homework is and you won’t have to dig in your backpack for it. It is hard for your teachers to grade homework that is folded up, ripped or wrinkled.
  • Prepare your backpack the night before. If necessary make yourself a checklist.

If you forget a book

  • The Itasca Library has all of the Peacock textbooks.
  • The Science books are available on line.
  • And remember you should always have a copy of your Math and Science book at home.

What should you do if you need help organizing your backpack?

  • Ask for HELP!
  • You can go to your advisor or any of your teacher and they can help you with organizing your backpack.
  • See the Counselor Mrs. Gornik
  • The Counselor will also offer organization /study skills groups throughout the year that will address backpack organization.