Use your computer to create a contact sheet. The sheets should have room for the student's name, address, home phone, each parent/guardian's name and phone number, and emergency numbers. Below the information print lines across the paper, as well as on the reverse side. At the top of the lines are column headings for Type of Contact (T for telephone, W for written, and P for in person), Date of Contact, Person Contacted, and COMMENTS. Use these sheets to document contacts of any kind. Create a sheet for each student and put them in a notebook. Carry the notebook to the phone with you and record the essence of the conversation. Also record written communication and personal contacts. During a parent conference, the book is a magnificent support tool for the teacher. Once the parents see that all contact has been documented, they are uneasy with making allegations that they might not have been informed of a situation requiring their attention. The book is also a great resource when it comes time to document a request for consideration of administrative action on an individual student. We all tend to forget many little things that we do, and this just makes our job that much easier when the crunch hits, providing us with memory-joggers of relevant contacts.

Use hanging file folders to keep any and all correspondence from parents and copies of notes to parents from you. Create a folder for each student and keep them on your desk. Keep this file all year and only destroy it when school is out.