It came home in backpacks, tote bags, and grocery bags the last week of school.  No need to let it marinade all summer in the back hall.

Let’s sort it and the children and teens can help.  Set all the paper aside for the minute, and let’s get the low hanging fruit. Let’s pull out what can be salvaged for next year’s back to school--the scissors, the glue, pens, protractors, calculators and bag them up for August.  The worn crayons and pencils can be poured into the house stock for homework next year or bagged for summer trips.  Ready to deal with the papers?  Recycle any worksheets like fill-in-the-blank and multiplication tables right away.  Consider artwork, handprints, and essays for archiving. Finally, note any dates or events from school newsletters and recycle.  Feels good right? Enjoy the summer!