School sends home a paper calendar.

I look at it.

Think:

Oh, that’s useful.

Then I put it somewhere very logical.

And apparently that “very logical” location exists in another dimension because I never see the paper again.

So now I photograph it.

Immediately.

The Hack

Before the school calendar gets:

Stuffed back into a backpack.

Covered by mail.

Moved off the kitchen counter.

Used for a child’s art project.

Take a picture.

Now you have a backup.

But don’t stop there.

Move the important dates.

Look for:

Early release

Teacher workdays

School holidays

Picture Day

Spirit Days

Performances

Field trips

Special events

Testing dates

Then put anything that affects your family into your digital calendar.

I don’t need every piece of school information on my personal calendar.

I need the things that change what our family has to do.

Bonus Hack

When you create the calendar entry, include the details.

Instead of:

Spirit Day

Try:

Spirit Day — Wear blue + gold

Instead of:

Field Trip

Try:

Field Trip — Class shirt + disposable lunch

Now Future Me doesn’t have to locate the paper again.