As the captain of this voyage, there are more important things to do than locate and put away supplies and answer endless questions such as how to spell a teacher s name or find a room number. Supplies used during the production cycle or information that will be repeatedly referred to during the year should be stored in designated locations which are clearly labeled. Materials such as floppy disks, rulers, wax pencils, scissors, and photo labels should be easily accessible to the staff. Plastic storage drawers are great for organizing small supplies. Sturdy binders should be used for class rosters, ad contracts and completed layouts.
Bulletin boards are also useful for displaying deadlines and section designs.
Have section editors write type specs on the back of a sample spread, then laminate it and post it in the room for future reference. Failure to put away supplies at the end of a class period should be viewed as a serious crime equal to treason. Consider appointing a class secretary who can police staff members who have not yet realized that their mothers are not there to pick up their messes. Rigid expectations for neatness and order at the beginning of the year will pay off immensely as the year progresses Create a master plan Complete a detailed ladder, theme packet and deadline schedule as soon as possible. This master plan, which should be completed no later than six weeks after school starts, should include more than just the story concept for each spread.