Always try to clean you desktop before you go home. Once you make a habit of it, it will become second nature--or so I've heard. I'm still working on this one.

Be selective about what you keep on your desk. If you don't use it at least three days of the week, store it somewhere else.

Put a table or bookshelf near your desk and use it to store items that you need on a regular basis. Make sure it is for teacher use only.

Use stacking trays or upright organizers (whichever you prefer) to hold important papers, teacher's editions, etc. Use each tray/compartment for different types of information. For example, one tray can be for extra copies of blank forms, while another can be for extra copies of recent assignments. You can find the trays/organizers at most office supply stores, and even Wal-Mart or K-Mart.

The second section is parent communication. I have a list of ways I communicate positively with my parents:  happy gram, personal conference, phone call, happy note mailed home.  I have all students listed so I make sure everyone gets each of the communications during the year.

The third section is conference notes.  After one particular hairy conference with a parent who accused me of numerous wrongdoings and then going to my supervisor with things I never said, I came up with a sheet I fill out during a conference that I have the parent sign when we finish.  This gives me a reminder of what we discussed, and since I have had the parent sign the sheet I haven't had any other parent problems.

The fourth section is long term planning.  I have a page for each month.  On the pages are monthly reminders for things I want to do.  For example, on my pumpkin unit in October I want to remember to do a graph of our favorite pumpkin face.

The fifth section is faculty meeting notes.  I take brief notes during a meeting to transfer onto my monthly calendar. 

Having everything in one place keeps me from constantly looking for something.  Everything is right at hand.  Since I started this 3 years ago I haven't lost anything and have gained so much!

I've been using a Palm Pilot for record keeping of my students. I record needs, progress, grades, anecdotes, points discussed with a parent, etc. This eliminates a lot of paper shuffling and is very handy.