Do you check cumulative folders before the first day?

I know that most people don't like to because they feel they want a fresh start with students. I can't help myself, it's like Pandora's box when I'm in the office. I like to look to see where I should seat students. (easily distracted etc.) So, does anyone else take a peek?

Re: Do you check cumulative folders before the first day?

Not really. I just make sure that I have the ones that I am supposed to have.

Re: Do you check cumulative folders before the first day?

I do after the first week. We're a small school though (45-55 students in a grade w/ 2 teachers per), so I know most of the student's reputations.

Re: Do you check cumulative folders before the first day?

You know, I never do until the June half days and I say to myself, "So I wasn't crazy...the kid really is a PITA!" Maybe I should save myself and do it now.

Re: Do you check cumulative folders before the first day?

I usually check them the first full week of school. Things have calmed down a bit, and I have a little more time to do it thoroughly.

Re: Do you check cumulative folders before the first day?

no! and i work with the lowest functioning kids on the grade level! i look at their IEP and that's it. and because i work 2ith 5th graders i have the fun job of purging all their files and sending only the most important things up to the middle school and NOT once was i surprised about anything i found out about it June from the folder... i learned all of that and then some during the year. the same problems in Kind. were the same problems in 5th.

mainly i dont' look becuase i like to go in unbiased and form my own opinions based on what i see.