school privacy folders

• Awards Season
• Big Stories
• Pop Culture
• Video Games
• Celebrities

How to Manage Your Junk Folder Email Effectively

The junk folder in your email inbox can quickly become overwhelming if it is not managed properly. Unwanted emails can pile up and make it difficult to find important messages. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to manage your junk folder email effectively.

Create Rules and Filters

Creating rules and filters is the best way to manage your junk folder email. You can create rules that automatically move certain types of emails into the junk folder or delete them altogether. You can also create filters that will block emails from certain senders or with certain keywords in the subject line. This will help reduce the amount of unwanted emails that end up in your inbox.

Unsubscribe from Unwanted Emails

Another way to manage your junk folder email is to unsubscribe from any unwanted emails. Most companies will include an “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of their emails, which you can use to stop receiving them. If you are receiving a lot of spam, you can also use a service like SpamCop to report the sender and have them blocked from sending you any more emails.

Check Your Junk Folder Regularly

Finally, it’s important to check your junk folder regularly for any important emails that may have been mistakenly sent there. Many times, legitimate emails can end up in the junk folder due to aggressive spam filters or other issues. Checking your junk folder regularly will ensure that you don’t miss out on any important messages.

Managing your junk folder email doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By creating rules and filters, unsubscribing from unwanted emails, and checking your junk folder regularly, you can easily keep it under control and make sure that no important messages slip through the cracks.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

MORE FROM ASK.COM

Do It Yourself Privacy Folders

I made a class set of student privacy folders during the summer after my first year of teaching. They were only made out of laminated poster board, but held up surprisingly well for nearly two decades! It was finally time for those old privacy folders to retire, so I decided to make some new ones that should hopefully last until I am ready to retire. 🙂

Have you checked out the price of store-bought privacy folders? They cost about $80 (plus shipping) for a set of 24 folders. Ouch! I made mine for less than half of the price, and they are much more unique and colorful. If you want to make yourself a set, head on over to the dollar store and pick yourself up some of these project display boards.

Each board will make two privacy folders. I bought 14 display boards to make 28 folders. Here is a picture of the final product. Notice that I shortened the length of the center part of the display board so it will fit better on a desk. The following pictures will show you how I cut and assembled the privacy folders.

First, cut each display board in half. The half-way mark on my display board was a little shy of 14 inches. I used a T-square ruler and a razor blade to make a nice, straight line. Once I cut the first display board, I just used that one as a template to measure all of the others.

Next, open up one of the privacy folders and measure 15 inches across the center part. Cut on that line as pictured.

You will remove part of the center section and then reattach the side with duct tape.

Cut at the crease so you can remove that section.

Get rid of that center piece. Or (in my case), give those pieces of cardboard to your kids so they can be creative. My daughter made three bird houses with those scrap pieces.

Then, use duct tape to attach the right side to the privacy folder. Balance it out by adding a strip of tape to the left side. I bought five rolls of patterned duct tape at the dollar store and also used some left over tape I already had at home from another project.

Now for the fun part! Spray paint the back (brown) side of each privacy folder. I used five cans of spray paint, plus a few half-empty cans I had in my basement. My husband just loves the new colorful look of his saw horses. 😉

Let your privacy folders sit overnight so they are nice and dry. Then place a strip of duct tape on each of the two outer creases.

I worked on my privacy folders over a period of three days. It was a lot of work, but I am really happy with the results. Now I can tuck them away until September, as I enjoy the next two months of summer.

Thanks for stopping by!

53 Comments

Chrissie, your privacy folders are wonderful! They sure beat the colored folders that I staple together. Guess I'd better get busy!Sincerely,Rose

Adorable! What a great idea!

Loving these! Now to find the time to make them.KimQuinnessential Lessons

They look great (and they do look like they'll last a long time)!

Thanks for the excellent picture directions. That helps a lot. I better get busy.

Wow! Never again will I remake them each year with stapled folders. Thanks for the great idea!

Wow! What an amazing idea. That is probably what the privacy folder people do and charge us a mint. Thank you for a great idea and keeping some money in our pockets!

Hi Chrissie, I am soooo glad that I found this! I was about to staple some foldrs together, but I saw this in the nick of time. Now off to the dollar store.

Ikr! Me toooo! LOL

I used cereal boxes from our cafeteria. Free!!! How do you keep your students from poking holes in the cardboard?

I wrote a message inside of mine: "Mrs. G. Is watching you!" The 3rd graders haven't tried to mess with them in 16 years:0)

Yours look great! When I made mine, I left the cardboard the way I found it. Then I glued helpful testing techniques on the inside. Thanks for sharing your cute ideas.BetiBetikempa1.blogspot.com

Great idea! Here's a tip I may try… ask upper elementary kids to donate their used science boards after science fair.

Fantastic idea. Thanks for sharing.

I made these up for my class this weekend. I didn't spray paint them but there wasn't printing to be covered so that saved a step. I think my students will really enjoy using these. Thank you!!

I have used these, but without the cutting and painting. One thing I found helpful was to personalize each one. That helped keep them free of markings, etc.

I have purchased them at Lakeshore during the summer when they are the doorbuster. They were not that expensive. However, these look very cute and unique. I love the idea. My only issue is usually they end up with holes, writing, etc. I don't think I would want to put in all of this time and then have them ruined by overactive students. Great idea! Thanks for sharing.

Thinking of using these for my kinders and putting sight words and letters to help them with their writing.

How did you prevent the cardboard from warping?

Hi! I didn't have any trouble with warping. They are nice and flat, even now after two years of use. 🙂

What a neat idea! I am going to start on this for my class next year this weekend.

Super idea!! Thanks for sharing!!

This is absolutely ingenious! Thank you so much!

I'm trying this project right now and the spray paint is coming off on my fingers of I touch them at all after drying for three days. Did you have this problem? I used Krylon Silver Metallic paint so I'm thinking I need to try a color that is not metallic.

Oh, bummer! No, that didn't happen to me. I wonder if it might have to do with temperature or humidity. I know that humidity will sometimes do that. Maybe read the can for spraying conditions (?) Best wishes. I hope it works out for you!

If you are using metallic paint, you need to seal it with a coat of clear to stop the "sparkles". Alternatively, you could just cover it with a different color which is non-metallic.

If you assign numbers to your students, simply put a large number on each privacy folder. If you have multiple classes, you can use the same numbers over and over again. When students need their privacy folder, they get their assigned number folder. If there are "markings" on the folders, you have a better idea of who is responsible for being disrespectful. I have done this for about 5 years with little to no markings. Hope this helps!

Great idea! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

What kind of paint did you use and how many coats did you apply? How many privacy folders did you end up making altogether?

Hi! I used a variety of left over spray paint cans that I had in my basement, plus some fresh, new cans of Rustoleum American Accents. They all worked the same. It took two coats of paint to cover them. I made 28 privacy folders.

Wow! These are awesome! I will be using them for my 6th Grade class this year!

I has trouble getting my spray paint to cover. I went through a can of black spray paint per folder. So I bought a gallon of paint at Walmart and my husband used his sprayer to paint both sides. (Bless him!) We hardly made a dent in that gallon. I didn't cut them because they will fit just fine on my desks. I did tape the edges and "hinges" for a cute look. I used neon to match my neon and black classroom. Love the Idea! Thanks!

I have seen the boards in color, so I will not have to spraypait. I will add an accent color with decorative duck tape. Just saved me $30 bucks from local teacher supply store. Thank you!

Colored boards would be great! That would save a lot of time for sure! 🙂

Maybe try using contact paper or using spray adhesive to attach fabric. On the inside of the privacy folders I’ve made I put encouraging phrases and test taking tips.

Did you lay them flat or fold them to store them ?

Mine are folded when I store them. Just make sure they are completely dry if you spray paint them, or they will stick.

Can you spray paint the front of the folders as well as the back? I bought mine last year and the kids wrote on the white side. I was thinking about painting the white side but wasn't sure if that was possible.

Sure! You can spray paint both sides, but it will use a lot of paint and be time consuming. 🙂

Did you laminate them after they were complete?

Hi Michele, No, I didn’t laminate them. The cardboard is too thick to fit through my laminator. 🙂 Chrissie

I’m leery about spray painting the cardboard. Can you tell me the exact spray paint you used?

Hi Kara, I mostly used Rust-oleum spray paint…the kind that says “2X the coverage” on the can. They sell a wide variety of colors at Walmart. I did also use a few other random brands that I had in my basement. They all worked fine on cardboard.:-)

I teach 11th grade, so privacy folders are kind of moot, but I like to use the project boards at dollar store for groupwork white boards. I do the ssme thing and cover in cohtact paper and they hold up for about a semester. I never thought to cut them in half though, so I may try that…get a whole year’s worth of boards out of 6 or so.

Great idea!!!

I started making these boards today! It looks like you put the tape on after spray painting….is it okay to spray paint after I taped the pieces together? Also, how did you get the tape to be so straight! You have a steady hand…for sure.

Hi Anna! I put the tape on the inside before spray painting. That is the plain white side, which I didn’t paint. The tape on the outside is just for decoration, and I did add that after the paint dried. Adding the tape first is totally fine. It will just get covered by the paint. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to straight lines. Haha.

Where did you get the duck tape for your boards? I can’t find any that’s this cute?

I got most of it at AC Moore, a craft store. Some of it also came from Dollar Tree, but I haven’t seen any there lately.

Wow!! i had so much fun making these. I have a student in my classroom from last year and she was amazed at our new privacy boards!! Thanks so much for sharing. I teach 1st grade, these are amazing. I put numbers on them this way if someone even thinks about touching these with any type of pens, markers ect… I will know who did it. I highly advised them not to write on our boards! 🙂 So far so good!

Awesome! I hope they hold up for many years to come! I bet they are beautiful! 🙂

I made mine a few years ago and we are still using them! I have a question though. They still tend to “turn in” and get in the way of their papers. Any suggestions? And I wish I would have wrote numbers on them and assigned them. They sure do love to put holes in them with their pencils!

Hi Stefanie, That’s great! Yeah, I always have to keep an eye on those pencil pokers. Haha. I bent the sides back far in the reverse direction at one point, and that seemed to help. Mine stand nice and straight and are still going strong. 🙂

I made these today! I didn’t have to cut them to make them narrower so that saved time. It took me about 4 hours to do all 30 of them. I’m definitely going to number them in hopes of deterring students from writing/poking holes on them. Thanks for this idea!!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Why Buy Privacy Shields Direct From Us?

• No middleman. Friendly, USA-based customer service!
• Our Privacy Shields were designed from teacher input!
• No account needed to use a purchase order at checkout!
• Easy to use website with simple, fast checkout!
• You’re supporting American-Made products since 2003!

We thank you for buying direct from us!

Questions regarding our products, give us a call now.

Company founders Ron and Kenny

SHOP BY USE

How fast will I get my order?

Most orders ship out the next business day. For expedited shipments call (800) 315-0741

FedEx Ground Transit Times

Which Privacy Shield Should I Buy?

In order to avoid shipping and restocking fees , remember:

Measure twice. Order once.

Use our guide to help you find the Privacy Shield that will fit your needs.

Why choose us?

• Our products have been buyer favorites since 2003.
• Purchase Orders Accepted
• Instant customer set-up
• Our products are 100% recyclable.
• All Products Made in the U.S.A
• Multiple ways to order: Online, phone, fax, email, or mail.

Low price Guarantee

You are guaranteed the lowest price from ClassroomProducts LLC. Period. If at any time you find a similar item in stock and advertised by any other dealer at a price lower than ours, Classroom Products LLC will fully protect you.* Just call us at (800) 315-0741

Also available with the same low prices at :

Providing schools and classrooms with Privacy Shields since 2003

At PrivacyShields.com, a division of Classroom Products, LLC, we know that one size and configuration of Privacy Shields does not fit all when it comes to desktop and computer testing privacy.

That’s why we are extremely proud to provide a host of different sizes of classroom shields (study carrels) that can be used for multiple purposes, like testing, reading and doing desk work.

Whether you’re using our shields to take an exam or using our portable voting booths while voting for a cause you believe in, our number one priority is protecting your privacy and integrity.

Be sure to browse our fantastic collection of products for students, portable voting booths, and other classroom privacy shields. Our desk dividers are great for those with ADD or ADHD!

• SHOP BY USE – Classroom Privacy Dividers
• CHOOSING A SHIELD
• PURCHASE ORDER INFORMATION
• SHOPPING CART

Only Our website name has changed from ClassroomProducts.com

 to privacyshields.com . . ..

All purchase orders, accounts payables and receivables will still be addressed to corporate offices at:

Classroom Products LLC 3741 Springfield Jamestown Road Springfield, OH 45502

Our vendor name will still remain Classroom Products LLC .

get resources straight to your inbox!

A Teeny Tiny Teacher

Privacy Folders

Happy Sunday night to you . . . and for all of you Big Bro watchers out there, I’m just sick, sick , SICK that Aaryn is HOH this week.  Bleck.

I’m jumping on here to write a quick post.  Although jumping is not really the right word.  I think if you know me at all, you would know that jumping is something I just do not do. 

I’ve seen some people around the blogs and on Facebook and here and there and everywhere talking about privacy folders.  Test folders.  Giant fences in which kids set up on their desks in order to cut down on all the looking and spying and cheating happening in first grade.  I mean, it’s rampant.  Those kids will just help one another out like we’re a big ole family and one for all and all for one.  Which is what I tell them almost every day except when it comes to a test.  And then I’m all, “You may NOT help your neighbor, you may NOT help your best friend, you may NOT beg your buddy for an answer, you may NOT talk to anyone, this is a SERIOUS test that the powers-that-be think we need to take and they forgot you were only six years old and as friendly as the day is long.”

I hate tests.  Even as an adult, I can’t stand the part of a staff meeting when we’re supposed to think quietly on our own and write something down on a sticky.  (Even worse is writing down what our group came up with on chart paper .)

Anywho . . . I know you can buy some expensive test/privacy shield/barbed wire fences from some wonderful places.  But if, instead, you’d rather spend your money on pom poms and paper lanterns and new Adirondack chairs for your library, well then I have a possible solution for you.  And you don’t have to write anything on a sticky or chart paper, either.

This what I use also, I let the kiddos decorate them on the outside only. I love these and agree with you why pay the big bucks.

I do this exact same thing as Jill, and we call them "offices", though "Take out your barbed-wire fences" has a nice appeal;) I let my kids take them home each year, since I'm fortunate enough to have my school buy these in bulk year after year. Costs me 0$…can't beat that! SynonymRolls&AntonymMoments

A mom made me heavy cardboard ones way back when and they have lasted. But some kids wrote in them and somehow I don't have a full class set anymore. I like your idea.

I had to laugh at your chart paper comment. My least favorite phrase in the world is "We're going to jigsaw this article and then your group will chart your responses so we can all take a museum walk and learn about the rest of the article!" Ahh!!! I hear that and my head screams "RUN!!"

Polka Dots & Teaching Tots

32 kids…EEKK!!! Oh. My. Word! I'm all about cheap. I make mine from poster board. You can get 2 out of one sheet, but you have to fold them :^( Teaching with Giggles

I absolutely love reading your blogs. They always make me laugh. Please continue to keep us laughing. 🙂

heeheehee I'm with you BlogBuddy! One minute I'm pleading with them to help their tablemates… The next minute I am asking them to do their own work. No wonder they're confused. I am missing math books #19 and #23. No sixth grader I know wanted to KEEP a math book. Consequently, the possibilities are endless… I know you will sleep better when folder #7 is back in the stack. And those little bears are there to keep your kiddos company. So your folders are just right… and now you can focus on other things that make you happy!

🙂 Kim Finding JOY in 6th Grade

I loved this post! I can totally relate to sticky notes & staff meetings:).

Jamie Laughloveteachlearn.blogspot.com

I think you would be impressed with my privacy folder concept — two manila folders NOT EVEN taped together. I like your idea better. I think I'll be taping in the next few weeks! It doesn't take much to inspire me!!

Jill ABCs and Polkadots

I do the same thing!!! Except I just staple them…much quicker, because I hate tape! lol

Thanks for making laugh out loud AGAIN! I can totally relate to you on the sticky notes and group sharing on chart paper at staff meetings!! You have such a way with words!!!! Connie Anderson:) Welcome To First Grade Room 5

Agreed about Aaron! She's EVIL! Just wait till she watches herself on reruns!

We also call them offices and make outs out if poster board. (Our school is near a paper plant that gives us as much as we want.) We trifold them also. We write encouraging words or phrases on them like: you can do it, think hard, do your best, see how smart you are, etc. it really helps to give them privacy when ever they need it. We also encourage them to use them when they are talking to neighbors instead of working. So it doesn't have to be just a testing thing. It can be used anytime.

Did you see in the tabloids that one if the three bachelors leaves on his own tonight? Dun dun dun! Patty

We also call them office in my class. I laminated mine and they have lasted at least three years, but more like four or five – I've lost count.

When we have to write on chart paper in staff meetings, I always make sure I do the writing so when it comes time to share with the whole group I don't have to since I've already done a job. 😉

Tales from a Schoolyard

OMG – I'm still laughing after reading your post … my "offices" went home this year with my kiddos because I swear a couple of them took a bite out of them! I used two files folders like you and tried to put something inspirational inside "You can do this!" Your staff meeting comments are exactly my feelings as well! I cringe inside when the chart paper rolls out; I mean, I've used chart paper all day long with my kiddos and now you want me to use it again with adults! And finally – Aaryn – there are not even any words – she's driving me nuts! Glad to hear that you think so too. Keep me laughing, please!!! Love the blog!

THANK YOU! I couldn't stop chuckling when I read the part about kids using the folder when having a bad day. Sometimes I wish **I** could pop up a privacy folder, too. Maybe I'll make one for my next staff meeting. 😉

I paid for a set of the pricey privacy shields but of course with 32 kids now I'd have to order another set. Instead, I think I'm going to just get busy with my manila folders and save myself some $$.

Ugh, Aaryn! I LOVE your folders and think I will be making some myself. Awesome!

I use the same thing, and I think mine are like, uh, seriously old. They are lookin' a BIT shabby. And not decorated at all. Unless you count pencil holes. Ahem.

Gayla Teach On.

Tell me about it I prefer to spend my money on cute fun stuff . I call my folders "offices" ! The kids love the idea and feel grown . Yes I have an allergic reaction to cubicles/offices and that's why I teach.

I love this idea! As for Aaryn…barf!

Love it! 🙂 Adding them to my to do list. Thanks!

I staple mine and it works fine…never thought about double sided tape! =) I create new ones out of old file folders each year and the kids get to decorate them! Jennifer First Grade Blue SKies

I make mine the same way,but we call them Secret Agent folders! Lisen http://www.wearesecondgradesmartypants.blogspot.com

I used some for the first time this year because a student wanted privacy, but she drew pictures on it because she said it was too boring! LOL

Wonderful idea! My daughters will love this.

Great idea and thanks for making me laugh! I love your lack of pretentiousness!!!

I am looking to number my privacy folders as well but here's my question:

How do you efficiently store your privacy folders for easy distribution and collection?

Please, help!

Latest on Instagram

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

Latest on Facebook

• Science of Reading

• Kindergarten

How to Make Privacy Folders for Students for Under $30

The beginning of the year always means getting crafty in the classroom! Of course, lots of teachers are looking to do things on a budget. One must-have in my classroom is privacy folders, but I have found that they are super overpriced online. So, I want to show you how to make privacy folders for students for less than $30.

Why use privacy folders?

You might wonder why I consider privacy folders a must-have in my classroom. I have found them to be beneficial in keeping students on task and focused on their word. Especially during independent times when I may be working with small groups, privacy folders cut down on the distractions and chatting.

They also work well for copying. During assessments, I want my students to focus on their own work, not their neighbors. Privacy folders are a simple solution. 

Lastly, some of my students simply love them! It eliminates the distractions in the classroom and other stimuli in the room. This keeps them more focused and engaged in their work.

How to make Privacy Folders for Students

First you are going to need a few materials. You need scissors, tri-fold display boards, and duct tape. The number of tri-fold display boards you need depends on the number of students in your class. You need half the number of boards for the amount of students. For example, for twenty students, you need ten boards.

For inexpensive tri-fold boards, check your local dollar store. You can often get each board for a little over a dollar.

Then, it’s time to create the privacy folders. 

Step one: Measure the tri-fold boards at the halfway mark horizontally. Draw a straight line across. Essentially, you’re going to cut the board in half, and you still want to have the folding sides. Tip: the line you’ll need to draw is super long. Measure at various spots and match up the lines to make sure your line is straight.

Step two: Cut the boards in half along the line. Make sure you’ve got good scissors. This is definitely the hardest part for me! It can be quite awkward to cut the middle, so I usually like to cut from each end and meet in the middle.

Step three: Use duct tape to “seal” the edges. The edges can be a little rough and sharp, so this protects students. Additionally, reinforcing these edges will make your boards last longer. Feel free to use colourful duct tape for some added fun.

Now your boards are complete!

I have several blog posts all about back to school season. You can read them here . Some of my favorites are 5 Things to Remember for the First Day of Schoo l and Building a Classroom Community .

• Read more about: Back to School , Blog Feed

You might also like...

3 Fun Experiments for your French Daily and Seasonal Changes Unit

3 Tips for Using a French Sound Wall in Your Classroom

4 Ways to Use French Task Cards at School That Your Students Will Love

Find what you need, browse by category.

• Back to School
• Loose Parts & Sensory
• Social Studies

Looking to do some phonics based shared reading?

Hi! I'm Caroline

I’m a maman, cat lover, and a creator of French teaching resources. I am passionate about creating high-quality, engaging French resources your students will love and that will save you precious prep time!

Want some FreE RHYMING ACTIVITIES?

Join my mailing list and get a free pack of French Science of Reading aligned rhyming activities. Perfect for primary students!

Join our Mailing List!

Sign up for our mailing list to receive a FREE French Phonics Guide for le son /a/, including activities and lesson plans!

Privacy folders can be purchased, but they certainly are expensive.  And, I must admit if I had my students using the privacy folders a great deal, I would shell out the money and purchase a set.

However, in my math classroom, we much of our time collaborating and the need for privacy isn’t a priority.  About the only time privacy folders are necessary are when the students are taking a math test or when a student is having difficulties focusing.

For me, spending big $ on folders just was not necessary.  So, here are the privacy folders I made all by myself!

The materials needed included colored file folders, glue, colorful duck tape and access to a laminator.

Step One:  Overlap two folders and glue.  I overlapped mine about 5 inches.

Step Two:  Next  I trimmed the folder tabs on both ends.

Step Three:  Laminate for durability.

Step Four:  Once excess laminating film is trimmed, jazz up the folders by applying colorful Duck tape.

I applied tape on the seams where to two folders meet and on the ends.

I am really happy with the finished product!  An added bonus…finding space to store is not an issue.  They can easily be stored in a small space.

I have to admit somewhere along the line I saw pictures of this style of privacy folders.  I don’t remember where however.  So if you know where the idea for these first originated, please let me know.  I would love to give credit to the creative soul who came up with the idea.

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)