How to Manage Your Inbox to Ensure You Don’t Miss School Communication

February 17, 2026

Noah Phalen

Managing your email inbox can be overwhelming and, if not planned out, it can cause stress, missed deadlines, and poor communication with your student’s school. Here are a few tips to help you find missing emails, organize your inbox, and prevent important messages from getting lost. Practicing these methods will make your inbox better organized and easier to use.

How to Check Your Spam Folder

  • Gmail: The spam folder is on the list on the left side of your inbox.
  • Outlook: The spam or junk folder might be on the main list, or there may be a "Junk email" option with a dropdown menu.
  • Other Providers: Check your email provider's settings or search their help documentation for the spam folder location.

How to Search for Missing Emails

  • Use the Search Bar: Most email providers have a prominent search bar. Search using keywords, the sender's name, or a date range.
  • Advanced Search: Some providers have filters to help you narrow searches (e.g., search only unread emails, search by date).

How to Mark an Email as Important

  • Gmail: Use the star icon next to the email.
  • Outlook: Look for a flag icon or use 'categorize' to tag with a color.
  • Other Providers: Look for a star, flag, or exclamation point icon to prioritize emails.

How to Whitelist an Email

  • Whitelisting ensures that emails from a specific sender always reach your inbox.
  • Gmail:
    • Open the email. Click the three dots (more options) next to the Reply button.
    • Select "Add [Sender] to Contacts List." 
  • Outlook:
    • Right-click on the email
    • Go to Junk > Never Block Sender
  • Other Providers: Consult your email provider's help documentation for specific instructions.

How to Create Folders and Labels

Organize your inbox by creating folders or labels (depending on your provider). This organization helps categorize and group related emails for easier access and management.

Additional Resources

Since 2003, Enlightium Academy has supported K–12 students in online, book-based, hybrid, and partner schools. Our dedicated faculty and staff, in collaboration with parents, deliver high-quality instruction and individualized learning. We focus on developing each student’s academic, spiritual, physical, social, and emotional well-being.

 

To find out if Enlightium is the right school for your family, schedule an appointment, call (509) 319-2288, or visit EnlightiumSchool.com.

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communication

About The Author

Noah Phalen

Noah joined the Enlightium Academy Admissions Department in 2022. He graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 2020 with a degree in Sport Management and a minor in Business. Mr. Phalen is ACSI certified.

Noah serves at his church by playing piano on the worship team. He has a passion for music and theatre, and he loves watching sports and playing video games in his free time. Growing up in Chicago, he’s a huge fan of the White Sox, Bears, and Bulls. Noah and his wife, Audren, were married in June of 2023.

Hear From Our Families

Don’t just take our word for it—listen to the stories of families who’ve chosen Enlightium and found success. Our community of over 5,000 online students speaks to the strength of our program and the profound impact it has on our students’ lives.

We love Enlightium!

This was our first year with Enlightium Academy and I love it for my daughter! She has grown so much spiritually and academically! The weight of having to do it all has been lifted since I have 3 small children as well. We feel supported in our homeschool life! 

Brittany R.
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Greatest homeschooling program

This program is really focused on a good education for your kids.

Kristen S.
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We went from discouraged to "We can do this!!"

The ability to adapt to our child’s learning challenges made for a smooth transition bringing joy that she is actually learning now and retaining the knowledge. We can not wait to tackle another year!

L. Allen
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Love the curriculum

Love the curriculum. The teachers are wonderful and caring. Any technical issues are resolved almost immediately and the billing department has excellent customer service

EA Parent
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We love Enlightium!

This was our first year with Enlightium Academy and I love it for my daughter! She has grown so much spiritually and academically! The weight of having to do it all has been lifted since I have 3 small children as well. We feel supported in our homeschool life! 

Brittany R.
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon

Greatest homeschooling program

This program is really focused on a good education for your kids.

Kristen S.
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon

We went from discouraged to "We can do this!!"

The ability to adapt to our child’s learning challenges made for a smooth transition bringing joy that she is actually learning now and retaining the knowledge. We can not wait to tackle another year!

L. Allen
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon

Love the curriculum

Love the curriculum. The teachers are wonderful and caring. Any technical issues are resolved almost immediately and the billing department has excellent customer service

EA Parent
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Prayers answered!

This education option has blessed our lives in so many ways. We will forever be grateful to Enlightium Academy.

Marman
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A wonderful experience

Enlightium academy has helped me so much in the homeschooling of my son. They have worked with our scheduling and been there with answers to any questions we've had. They have made this a wonderful experience.

Mandy
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My kids are making way better grades

I love the curriculum given to my kids and the teachers are very helpful. My kids are making way better grades with this program then they did in public school.

Michael
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Everything I was looking for

Enlightium Academy ended up being everything I was looking for. It offers a good, flexible curriculum that truly accommodates my schedule without sacrificing learning. Most importantly, they teach the Bible in such an amazing way. It’s just perfect—I don’t regret being part of this school for a moment.

Diliana S.
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Prayers answered!

This education option has blessed our lives in so many ways. We will forever be grateful to Enlightium Academy.

Marman
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon

A wonderful experience

Enlightium academy has helped me so much in the homeschooling of my son. They have worked with our scheduling and been there with answers to any questions we've had. They have made this a wonderful experience.

Mandy
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon

My kids are making way better grades

I love the curriculum given to my kids and the teachers are very helpful. My kids are making way better grades with this program then they did in public school.

Michael
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon

Everything I was looking for

Enlightium Academy ended up being everything I was looking for. It offers a good, flexible curriculum that truly accommodates my schedule without sacrificing learning. Most importantly, they teach the Bible in such an amazing way. It’s just perfect—I don’t regret being part of this school for a moment.

Diliana S.
blue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather iconblue filled star feather icon