How I put together a simple yet impressive portfolio.
a. I use the 6 week assignment list, with their school to do's written on it, as a school log. I simply readjust it by filling in additional things done and updating, in case they missed something, and then print this out every 6 weeks. At the end of the year I have a 6 page summary of all they did.
b. I fill out a grade score chart, with the scores from the tests they did each week. So on one sheet I have the the scores written out for the whole school year. (I use the 6-marking-periods-of-6-weeks-each school year division.)
c. I collect all their tests, making sure they are graded and corrected.
d. I look through their books, particularly L.A. or writing, looking for any stories they wrote, essays, creative writing etc and set them aside.
e. I gather their art from the folders we saved them in throughout the year. Together we organize it, frame it or arrange it nicely and place it in plastic sheets.
f. I make a one page summary of all they learned that year, such as: adding fractions, N-V sentences, road safety, of course split up into their respective subject frames.
g. Once I have it all set aside, I place everything in a folder. First the diploma/certificate(which the children get after completing school), then the summary, the grade score chart, then each subject following the other etc. along with their art.
h. Lastly I look through our photo archives, taking all photos pertaining to school/projects/activities and make a scrap book style page(s) and put that as well in plastic sheets and in the folders. 
Quite simple, does not take up too much time, but does the trick. School officials who have seen them were very impressed.
However, I am always on the lookout for new and better ways to do things. How do you work your portfolios? Any interesting ideas?
School year ends for us this weekend. Every year we have some form of celebration. The past few years we made a home graduation party. This year will be different. How, I do not know. It is still in the planning stages...I know I am not keeping up here...the boys said they wanted to go camping. We'll see!!
What have you done for your end-of-the-year celebrations?
Made a thank you card today for someone who gave us flowers for our garden. Was planning a simple card with my 4 year old. Ended up a 3 hour job, with some help from my 11 year old as well.