Using Gmail in my classroom

I currently use Gmail for constant communication with fellow staff members, parents, and students.  I have to admit that I do not currently have very many labels or groups created and my inbox is cluttered.  I would like to start creating more labels and using the important filter for emails from parents that would need to be documented for future conferences and report cards.  I would also like to use the settings tab to turn on the alert for urgent emails.  Sometimes we have field trips that are dependent on parent helpers or bus drivers and it would be easier to have their email pop up as soon as it is received instead of constantly trying to check my email during teaching times, in hopes they have responded.