·Room Parents typically help the teacher organize parent volunteers or item donations for: in classroom work, class projects, class party events or field trips.
·Different teachers use Room Parents differently, so begin the year by sending an e-mail to your teacher asking what the expectations for Room Parents are, what if anything she would like the Room Parents to do in preparation for the parent Back to School Night, and what are the current classroom supply needs that you could coordinate with parents. (A plea from the SEED Team to please buy eco-friendly supplies.)
·Ask your teacher for an up to date email listing if available. The directory is in process at the beginning of the school year and is usually not available until October, but it’s nice to have this information as soon as possible.An email listing may also be available from the Communications Officer.
·When you have a listing, send an email message to parents introducing yourself. A concerted effort is made to include both parents on all Room Parent communications unless requested otherwise.Ask families their preference. For kindergarten parents, especially first timers, the class email list is really helpful information for parents to set up play dates before the directory is available.
·Ask your teacher to introduce the Room Parents at Back to School Night.
·Grade level socials are typically scheduled by the PTO Social Officers, who will also help find hosts. Room Parents will help the host family by sending electronic invitations and finding parents to supply paper goods (plates and napkins – consider using the school colors red and white), flower arrangements, and coordinate parents to bring savory/sweet offerings.Invitations to parents should mention to bring beer or wine to enjoy as well as an appetizer or dessert.
·Telephone Tree - Room Parents may be asked to contact parents in case of an emergency. Please agree between the two or more room parents per class how you would split the class between you. Make sure you have a contact telephone number for each child (some families elect not to be included in the directory).
·Consider asking parents if they would share cell phone numbers - there have been situations where classroom volunteers or chaperones have to cancel last minute and this makes finding a replacement easier.
·Room Parents organize collection of holiday and year end gifts while ensuring we comply with the government employee ethics guidelines.
·As other needs arise, committee chairs may ask for help from Room Parents, typically through the Room Parent Chair as point person, who will send out emails. Support may be asked for all school events such as the Cookie Walk, the Auction, socials, etc.
·At the Room Parents’ discretion, organize nights out or other social get-togethers for parents to get acquainted.
·Additionally for Specialist Room Parents, please arrange a time to meet with the Specialist and help develop this role throughout the year. Specialists may need help with hanging art work, organizing the MCBA party, assemblies, etc. Refer to the above guidelines.
