Guidelines for Room Parents

Thank you for volunteering to be a Room Parent!

General

Work with teacher to co-plan all events.  The teacher must approve all classroom activities.

Agree on a means of communication with the teacher (such as e-mail or hard-copy notes/reminders) so that you can discuss upcoming classroom events in a timely manner.  

Try to involve as many parents as you can in classroom activities.  It makes things more fun, allows others parents to participate in their child’s education, and will make your job easier.  Communication via email will enable you to notify classroom parents of upcoming activities more efficiently.

The PTA Room Parent Coordinator will inform the room parents of  “Teacher Appreciation Week” dates well in advance (in the spring), along with the specific events throughout the week.  This information will also be posted on the PTA website.

All classes are encouraged to participate in these events to honor the teachers.  Families may also want to voluntarily show their appreciation individually.  A group gift is not necessary during this week since it is customary for classes to collect for an end of the year teacher gift.

Specific Responsibilities

Coordinate two classroom parties throughout the year with the teacher.

Find out from the teacher when the parties will be held.  Examples: Winter party, Valentines Day party, End of year party.

Work with the Hospitality Committee to coordinate a themed lunch for the teachers that occurs on a designated Monday afternoon in the Teacher's Lounge.  The lunch will be coordinated by each grade one time a year.  It is important to note that parents who have more than one child at Westbriar should not feel obligated to volunteer for every grade level lunch for which their child is a part. 

Contact the teacher in the fall to discuss potential activities for the year to determine the teacher’s preferences for parties and/or other activities.

Request a voluntary donation from each family at the beginning of the year.  The suggested donation amount is $20 per child which will make additional donation requests throughout the school year unnecessary.    This one-time donation will cover both class parties, Teacher Appreciation Week in the spring and anything leftover will go towards an end of the year group gift for the teacher.  Please budget our funds accordingly.  We do not want to have to ask for any extra money from parents. It is recommended that you do this early in the school year by sending a brief note home to parents (or e:mail) via the Tuesday Folder (see attached suggested letter).   Checks must be written to one of the Room Parents – do not accept checks written to Westbriar or to the PTA.

Remember that all donations are voluntary.   This should be made very clear in all correspondence with parents.

Recruit parent volunteers for planned activities.

Assist the teacher with other activities as requested.

Send a reminder towards the end of the school year that no additional funds should be collected for teacher's gifts or parties.

Again, thank you for stepping into this very important role as Room Parent!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many parties may a class have during the year and what constitutes a party?  Each class may have two parties during the school year.  Typically they are the winter party or the Valentines Party, and the end of year party.  Class party times and length are typically scheduled by the principal.  They may include a craft or other activities.  Snacks may also be provided.
2. Can there be activities other than parties during the year?  Yes, as long as they are curriculum based (i.e. Incorporate something the class is studying in the activity or a snack).
3. What events during the school year will affect Room Parents?  December – Winter Class Party; February – Valentine’s Party; March – Spring Activity ie. Family Fun Night; May – Teacher Appreciation Week; June – End-of-Year class Party; a themed lunch for teacher's one Monday during the year
4. Can Room Parents ask for a voluntary contribution from parents?  Yes, with emphasis on voluntary.  The Room Parents are encouraged to ask for a one time $20 donation from each family to fund parties, activities and a group teacher gift. When asking for contributions ask that the checks be made out to one of the room parents.   No cash and no checks made out to the PTA or Westbriar.
5. What type of letter should I send to the parents and what information should it contain?  We have prepared a sample a letter to be used as a guide.  Click Here