We also send home a letter/flyer at the beginning of each school year. We set up a table at orientation each year w/sign up sheets for room "parents". One thing we did a little different this past year which seemed to work really well is, we had room parent teams for each class, 2 to 3 parents for each class & then one head room parent for each grade level that worked very closely w/the team leader for that grade level & w/the Volunteer Cooridinators. I think it made everyone's job a little easier. Our volunteer coordinators only had to deal w/3 people (we have 2 coordinators) and the each head room parent only had to deal w/5 or 6 parents & it just trickled down the chain. From what I heard through out the school year everyone really liked this system. Room Parents really do a lot of work for the classes & I don't think a lot of people really realize that fact. We have a room parent "handbook" that has all of their responsibilities, I would be happy to share if you want to look at it.
At the beginning of the school year we send home a flyer asking parents to return it if they are interested in being a homeroom chair or helper. We try to assign a different person each year if possible. The homeroom chair coordinates class events such as parties, helping the teacher, chaperoning field trips,etc. The homeroom chair will call their list of helpers to get items for parties, find parents who can help out the teacher or chaperone and they hep coordinate the items needed during teacher appreciation week, etc. I also wanted to have these chairs be responsible for the games assigned to their respective classes during our spring carnival and for getting items for spirit baskets to be auctioned. (never quite got off the ground but each class would be assigned a theme and parents would donate or have items donated to fill up their baskets.)
I am pto pres at a new school. This was our first year open after consolidating. This year went so-so. I am hoping to be pres for a second term, we haven't voted yet, and I am planning for next year. I had little help this year. Secretary never showed up, VP came to meetings but never did anything else and Treas. works so much she didn't have much extra time. VP caused lots of trouble and has worked against me on just about everything. This is one of those people who is not involved for the right reasons. But that's a whole other topic.
I am wanting to assign room parents for next year with the hopes that it will help me, as well as teachers, throughout the school year. We've never done that even at our old school. We have 27 homerooms and almost 500 kids so when I need volunteers I have to call anyone and everyone hoping to find a parent who can help. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can go about finding a room parent for each room? What should I explain to interested parents that this title will mean? Any advice anyone can give that will help me get this going will help bunches!
