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Room Parents

Thank you for your interest in room parenting! Below you’ll find more information about what room parenting is like at the International School of Portland.

Each class will have 1-2 Room Parents to help the teacher coordinate field trips, class parties and special class activities.

The Room Parent communicates with the other families in the class about:

  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Class party information
  • Specific information requested by the teacher or Parent Network
  • Most importantly, the Room Parent delegates tasks to other families!

5 TIPS FOR NEW ROOM PARENTS

  1. Meet with the teacher to find out her/his expectations and needs for class activities
    • Have a planning session at the start of the year (before Curriculum Night if possible)
      • Discuss field trips & parties
      • Determine what events will take place with other classes
      • Figure out if/where they need help – copies, lamination, etc.
    • Check in often to see if there’s anything you can do
    • Check the school calendar so you know what’s coming up
       
  2. Attend Curriculum Night, introduce yourself and present a sign-up sheet for parents for all the main school functions, such as auction project, basket, parties, festivals, memory books, webpage, etc.
    • Ask for a few minutes to talk to parents
    • Have the sign-up sheet ready to go (template provided - you can give parents access via Google Docs etc. after Curriculum night to encourage people who did not show up to still sign up!)
    • Keep it brief – it’s the teacher’s time!
    • On the sign-up sheet, list a Coordinator and then helpers.  Most parents will at least sign up to be a helper.
       
  3. Communications: create an email distribution list of all the parents in the class; keep it updated throughout the year in case of any enrollment changes (you can always find the up-to-date list on MySchool App!).
    • Shutterfly Share Sites provides a free site to share photos, email parents, and create a calendar of events
    • Give ample notice for classroom events
    • Try to consolidate messages – parents don’t read all of their emails
    • Use a signup sheet to coordinate volunteers
    • Post lists on bulletin boards outside classrooms
  4. Stress the need for someone to take charge of the auction art project and class basket since that is an important function of the year.
  5. Send out reminders of every function to parents and ask for volunteers when needed.  Stay in touch with the teacher and they will let you know if they need anything.

Coordination Tasks

Field Trips

  • Help the teacher find chaperones
  • Help the teacher schedule trips
  • Coordinate with other classes as appropriate

Parties

  • Use a signup sheet for food items (or use class budget to purchase)
  • Be aware of the teacher’s desire to have or not have sugary snacks
  • Don't leave a mess for the teachers or Facilities staff

Class Expenses

Expenses such as costumes, class celebrations (2 per year) and up to 6 curriculum-related field trips per year are paid for by the school when these items are budgeted by the teacher. If parents do spend money on behalf of the school, such expenses must be preapproved through the ISP purchase order and reimbursement process (see section on “Expense Reimbursement” in the ISP Parent Handbook).

Room parents or other parents should not be collecting money from class parents for a class fund. Room Parents may opt to collect voluntary contributions for group teacher gifts (ie holidays, end of year, etc). Class photo books should also be optional.

Record Volunteer Hours

It is very important to record your volunteer hours! Any time you spend being a room parent goes toward your volunteer hours. Encourage your parents to do so as well. This is done through MySchool App – Resources section.

REMEMBER- Don’t do it all – DELEGATE!

  • Ask for help
  • Show appreciation for assistance!

Resources

  • Parent Network – ISP Staff Support: dev@intlschool.org
  • Parent Network Chairs: parentnetwork@intlschool.org
  • All staff contact information: intlschool.org/contact
  • Auction Chair: auction@intlschool.org
  • Development Department (good for all fundraising questions): dev@intlschool.org
  • Marketing & Communications: marketing@intlschool.org


If you ever have any questions, please get in touch!