Back-to-School Checklist for Teachers and Room Parents
Room Moms are the critical liaison between the teacher and class parents. Responsibilities vary from collecting money and classroom supplies, to recruiting parent volunteers and coordinating classroom parties.
Get the school year off to a great start -- the first room parent-teacher meeting sets the tone for the whole year.
Teachers: plan ahead and set clear and specific expectations.
Room parents: be respectful of the teacher's wishes and school policies.
Together you'll design a fun and successful year for everyone -- teachers, parents, and especially the kids!!
Top Things to Cover in Room Mom Meeting
- Teacher Contact Information: How you prefer to be contacted by the room parent & by the other class parents
- Class Parent Communication:
- Creation and/or distribution of class roster/contact list following school communication policies
- Is there a class web page, online group or facebook page? Who keeps it up to date?
- Policies/expectations for onging communication with parents
- Click here for sample Room Mom Letters to class parents
- Parent Involvement/Volunteer Needs:
- Ongoing parent support needs: weekly table-time helpers, readers, science lab & materials prep, recess supervisors etc
- One-time parent support needs: field trips, parties, special days (e.g open-house, career day, talent show)
- Special talents needed: E.g. music, gardening, animals, cooking that parents might like to share with the kids or in volunteer roles
- At-home involvement needed: E.g. Class project prep, organizing field trips, class website
- Materials and Supplies:
- What do you need that you would have to pay for out of your own pocket? Can parents help? E.g. kleenex, antibacterial wipes, art supplies, dry-erase markers, glue
- Tip: create a no-date online signup sheet on VolunteerSpot to ask for donations of materials and supplies
- Class Party/Celebration Dates and Plans:
- How many?
- Who plans (teacher or parents)?
- Food requirements (healthy or sweets)
- Allergy considerations
- Timing and activities/games/crafts
- Special ‘treat’ days & recognition parties
- School celebration policies
- Poicies about photographing or videotaping kids
- Tip: Don't sweat class parties. Use an online signup sheet to ask parents to help with party stations and to bring supplies. See class party planning tips in the Room Mom's survival guide.
- Class Calendar
- Create a paper and online calendar of all events and volunteer needs for the year
- Tip: Ask parents to sign up to help at the start of the year for ongoing support and class events throughout the year. It's much easier to make commitments in September than it is to recruit parent helpers in May when parent schedules are extra busy.
Please also see:
How Room Moms Can Help Manage Food Allergies
