ROOM PARENT INFORMATION

Each teacher at Sequoya has a volunteer Room Parent(s) that help keep each parent involved and updated at the school. The

 

Interested in being a Room Parent this year? Let your teacher know once you receive your classroom assignment!

NEW ROOM PARENTS

 

Being a Room Parent is a very rewarding and fun way to get involved with your child’s classroom. Sequoya is an amazing community because of the support of our staff, students and families.

Below are the guidelines for the Room Parent role. The PTA is always happy to hear about your ideas and learn from your experiences - reach out to us at roomparent@sequoyaapt.com anytime to share.


FIRST MONTH OF SCHOOL

  • Connect with the other Room Parent volunteers from your class, if any. Decide upon possible roles or combine! This way you can divide and conquer. 
    • Communications - Sends all emails to class. Creates sign-ups for parties, including supplies and volunteer opportunities.
    • Treasurer - Collect donated class funds. Manage spreadsheet of collections and spendings. Provide periodic status reports.
    • Gifts/Party Planner - Curate gifts for teacher. Coordinate party details with teacher.
  • Use the Introduction email template (linked at the bottom of this page) to reach out to your class. Be sure to include the best way to get in touch with the Room Parent(s), whether that’s email and/or phone. This first email is also a great opportunity to solicit Class Funds, as detailed below.
  • Create a plan for the year, including a tentative budget for teacher gifts, a schedule of class events, and potential volunteer opportunities.

 
MEET THE TEACHER

  • Classroom Directory
    • Each teacher will receive a list of parents email contacts for your classroom. 
    • Best practice is to always BCC recipients in class communications.
  • Classroom Wishlist
    • Check-in with the teacher about helping gather supplies on their wishlist.
    • We share the online Wish List for each teacher but we ask our Room Parents to ensure that we have the correct linked wish list and that it is up to date!
    • Periodically, ask if there is anything they really need “now,” or for upcoming projects, that may be procured by the families - especially around our end of year events. 
  • Schedule Parties and Events
    • Make a list of celebrations for the year and brainstorm tentative dates/locations (if outside the classroom) with the teacher
    • Plan to firm up details 3-4 weeks prior to the party. Ask for a copy of any volunteer/supply signups the teacher may have started
    • Create a Sign-up Genius, or gather volunteers via email, to help with the party. Be sure to include all details and supplies needed.

 

CLASSROOM FUNDS

  • Use the Introduction email to begin the Class Fund.
  • Give different collection options, such as Venmo, Zelle and/or setting up a time to collect cash/check.
  • Work with your fellow room parents on whether you'd like to do an "all in" amount at the start of the year or ask for each event. (Birthday, Teacher Appreciation, Holiday etc.)
  • Create a Sign-Up Genius for party items, classroom or teacher Wish List supplies, and/or Staff-Teacher Appreciation Week. 
  • Donations are always suggested, NOT required! All gifts MUST be on behalf of the entire class regardless of a family’s ability to participate in donations.
  • Keep good records of funds received and expensed. We've provided a simple template if you'd like to utilize one however it is not a requirement. We recommend whomever is in charge of the funds keeps a record in the event a parent inquires. 

 

GIFTS

  • Recognize classroom teacher birthdays, winter holiday, and the end-of-the-school-year
    with gifts. Teacher Aides should also be celebrated. Consider a group gift with other classes from same grade for grade-level Teacher Aide(s).
  • All gifts should be on behalf of the entire class, regardless of a family’s ability to contribute to the Class Fund or individual gift.
  • Communicate with families throughout the year, especially at the time of celebrations, with how funds are being spent. Explanations and photos of gifts are nice to include.

 

STAFF FAVORITES LIST

  • Find your teacher's favorites under Resources > Staff Favorites.
  • NOTE, many forms are from previous years. Check the date on it! If it's old then please take the time to ask your teacher for a fresh intake.
  • Share the Favorites link above with your class. If you don't see your teacher/staff member, please let us know at roomparent@sequoyaapt.com.

 

STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK

  • Each classroom door will be decorated the week prior to Teacher Appreciation Week. We will have a sign up list for each door including all specialists and enhancement classes. 
  • The Staff Appreciation Chairs/Committee will provide details to this volunteer as this special times draws nearer.

 

ROOM PARENT TOOL KIT

 

Here are a few references to get you started in the role. If you are new to keeping group emails confidential, there are some good videos found online depending
on your email platform.

 

Again, we appreciate your dedication to making Sequoya the best! Please email questions to roomparents@sequoyaapt.com.