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 APT 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.
    • Party Planner - Coordinate party details with teacher, collect needed items for party and file reimbursements as needed.
  • 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 room parent will receive a list of parents email contacts for your classroom.
      • If you'd like more detail list, please purchase our School Directory. Remember this directory is to not be shared.
    • Room Parents are required to BCC recipients in class communications.
    • We also recommend to CC your teacher and any additional Room Parents. 
  • 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.
  • High Five Fund
    • Discuss the teacher's plans and needs for the year, including any anticipated party or gift preferences
    • Note anything that may not be covered by your class/grade budget and flag it to your Room Parent Coordinator as soon as possible

APT MEETINGS

Room Parents are asked to attend at least one APT General Meeting during the year. This is a great opportunity to get updates on budget, upcoming events, and to ask any questions you or your parents may have.

 

Meeting dates can be found on the APT General Meetings page.

 

 

HIGH FIVE FUNDS

 

The High Five Fund covers all classroom gifts and parties, so Room Parents don't need to ask families for individual donations throughout the year. Instead, families are invited to give a one-time gift at the start of the school year, and the APT allocates funds to each class for teacher gifts and grade-level parties.

 

As a Room Parent, you'll meet with your teacher early in the year to go over their plans and needs, and the APT will send your class/grade budget in mid-August. If anything comes up that isn't already covered by the budget, reach out to your Room Parent Coordinator as soon as possible so it can be planned for. Under no circumstances should Room Parents ask their classroom for additional monetary or physical donations.

 

If purchasing items up front isn't feasible for you for any reason, please email our Treasurer at treasurer@sequoyaapt.com and we'll arrange to purchase the needed items on your behalf.

 

 

REIMBURSEMENTS

 

After purchasing items for a class party or event, Room Parents can submit a reimbursement request using the Reimbursement Request Form.

 

When filling out the form:

  • Committee/Event: Enter your grade level and the event (e.g., "3rd Grade Halloween Party")
  • Category: Select High Five Fund
  • Receipts: Attach all receipts for your purchase

You can choose to receive your reimbursement by mailed check or Zelle.

 

 

MONTHLY BULLETIN BOARD SIGN UP

 

Each month, our teachers update their classroom bulletin board, and the Room Parent is responsible for setting up a sign up form so parents can volunteer to help. We recommend using a SignUp Genius account. Since every grade and classroom is a little different, you'll want to check in with your teacher directly about their preferences before making the sign up.

 

Many teachers have a set theme for the board along with specific items they'd like displayed. Ask whether they prefer volunteers to stick strictly to the materials they provide, or whether they're open to a parent taking some creative control with the layout and design. Boards should generally be updated around the beginning of each month, though some months may have different deadlines, so it's worth confirming the timeline with your teacher as well.

 

One important thing to keep in mind: the board will also be used for Art Walk, which typically takes place the last week of April. Some grades want specific artwork featured for this event, while others simply need a clean, neutral background so students' regular Art and Art Masterpiece pieces can be displayed on top. Because of this timing, it's a good idea to clarify with your teacher whether the April 1st board should already be set up for Art Walk, or whether the "May 1st" board should actually go up about a week early to be ready in time for the event.

 

 

STAFF FAVORITES LIST

  • Find your teacher's favorites under Resources > Staff Favorites.
  • NOTE, some forms are from previous years. Check the date on it! If it's old then you can mention to your teacher to consider updating her details!
  • 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.