Room Parent FAQs

WHAT ARE THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF A ROOM PARENT?

• Communicate with class teacher(s) to determine needs/interests in for class parties/activities

• Take a collection from the class to be used throughout the year for class events and teach gifts; be accountable for how class funds are used

• Provide monthly written communication to class parents regarding upcoming class activities/parties and school-wide events

• Organize and assist in facilitating class parties or recruiting other class parents to assist

• Respond to any communication from the PTO executive board within 48 hours

CAN I BE A ROOM PARENT IF I HAVE NOT RECEIVED HARRASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING TRAINING YET?

• No, all parent volunteers assisting in/outside the classroom must complete the online HIB training

• You only have to do the HIB training ONCE; it is not needed every year

DO I NEED TO BE A PTO MEMBER TO BE A ROOM PARENT?

• Yes, you must pay the yearly fee ($10) prior to being assigned as a room parent

• As the liaison between the teacher/school and other class parents, it is imperative that you attend PTO meetings to be aware of various events and planning

WHAT OTHER OBLIGATIONS DO I HAVE TO THE PTO AS A MEMBER AND ROOM PARENT?

• Room parents must attend at least 3 PTO meetings per school year

• Chair, co-chair, or volunteer at at least one fundraiser/event during the school year

• Be a representative of the school and PTO; behave in a manner that sets a positive example for all students. *Any room parent that displays conduct not deemed appropriate by the Executive Board will be removed as a room parent immediately

SHOULD I ATTEND EVERY PARTY, ACTIVITY, PROJECT, ETC?

• No! This is not mandatory. The room parent is expected to coordinate with the class teacher(s) regarding dates and items needed for parties/activities; however, the PTO encourages room parents to have other class parents volunteer and assist at parties/events. *You will need to ensure that any parent volunteers have contacted the front office to be HIB trained.

WHO PAYS FOR THE SNACKS, SUPPLIES, PAPER GOODS, ETC FOR PARTIES AND ACTIVITIES?

• Room parents will collect classroom funds that can be used for class parties and/or teacher gifts (see attached example letter to parents)

o The suggested monetary amount should be reasonable and the room parent should also note that any monetary amount will be accepted

o Room parents should be able to account for how all class funds are spent

• Room parents may also ask for volunteers to donate/bring in items for specific events (Signup genius is often used for this)

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE A CONFLICT WITH THE OTHER ROOM PARENTS THAT CANNOT BE RESOLVED?

• Room parents should contact the executive board immediately of any conflicts.