Sep 29, Thursday

Room Parents...what they do for you!!

Wait until you meet this year's PTO-sponsored Room Parents -- they are terrific!

On Tuesday, September 13, the PTO hosted a coffee to welcome new volunteers, re-connect with old friends, share ideas, and outline the responsibilities of a Room Parent.  This front-line job working with the classroom teacher and students’ families is often the most visible of all PTO volunteers, and the one with whom families are most closely in touch.  The Room Parent stays connected with their child's classroom by coordinating activities in partnership with the teacher and families.

This year's Room Parents turned out in droves last week to kick-off the year; 46 out of 56 Room Parent were in attendance.  Almost half of the Room Parents are new to the role this year, said Room Parent Coordinator Martha DePaola; "They bring a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and fresh perspective to the table.  It's going to be a very enriching year, with the PTO and parent community coming together to strengthen the Chickering experience."

Each classroom’s two room parents put a unique stamp on their effort, working closely with the teacher.  It makes for a very tailored program.  In addition, the Room Parents for each grade work with PTO’s Hospitality Committee to host luncheons for the teachers throughout the year.  Teacher luncheons are generally held monthly on an early release Wednesday.  A thoughtful lunch prepared by parents and arranged by Hospitality volunteers is served upstairs in the Science Room.  Parents lend attractive platters and bowls; menus are organized around themes -- like "Tailgate!", "Taco Bar", and "Picnic."  The overall effect is quite impressive; any caterer would be proud of the presentation.

Teachers are grateful for the structured participation, and parents love the opportunity to contribute.  "It was a nice way for me to stay involved in my son's classroom," said Elizabeth Budd.  "Once the kids go to the Middle School, there are not the same kinds of opportunities to contribute to the learning day.  I loved being a Room Parent."

Now that coordinator Martha DePaola has hosted the kick-off, PTO Room Parents are off and running.  Be sure to attend for your child's grade-specific coffee, where you can sign up to help with in-class activities, field trips, and celebrations.

 Kindergarten   classroom-specific
 1st Grade      classroom-specific
 2nd Grade      classroom-specific
 3rd Grade       10/4   8:30 am        Cafeteria
 4th Grade       9/28   9 am            Cafeteria
 5th Grade       9/27   8:45 am        Art Room