ABC's for Room Reps

WHAT IS A CLASS ROOM REPRESENTATIVE? (room rep)

• The primary purpose of a room rep is to host the 3 classroom parties.
• Help with Field day activities
• Walk with the class during our Healthy Walk
• Most teachers also rely on parent helpers to assist with field trips, help on cooking days, and organize book orders.
• Generally works directly with the teacher to organize parent volunteers and relay information to the other room reps.
• Recruits additional volunteers for specific events, and assigns the commitments for the many events during the school year.
•  Sends out letters to parents regarding class parties, field day, homework helper list, etc. during the school year (after conferring with the teacher)

WHAT DOES A CLASSROOM PARTY INVOLVE?

• Classroom parties take place during the school day. They are usually one hour in length, and involve games, crafts, snacks, and favors. Each class has its own party, and all the activities should be age appropriate. The parents are the "hosts" of the party, although the teacher will always attend the party.
• The 3 big party events at HHE are:
• Fall
• Winter
• End of the Year Celebration
• Other potential events for the classroom are:
• Thanksgiving Feast
• 100th Day of School
• Earth Day

HOW CAN I BE MOST EFFECTIVE?

• Respect the teacher's wishes. Just because "Mrs. Smith did it this way last year", don't expect all teachers to be alike in their needs.
• Be as organized as possible at the beginning of the school year, and you will find that all the other parents will sign up to help more, and follow through with the commitments they have made to help.
• Send out recruiting and commitment letters as soon as possible. Seeing a commitment on paper is so helpful.
• Ask  others the to be involved, and doesn't put undue burden (financial or time) on one individual.
• Follow up with a phone call a few days before the party. Never assume that everyone will just show up as planned!
• Organize a binder or folder to gather the class list, parent list, notes from the teacher, filled-out "homework helper" forms, Room Party Checklists, and any other correspondence.
• Practice your delegating skills and most of all, take the time to enjoy seeing your child in his/her classroom!

Room Party Basics!

Each teacher has his/her own preferences as to how they wish to organize their classroom. Above all else, as a room parent, work with the teacher and all your efforts will have the most benefit for your children. Know that every teacher has different expectations. Some teachers will give you a party plan, laying out all the details for you to execute. Others will await the party as anxiously as the children to see what fun you have prepared for them! ALWAYS check with the teacher FIRST.

• If you are the one running the party, plan to arrive half an hour before the party is to commence. Unload all of your props and goodies as close to the classroom as possible without disrupting the class.
• Make arrangements with the teacher to have the classroom available for set-up 15 minutes before the party starts. ( many teacher will allow you to be in the room after school the day before your part to set up)
• Ask all party volunteers to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the party to set up, and finalize plans.
• Always add a few decorations. Simple table decorations can make all the difference in the world in the fun quotient! Balloons, streamers, curling ribbon, and plastic tablecloths are inexpensive, but go a long way in making a room look festive.
• Start and end the party on time.
• Bring everything you will need for each game and craft. Don't assume that the teacher will have masking tape or a glue gun if you need those items.
• When planning parties for younger children (under 10), or if you are working with a limited amount of time, we recommend you divide your activities into "stations". Recruit enough parents/helpers to work at each station, and divide the children into small groups—four to five in each group works best. Have the party guests spend no more than 10-15 minutes at a station, then blow a whistle, or ring a bell and have everyone rotate.
• Select a couple of games, a craft, or read an age appropriate book to the group while the snack is being prepared and served. Always plan two or three extra games or a craft just in case you finish faster than anticipated.
• If awarding favors and prizes, make sure that  you have enough and the party ends with identical treasures in everyone's hands!
• Always plan to have extra snacks available so that the teacher and parent helpers can enjoy them also.
• Above all else, be flexible, and have fun! Our precious children and the important events we celebrate with them should be savored and treasured.

  

Classroom Holiday Parties!!!

Class parties will be held in two sessions this year

as follows:

Wed. Dec.17th^th ~ Kindergarten, 1^st & 2^nd grades

Thurs. Dec. 18^th ~ 3^rd , 4^th & 5^th grades

 

    

 Classroom End of the Year Parties!!

Class parties will be held in two sessions this year

as follows:

Tues. June 2^nd ~ Kindergarten, 1^st & 2^nd grades

Wed. June 3^rd ~ 3^rd , 4^th & 5^th grades

    

 

* Note: ALL volunteers and classroom helpers MUST be registered Broward County Volunteers. Please check in at the front office to obtain a badge BEFORE going to the classroom.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

If you have any questions please contact Jennifer Stanish, Room Rep Program coordinator.