Teachers really are superheroes. But even superheroes need a sidekick. Room parents can make a big difference in helping teachers find a bit of breathing room, and ensure the parent-classroom relationship is a strong one.
What does it mean to be a Room Parent?
This is a great opportunity to strengthen the home - school relationship in your household and provide support to our great Timber Lane teachers! It’s also a nice way to meet other parents and kids in your child’s classroom.
Your specific job as a room parent does depend on what your classroom teacher needs. Generally, room parents provide support with planning classroom celebrations and gathering donations for teacher gifts.
If you are interested in signing up or to learn more about the role and ask questions, email Chelsea Gurney at roomparents@timberlanepta.com.
Keep in Touch with your Classroom
To make sure you're connected with the latest classroom-specific updates, use this form to submit your contact information to your classroom room parent. Please complete one form for each child you have enrolled at Timber Lane.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FROM ROOM PARENTS
1. What’s the time commitment for room parents?
Depends on the teacher; most times of the year, the commitment is minimal. You may spend an hour or two a month but most of your time is spent as you get ready for the critical times of the year (holidays, Teacher Appreciation, end of year celebrations).
2. What’s the best way to communicate with the other grade level room parents?
The Coordinator will email you and the other grade level room parents to introduce you all to each other at the beginning of the year; it’s helpful to have a group text established or an email distribution list created moving forward. Each grade level room parent works as one big team most of the time, despite being assigned to one specific teacher.
3.What’s the best way to communicate with the other parents in the room?
A google form is being sent to all parents who want to share their info with room parents. The room parent coordinator will share this with you. At other times you can distribute information to the class by asking the teacher to send out messaging to the class via Talking Points or by printing a handout that you can leave in your teachers box at the school office. Your teacher will then distribute in Wednesday folders.
4. How do you recommend collecting money for the class gifts?
It’s helpful to provide a number of options: Paypal, Vemno, cash or check donations collected by a designated room parent is an easy way to ensure that everyone who wants to contribute can. Parents can also send money with their child in an envelope marked to your attention via the PTA Box in the office. You will get a pre-written (english and spanish) form that you can fill in and send out to the class.
5. How do I engage with my classroom teacher?
There will be a beginning of the year mixer (October) where some teachers may be present, however, most likely you will need to reach out via a group email to introduce any class room parents and ask some starter questions. Sample questions:
- How can I assist with class parties or celebrations and what dates will they be?
- Would you like parent volunteers to help during the school day? If so, would you like the room parents to organize these volunteers (guest readers, snack pantry, etc)?
- Are you planning any field trips this year? Would you like help organizing chaperones?
- Do you have any wishlist items for your classroom? Will you be creating a classroom /Amazon wish list?
- Are there any other ways room parents can support you this year?
