I am a new middle school parent this year(7th grade) and our school was chosen to recieve a large grant from the state to help improve parent involvement.The asst. principal at our school has expressed an interest in giving the cafeteria a makeover, possibly using a cafe theme using some of these funds. Hopefully parents would be willing to help with this school improvement.Any ideas to share on this topic or do you know of any websites or other resources I could use? (Our mascot is the eagle) There is also a wonderful oudoor area right off of the cafeteria that I would like to incorporate.
I might add I am feeling a bit overwhelmed this year since my son is still at the elementary level and I am trying to help both schools. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Why not survey teahcers, parents and students on possible themes?

or go with murals painted inside to incorporate the outdoor (eating area?) or a small garden

or make them look like different types of bistros, cafes, etc (maybe using the school polpulations ethnic backgrounds as ideas)

My big question is how does improving/remodeling the cafeteria increase parental involvement? are the parents in charge of the makeover? indoor and outdoor?

Maybe use a portion of it (the grant) for a PTO/PTA/Parent center, if a room or space is available

I am kind of thinking the same thing about how this project would increase parent involvement? Yes, the parents would be in charge of the project. Thanks for your ideas. We are in the process of getting a parent room complete with one or two laptop computers.
The grant we recieved is huge! I guess we are kind of in need of ideas on how to best utilize this money to get more parents involved.

Does the grant spell out do/donts for uses. Not that the cafeteria idea isnt good but remodling another facility (owned by the school/public) might be a no-no

Can it be used to enhance other programs (ie more than 1) for example Dad and Donuts/Moms and Muffins as a remodeling kickoff (or not), reading nights, homework/activity/afterschoolclub, family nights (movie, games etc)