We have been trying this idea for 2 years now. We sent info home a few weeks ago so that we can have a room parent for all 21 classrooms. We got 2 responses. It just makes me so sad that parents at our school don't want to get involved in any way. Good luck to you!

What website did you find some of your info on...
I took over as Head Room Parent this past year-- I have a 3 page conde of conduct if you will from room parents-- what their responsibilities would be --list the parties that they come in for, a master list of their class party donations, which parenets signed up to bring during the open house etc.

FAQ's--
*What to do if I can't make it to a party.
*What to do if I'm missing a treat or paper product for one of the parties...
*If I have a probelm during the party, who do I contact
Hope this helps, Doreen

I've been trying to put together a handbook of sorts. It has two calendars, one for the school, and then one for the year. An intro letter, PTO board member contact info, blank pieces of paper for any notes that they may have, and ABC's for room moms from a website that I found. The website talks about how a room mom is really to help out with the parties, but I want the room moms to know that they can do more and will be used more then just for parties.

I've been wanting some type of FAQ's page, but I just can't think of anything to write!! So if anyone has any ideas to put in the handbook, it would be appreicated!!! [img]smile.gif[/img]

A handbook is an excellent idea. Go for it if you can.

Don't worry about trying to make it "perfect" the first time out. It is better to get something down on paper and then discuss how to improve it over time than spend all your time taking about it and never making it happen.

Is it possible to get a copy of someone's handbook? Unfortantly most of our prior years info has disappeared. And if yours works, I don't want to reinvent the wheel. Thanks! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We also used to have a principal who was against the idea of room parents. She felt it excluded people. My guess is that in her view one or two room moms do everything themselves and don't reach out. Anyway, we got a new principal who was all for it. We stress - and stress - delegation. That the roll of a room mom is to reach out to other parent volunteers and not do it all themselves. Not only will they aliente people but may get burned out and resentful by the end of the year. I'm rambling - but we do provide a handbook. It talks about keeping private what you see in a classroom, turning off a cell phone, not bringing siblings to the class, offers a class list (before the directory is done) has samples of donation sheets for parties, or collections for testing snacks, etc. My associate leads a meeting in the fall and one in January (last night) to set expectations and answer questions. And, yes - you will appeal to moms who see volunteering in the class not at all the same as being in the PTO. Generally, we have the room parent meeting before the PTO meeting and the room empties out in between. It is baffling, but the room moms leave and then a few PTO moms trickle in. Our hope is that over time, we will gradually gain some of those room moms in PTO. But if not, it is a way to increase your volunteer base and involve more people.

Hope that helps.