Room Parents

Do I want to be a room parent?  What does a room parent do? 

We know you have questions, and we want to try to answer them.  And if you can’t find the answer you are looking for here, then please contact us!  Click here to send a message to our room parent coordinator

What does a room parent do?

First, it’s important to remember that every teacher is different.  Some teachers might want more help than others.  But, in general, room parents provide the teacher with help with things like

  • Parties
  • Field trips
  • Special events
  • Communication with class parents

Class Parties

Does helping with the class parties mean you have to do a Pinterest-worthy spread?  No, not unless you want to!  Generally, you might be asked to plan a snack and activity, communicate with the other parents to get items sent in, and then attend the party to help with the activities.  But again, it depends on the teacher which holidays are celebrated and how.  The important thing as room parent is to communicate with the teacher and help out with what they need.

Field Trips

Does being room parent mean you will need to go on all field trips?  Not necessarily.  Again, it depends on the teacher.  Some field trips don’t need many parents.  Or there might be plenty of other parents who can go.  You can talk to your teacher about your schedule.

Special Events

In November, TCES has a Silent Auction.  Each grade level works together on a gift basket to be auctioned off.  Typically, the room parents in each grade work together on ideas for the basket.  Then each room parent communicates with the parents in their own class to get the basket items donated.

Communication with Parents

Each year, the PTO provides the room parent with contact information for the parents in their class.  The room parent can use that info to email parents about class parties, the Silent Auction, etc.  Also, a few times throughout the year, you might be asked by the Room Mom Coordinator to help spread the word about an event coming up at the school.

Please note:  When you email the other parents in your child’s class, put all the email addresses in BCC to keep each parent’s contact info private.

I’m a Room Parent.  What do I do now?

So you’re a room parent.  What’s next?

We suggest sending 3 kinds of emails to your child’s teacher.  This helps break the ice, and it may make the teacher more comfortable asking for help!

  1. Email your teacher to let your teacher know the days and times that you are free and see if they need any help in the classroom
  2. Email about 2 weeks prior to any field trips to see if the teacher needs any help
  3. Email a few weeks prior to each holiday and ask if the teacher is planning to have a party and what you can do to help

Need more help or advice?  Please contact us!