Time passes so quickly. One day, you and your preschooler roll out
cookies, take a long nap and frolic on the neighborhood playground,
and the next you watch as your little one bravely climbs onto a
massive yellow school bus that whisks him off to his new life as a
student.
If you feel the urge to chase down the bus and climb aboard, there
is a way to keep abreast of your child’s activities at school _
become a room parent.
But before you sign your life away at Back to School Night, you
should know the duties that go along with such a prestigious title.
“A room parent’s primary responsibilities are to organize volunteer
activities for class parties, field trips, special projects, and
academic support,” explains Melissa Riorda of Towson, mother of
three and eight-year veteran room mother at nearby Riderwood
Elementary. She enjoys taking the lead because it keeps her in the
loop.
“The biggest benefit is having open access to your child’s teacher.
You know everything that’s going on in the classroom because you
are always communicating with the teacher,” says Riorda, who has
even juggled the responsibility for two classrooms in the same
year. “That makes it all worthwhile.”
Most teachers realize the commitment and work the job entails and
appreciate the effort, particularly since room parents volunteer an
average of one to four hours a month in the classroom.
Monica Diaz, reading specialist at Triadelphia Ridge Elementary
School in Ellicott City, says, “Teachers look for someone they are
comfortable working with, who is genuinely interested in
supporting children’s activities, and who can work collaboratively
as a liaison between the teacher and parents.”
Diaz, a teacher in Howard County for 13 years, emphasizes the need
for a team player with strong communication skills.
“It’s not a glamour job; it can be very trying,” says Rita Hundley, a
retired teacher who taught first grade at Hampton Elementary
School in Towson for 28 years. “A room parent has to be able to
contend with the most cantankerous parents diplomatically, which
can be a challenge.”
Besides the role of diplomat, an effective room parent must know
how to juggle many aspects of the position.
Local pros offer these tips for a successful school year:
? Make an emergency call list at the beginning of the year. It will
give you an excuse to call everyone and introduce yourself, and also
provide a tool for solutions to forgotten homework and early snow
dismissals. Ask a few parents to call a portion of the list when the
need arises.
? Keep personal information private. Room parents are often privy
to a lot of information, such as financial issues, domestic
problems and learning disabilities. Use your discretion in dealing
with parents and honor their privacy.
? Get parents involved. The earlier you rally parents to help, the
easier it is for you throughout the year.
? Divvy up responsibilities. “I assigned a parent to be in charge of
each party, so everyone got involved and felt like they were
contributing,” Riorda says.
? Cooperate with the teacher. Familiarize yourself with how the
teacher likes things done and do it his or her way. After all, you are
there to support and assist in the classroom.
? Don’t play favorites. As fun as it is to be surrounded by your
friends on field trips, it is essential to rotate parents who want to
participate. Nothing lights up a child’s face more than having his or
her parent on the bus.
? Get organized. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
play a large role in making volunteer efforts go smoothly. Make
lists of work to be done at the beginning of the year, then delegate,
delegate, delegate.
? Just do it! A willing spirit goes a long way in the classroom. Do
anything you can to help the teacher, whether it’s reading to a
rowdy class or stapling endless stacks of papers.
? Flex your creative muscle. Now’s your chance to try out the crafts
you have seen in magazines and have not had the time to make at
home.
? Bring extras. Someone always forgets something, so throw a few
extra juice boxes in a cooler and grab another bag of candy. If you
ask the children to bring in a white T-shirt to tie-dye, pack a few
extra. It may save a child a world of embarrassment.
? Give ample notice, and put it in writing. If you need children to
bring in items from home for parties and crafts, but you don’t have
the time to call, send a note home well in advance.
Kathleen Howard of Towson, a room parent at McDonough School in
Owings Mills, says she uses e-mail to communicate with parents.
She also suggests planning a get-together at a local playground so
children and parents can get to know one another. “Being a room
parent was the best experience for me; I loved it!”
If you are up to the task of representing your child’s class as room
parent, the rewards _ new friendships with parents, seeing your
child’s eyes brighten as you walk into the classroom, and keeping
up on academics _ are priceless and well worth the effort.