Room Parent Information
Guidelines and Recommendations

2009-2010
developed collaboratively by Principal Audra Fladung and the Stonegate PTA

 

Classroom Food Policy

• It is the policy of the Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education that only store-bought, pre-packaged food be brought into the classroom for parties, snacks, etc.  While everyone loves the idea of home-baked goods, there is no way to control the quality or contents of the food unless it is store-bought with required labeling.  Some children have allergies and are sensitive to even traces of allergens in food.

Class Celebrations

• There are generally three parties celebrated in the classroom which are organized and run by the Room Parents:  Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and an End of the Year Party.
• Each teacher and grade level has their own way of celebrating these traditions.  Room parents are asked to meet with the teachers to discuss party expectations, including party timing, food preferences, decoration needs, activities, parent participation, etc.  Staff members request that decorations are kept to a minimum and that parties include some kind of craft and/or game and food treats.  Halloween and Valentine parties should be typically held at the end of the day for approximately 60 minutes.  End of Year Parties are held for approximately 60-90 minutes.  Room parents should arrange for volunteers for each party and communicate teacher expectations.
• Birthdays may be celebrated with a special snack/treat donated by parents of the birthday child (based on food policy).  Parents can contact the teacher directly to arrange a birthday celebration.  Birthday celebrations are to be planned for approximately10-15 minutes and are to be held at the end of the instructional day or during lunch.

Soliciting Money from Families

• Room parents are responsible for the collection and use of class funds.  Small monetary donations can be solicited for parties.  A lump sum is usually requested early in the year, and is budgeted for each of the celebrations throughout the year.  A recommended amount per family is $12-$15 dollars; with $15 dollars as the maximum.
• Harvest Festival funds will be extracted from the total amount collected; approximately $2-3 dollars per class.
• Please communicate to all families that donations are optional.  All children should be included regardless of donation.
• Any other donation requests made by the Room Parent should be cleared with the principal.

Phone/Email List

• A phone/email list should be developed to quickly contact all parents to update them with any classroom information or to ask for volunteers.

updated 11-Sep-2009