Homeroom Parenting 101
Some Frequently Asked Questions and Some Great Answers!
Q: What does the term “Homeroom Parent” really mean?
A: Long ago, the term was “Room Mom”, which in this day and age seems like we wouldn’t allow Dads in the classroom! Now we have opened the door to any parent, guardian, even grandparents! In a nutshell, you, as Homeroom Parent, are the liaison between the teacher, PA and the parents. You will be asked to coordinate parties and activities throughout the year, according to what the teacher’s plans are.
Q: Isn’t that a lot of work for one person?
A: Not if you know how to delegate! Work with your teacher to receive a list of parents with phone numbers that you will keep confidential, so that everyone has a chance to participate in the class activities. Your job is to match the right parent to the right task, just by asking them what they are willing to do! If you know a parent whose child is also in the class, ask them to work with you as a Co-Homeroom Parent. This is a great way to share the responsibilities and make lasting friendships!
Q: How do I know what to ask for?
A: You will work closely with the teacher to find out what the needs will be for the year and what his/her expectations are.
Q: What information do I need from the parents?
A: A useful tool in dealing with many parents is to find out what the best form of communication will be with each one. Personal contact is always best, but some parents find the benefit of email easier than trying to call many parents in a short amount of time. In this packet you will find a questionnaire that you can use to find out the best way to contact your group. Another important piece of information is learning of any food allergies in the classroom. Find out now before any events involving food have taken place!
Q: Are there other things I might be responsible for?
A: Yes, in the grand scheme of things, there are other things that the PA may ask of you. Because you are the connection to the teacher, the scholars, and their parents, you may be asked to help us out with some of the events that we hold during the course of the year. We usually need help with the annual Jog-a-thon, Movie Night, Teacher’s Appreciation Week, and the end-of-the-year BBQ. You will have the opportunity to opt out of these events by signing up another parent from your class.
Q: What are the benefits of being a Homeroom Parent?
A: Almost too numerous to mention! You will get to know your child in a different light, and see young minds grow throughout the year. A very important reward is having the chance to help one of the few people who work harder than you do - your child’s teacher! Did I mention the occasional delicious cupcake or two?
A: Long ago, the term was “Room Mom”, which in this day and age seems like we wouldn’t allow Dads in the classroom! Now we have opened the door to any parent, guardian, even grandparents! In a nutshell, you, as Homeroom Parent, are the liaison between the teacher, PA and the parents. You will be asked to coordinate parties and activities throughout the year, according to what the teacher’s plans are.
Q: Isn’t that a lot of work for one person?
A: Not if you know how to delegate! Work with your teacher to receive a list of parents with phone numbers that you will keep confidential, so that everyone has a chance to participate in the class activities. Your job is to match the right parent to the right task, just by asking them what they are willing to do! If you know a parent whose child is also in the class, ask them to work with you as a Co-Homeroom Parent. This is a great way to share the responsibilities and make lasting friendships!
Q: How do I know what to ask for?
A: You will work closely with the teacher to find out what the needs will be for the year and what his/her expectations are.
Q: What information do I need from the parents?
A: A useful tool in dealing with many parents is to find out what the best form of communication will be with each one. Personal contact is always best, but some parents find the benefit of email easier than trying to call many parents in a short amount of time. In this packet you will find a questionnaire that you can use to find out the best way to contact your group. Another important piece of information is learning of any food allergies in the classroom. Find out now before any events involving food have taken place!
Q: Are there other things I might be responsible for?
A: Yes, in the grand scheme of things, there are other things that the PA may ask of you. Because you are the connection to the teacher, the scholars, and their parents, you may be asked to help us out with some of the events that we hold during the course of the year. We usually need help with the annual Jog-a-thon, Movie Night, Teacher’s Appreciation Week, and the end-of-the-year BBQ. You will have the opportunity to opt out of these events by signing up another parent from your class.
Q: What are the benefits of being a Homeroom Parent?
A: Almost too numerous to mention! You will get to know your child in a different light, and see young minds grow throughout the year. A very important reward is having the chance to help one of the few people who work harder than you do - your child’s teacher! Did I mention the occasional delicious cupcake or two?