Organizing a Class Party
It's always a good idea to talk to the teacher before you start planning your party and/or purchasing items to avoid conflicts like student allergies and/or certain decorations which may not be allowed (i.e. religious items). Most teachers know exactly how they want the party to run, so it is essential that you speak with them prior to making any plans.
Here are some good questions to start with:
“Do any scholars have food allergies?” Usually the teacher will have been notified if any children have food allergies, but it won’t hurt to double check with the children's parents to be sure (on introduction letter example).
“Are siblings allowed at the party?” Cornerstone does not disallow siblings during the party, but it is very difficult to watch over little ones when you’re trying to entertain (24 or so) scholars.
“How long will I have to set up before the party?” It usually takes 15 minutes to setup the classroom, so that is why you need to enlist parent volunteers and keep it simple. It is recommended that you limit classroom decorations (i.e. table clothes) and serve easy and quick party foods, etc.
“Are there any food items that aren't allowed?” Each teacher has their own likes & dislikes, so be sure to have a conversation early-on in the school year and before you start planning for the party(ies). Some items are discouraged; like soda, peanut products and candy!
“Are classroom supplies available for use at the party?” It is best practice to not assume that the teacher will let you use the class supply, so if you need to use items like; glue sticks, tape, or scissors – check with her/him first.
“Can I collect money for a teacher gift?” Yes, but it is not required. Usually a solicitation for collection is done in early December for a Christmas gift and again in early May for an end of the year gift. It is recommended that the gift(s) is/are given from the entire class and a child is not left off the “from” if their parent doesn’t donate money. Also, please ensure that you refer to the “About me” sheet that the teacher completed before purchasing a gift. Plus, feel free to share that with your
parents if they are looking for a personal gift as there is nothing like getting a gift that won’t work for you!! J
REMEMBER: You are the representative for your classroom and may or may not have a co-homeroom parent, so you will need to start recruiting parents ASAP. These parent volunteers can make or break your year!! You will need to secure your “go to” list, so that in a pinch, you know who can bring items and/or help you with classroom activities. Sending emails and/or reminders (through scholar’s binders) in a timely manner is a great way to communicate with the parents!
Here are some good questions to start with:
“Do any scholars have food allergies?” Usually the teacher will have been notified if any children have food allergies, but it won’t hurt to double check with the children's parents to be sure (on introduction letter example).
“Are siblings allowed at the party?” Cornerstone does not disallow siblings during the party, but it is very difficult to watch over little ones when you’re trying to entertain (24 or so) scholars.
“How long will I have to set up before the party?” It usually takes 15 minutes to setup the classroom, so that is why you need to enlist parent volunteers and keep it simple. It is recommended that you limit classroom decorations (i.e. table clothes) and serve easy and quick party foods, etc.
“Are there any food items that aren't allowed?” Each teacher has their own likes & dislikes, so be sure to have a conversation early-on in the school year and before you start planning for the party(ies). Some items are discouraged; like soda, peanut products and candy!
“Are classroom supplies available for use at the party?” It is best practice to not assume that the teacher will let you use the class supply, so if you need to use items like; glue sticks, tape, or scissors – check with her/him first.
“Can I collect money for a teacher gift?” Yes, but it is not required. Usually a solicitation for collection is done in early December for a Christmas gift and again in early May for an end of the year gift. It is recommended that the gift(s) is/are given from the entire class and a child is not left off the “from” if their parent doesn’t donate money. Also, please ensure that you refer to the “About me” sheet that the teacher completed before purchasing a gift. Plus, feel free to share that with your
parents if they are looking for a personal gift as there is nothing like getting a gift that won’t work for you!! J
REMEMBER: You are the representative for your classroom and may or may not have a co-homeroom parent, so you will need to start recruiting parents ASAP. These parent volunteers can make or break your year!! You will need to secure your “go to” list, so that in a pinch, you know who can bring items and/or help you with classroom activities. Sending emails and/or reminders (through scholar’s binders) in a timely manner is a great way to communicate with the parents!