Room Mom Questions for the Teacher

ABC's for Room Moms | Room Party Basics | Room Moms Questions
Who Pays For What? | Room Party Check List | 7 Ways to Say Thanks

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Teacher Info Form | Introduction Letter to Parents

The following article - thanks to:
Everything Elementary

Room Mom Questions
Each teacher has his/her own preferences as to how they wish to organize their classroom. Above all else, as a room parent, work with the teacher and all your efforts will have the most benefit for your children. We have compiled a list of questions to ask your teacher, and they should minimize your stress and pave the way for a very successful year.

PARTIES:

• Can you provide a classroom list so that all children can be acknowledged? (Important for planning party favors, food & craft planning, and number of helpers to recruit.)
• Do you have a listing of the parents along with phone numbers/email addresses?
• Do any of the children have food allergies or other special needs?
• How do you prefer to be contacted with questions…email, phone, note, in person during lunch or recess?
• Do you have any preferences for the party in terms of structure? For example, some teachers prefer to have one game, one craft, a snack and a book, while others give the room parents free reign.
• Would you prefer that we feed the children at the beginning of the party, or the end?
• Do you have a schedule of parties/dates for the year in which you will involve parents and/or need assistance?

• Halloween
• Harvest/Thanksgiving Feast
• Christmas/Hanukah or Holiday
• Valentine's Day
• President's Day
• St. Patrick's Day
• 100th Day of School
• Spring/Easter
• Cinco De Mayo
• Mother's Tea
• Dad's Night
• Grandparent's Day
• Earth Day
• End of School Year Celebration

• Don't panic at the length of this list – most classrooms have an average of 5 parties per year
• What are your thoughts on having pre-school siblings attend the parties?
• Is it okay to set up the room before the parties begin?
• Can we rearrange tables and chairs for the parties?
• What is the time frame for each party?
• Are there any school policies we should be aware of in our planning?
• Is there any PTC/PTO money available for the parties, or should each family donate money or "goods"?
• Are there any families with financial needs to consider?

MISCELLANEOUS:

• Do you have a schedule of field trips for the year, and the number of parent helpers you will need for each?
• What other "projects" will you have for parents to help with? (Cutting, special projects, making copies, organizing book orders, helping with centers in the classroom, compiling a classroom/individual photo albums, cooking days, etc.)
• When is your birthday?

Also see:
Room Party Basics
Who Pays For What?
ABC's for Room Moms
Room Party Check List
7 Ways to Say Thanks