So, You're the New Room Mom. Now What?

You went to "Welcome Back to School" night, and 

signed up to be the Room Parent.
Now what?

If this is your first time, here are a few things will want to do.

1. Find out what your duties will be.
Will it be only planning parties? Will you act as a liaison between PTO and classroom parents?Are you in charge of  Teacher Appreciation Events? Are you required to attend field trips?

2.  Get a class list from the teacher.

3. Ask about any allergies that are present in the classroom.  You do not need to know who, you just need to know what triggers the allergic reactions so that you can avoid these items. (Also, ask about bringing homemade goods vs. store bought goods and if volunteering parents are allowed to bring younger siblings to the parties.)

4. Ask the teacher for a list of classroom celebration that you will be in charge of planning.

5. Ask about how the celebrations are financed. (Sometimes it is parent donations, and sometimes the PTO will supply each classroom with a party budget).

6. Ask if there are any other duties that you may be responsible for (book orders, graduation, etc...)

7. Get permission to send out an introduction letter to the parents.

8.  Then, write the introduction letter, including your email address, encouraging the parents to email you with their interest in participating in the classroom's celebrations.

9.  Give the letter to the teacher so s/he can proof it, make copies and send it home with the kids.

10.  Now, check your email daily.

(HINT) 11. Coordinate the year ahead of time, I hope to use one cmomgo.com or volunteerspot.com to organize my volunteers. It works well if you can get most of the families to sign on. If not, using the old email and phone calls will do the trick.