Room Parents
The PTSA partners with parent volunteers each year to support our teachers and students in the classroom. Being a room parent for an elementary class means you're the key link between the teacher and parents. You'll help organize classroom events, coordinate volunteers, and plan activities like holiday parties and teacher appreciation efforts. It's a great way to stay involved, support the teacher, and make the school year more fun and memorable for the students.
To volunteer in the classroom, you need to be an active member of PTSA (membership must be renewed annually) and be on the school’s approved volunteer list If you have not already completed your background check, here is the background check request form. Background checks are managed by Shaun Birindelli in the elementary front office. Please reach out to her at [email protected] with any questions.
Please click here if you are interested in becoming a room parent class volunteer!
To volunteer in the classroom, you need to be an active member of PTSA (membership must be renewed annually) and be on the school’s approved volunteer list If you have not already completed your background check, here is the background check request form. Background checks are managed by Shaun Birindelli in the elementary front office. Please reach out to her at [email protected] with any questions.
Please click here if you are interested in becoming a room parent class volunteer!
Class Party Basics:
- Each K-5th grade classroom will have at least one Lead Room Parent. This parent elects to be the primary contact for the teacher and ensures all activities are not disrupting the class schedule.
- Parents who want to remain up to date on parties and teacher appreciation opportunities can sign up to be contacted to support the lead parent throughout the year. Lead parents will be sent the contact info for additional parent support.
- The school adheres to a strict four volunteer maximum for each class party. All parents who want to attend any of the four parties throughout the year should be offered a chance to do so. The lead parent is not obligated to attend all parties but they are responsible for leading the communication and coordination of the party.
Class Parties 2024
Party Schedule:
Each grade will celebrate during their specific block of time due to parking and traffic flow on Beechwood Road:
The Lead Room Parent is responsible for providing a list of volunteers to your Room Parent Coordinator before the day of the party. The office will have pre-printed name badges ready for volunteers upon check-in. K-2nd grades will send this to Christa Knollman, and 3rd-5th grades will send this to Normarys Linn.
Party Budgets: Each party has a budget of $30, funded by PTSA donations.
Expenses to throw a room party - up to $30 - will be reimbursed by the PTSA. Lead room parents, please collect digital receipts from volunteers and submit one reimbursement form per party to PTSA.
The forms are due within 30 days after the party.
Please remember that if you are a Beechwood employee (teacher/staff/sub) you cannot be reimbursed for any expenses. Someone else in your classroom should make the purchases because PTSA is not allowed to reimburse any Beechwood employee.
- Halloween party - Thursday, 10/31/24
- Holiday party - Friday, 12/20/24
- Valentine’s Day party - Friday, 2/14/24
- End of Year celebration - While there is no scheduled party, many teachers/grades have end-of-the-year traditions we can support. Reach out to your teacher to coordinate.
Each grade will celebrate during their specific block of time due to parking and traffic flow on Beechwood Road:
- Kinder - 1:30-2:15p
- 1st grade - 12:30-1:15p
- 2nd grade - 11:30-12:15p
- 3rd grade - 9:00-9:45a
- 4th grade - 9:45-10:30a
- 5th grade - 8:15-9:00a
The Lead Room Parent is responsible for providing a list of volunteers to your Room Parent Coordinator before the day of the party. The office will have pre-printed name badges ready for volunteers upon check-in. K-2nd grades will send this to Christa Knollman, and 3rd-5th grades will send this to Normarys Linn.
Party Budgets: Each party has a budget of $30, funded by PTSA donations.
Expenses to throw a room party - up to $30 - will be reimbursed by the PTSA. Lead room parents, please collect digital receipts from volunteers and submit one reimbursement form per party to PTSA.
The forms are due within 30 days after the party.
Please remember that if you are a Beechwood employee (teacher/staff/sub) you cannot be reimbursed for any expenses. Someone else in your classroom should make the purchases because PTSA is not allowed to reimburse any Beechwood employee.
Party Logistics:
Food/Snacks in the Classroom
- It is encouraged to collaborate with your fellow room parents in the grade to come up with a fun-themed day for the kids. We’ve also compiled a PTSA Pinterest page to kick start some ideas!
Food/Snacks in the Classroom
- There can be NO snacks enjoyed during the class parties.
- If a treat bag is provided, it should be put in backpacks to enjoy at home.
- All food brought into the classroom must be on the Snack Safely Guide. Please use their traditional guide for peanut and tree nut-free foods.
Teacher Gifts
Part of the fun of being a Lead Room Parent is coordinating ways to show appreciation to our teachers. While Teacher Appreciation Week is a great time to say "thank you," celebrating their hard work and dedication shouldn't be limited to just one week.
- Celebrate their birthday, Teacher Appreciation Week, end of the school year, or holiday of choice.
- Acknowledge major milestones like a new baby, marriage, or a special teaching award.
- Surprise them with their favorite lunch, drink, or snack for their birthday or just because. (Note: Alcohol is not allowed on school grounds, so avoid gifting it at school.)
- Have the students create cards.
- Consider purchasing something useful for their classroom, either for them or the students.
Make sure to reference your Teacher's Favorite Things list to make gifting simpler.
All Lead Room Parents will have access to these lists.
For more info, please email the PTSA.
All Lead Room Parents will have access to these lists.
For more info, please email the PTSA.
Due to strict National PTSA and IRS rules, PTSA funds cannot be used for teacher gifts, as only a small percentage of the budget can be spent on items outside PTSA’s mission, which focuses on the students.
- Room Parents can ask classroom parents if they’d like to contribute to a group gift or volunteer to treat the teacher to something special, like their favorite lunch or drink.
- Teacher gift purchases cannot be reimbursed through the PTSA. Any gifts should be funded by donations collected directly from parents. Since PTSA funds aren’t being used, you have flexibility in what you can purchase, including gift cards.
