Merry Christmas

The Gift of Time

Through each year we enjoy the newness of spring, the warmth summer, the beauty of autumn’s colors, and the anticipation of winter’s snow. As we celebrate this holiday season let us pause to reflect on how we pass time. Robert W. Merriweather stated, “Time is the most precious gift one can give. Each moment is unique because it will never happen again…the gift of your time spent with others is the ultimate display of unconditional love.” Thank you for giving the gift of time to so many this year…your family, workplace, friends, church, and NFES. As you celebrate this season, continue to give the gift of time to others and yourself...relax, read, and reflect. May you have a very Merry Christmas!

Meeting Minutes - December 9, 2010

Minutes from NFES PTO Room Parent Committee Meeting

December 9, 2010 @ 5:30

I.    Call to Order:

II. Guest Speaker Jade Bolton, NFES Principal thanked Room Parents for their commitment to the school. She mentioned the classroom parties are a highlight for the students. Principal Bolton relayed the importance of parental involvement in the classroom and the good example for the children. She closed with an invitation for Room Parents to contact her or Vice Principal Spicer if assistance is needed.

III. Unfinished Business:

A. Teacher Expectations/Room Parent Responsibilities - Room Parents provided an update of their working relationship with their homeroom teachers. Each communicated they have a good understanding of their teacher's expectations.

B. Feedback on Fall Character Day Party - Room Parents provided feedback on the Fall Party.

1. Overall, most classrooms had a well planned party, but one classroom had a food shortage.  The group suggested the Committee implement an emergency communication system to use when problems or shortages occur during parties.

2. The group discussed financial support/donations from parents - A few classrooms did not receive enough financial support so the Room Parents had to pay out of pocket for party supplies and food. The Room Parents were encouraged to use follow-up notes, email messages, and telephone calls to remind parents about the donations. Also, the group discussed using another method (instead of asking for financial donations ask for specific items).

C. Room Parent Expense Report - Room Parents were reminded to submit the Expense Report and Receipts to their homeroom teachers after each party.

IV. New Business/Open Forum:

A. Holiday Party (December 16^th @1:15) - Discussed upcoming party, planning, and expectations. Room Parents were encouraged to work closely with homeroom teachers on party activities

B. Room Parent Blog - Room Parents mentioned they have accessed the blog and find it very helpful. No suggestions for improvement. 

C. Online Room Parent Documents - Room Parents appreciate having easy access to the forms and find them easy to access via NFES' website

D. Teacher Assistance - Room Parents advised they do not have a weekly or monthly classroom volunteer schedule; however, they assist with events (field trip, projects, etc.) as needed. A few Room Parents work in the classroom or volunteer for PTO activities a few times a month when they are available.

E. Ideas & Suggestions for improving the Room Parent Role/Committee - Room Parents expressed their appreciation for having an organized forum and support.

1. Suggestion to have more meetings.

2. Suggestion to meet when there are no conflicts with PTO meetings.

3. Suggestion for implementation of an emergency communication system to use the day of parties.  

F. Q&A

1. A Room Parent inquired about asking parents for donations for classroom supplies (hand sanitizer, tissues, etc.). Room Parents were encouraged consult with their homeroom teachers regarding classroom supplies. Teachers may already have a system in place to solicit additional supplies for the classroom. 

V. Adjournment - Next Meeting: Thursday, February 17 @ 6:00 p.m.

Agenda - Room Parent Committee Meeting

NFES PTO Room Parent Committee Meeting

December 9, 2010 @ 5:30 (BEFORE PTO Meeting)

I.                    Call to Order:

II.                 Minutes from October 21^st meeting: (see below)

III.               Guest Speaker: Principal Jade Bolton, NFES

IV.              Unfinished Business:

a.      Teacher Expectations/Room Parent Responsibilities

b.      Feedback on Fall Character Day Party

c.      Room Parent Expense Report

V.                 New Business/Open Forum:

a.      Room Parent Committee Mission & Objectives (R.O.O.M. – Reassuring, Organizing, Offering, Mindfully)

b.      Holiday Party Preparation (December 16^th @1:15)

c.      Room Parent Blog (Access, Usefulness)

d.      Online Room Parent Documents – NFES website (Access)

e.      Teacher Assistance (Weekly/Monthly Parental Volunteers)

f.        Ideas & Suggestions for improving the Room Parent Role/Committee

VI.              Adjournment:

a.      Q & A

b.      Next Meeting: Thursday, February 17^th at 6:00 (following PTO meeting)

Minutes from October 21^st Meeting

·        Call to Order:

·        Ice Breaker: R.O.O.M. (Reassuring Ours & Others Mindfully)

·        Unfinished Business (Information):

o       Room Parent Role

o       Room Parent Committee Forms

o       Value of Teacher/Room Parent Meeting

o       Value of Room Parent Introduction to Parents

·        New Business/Open Forum (Discussion):

o       Teacher Expectations/Room Parent Responsibilities

o       Online access to Room Parent forms – NFES PTO website

o       Recruiting Other Parents - “Tips and Tools of Successful Recruiting!”

o       Monetary & Non-Monetary Contributions from Parents

o       Party Sign-up Letters

o       Financial Accountability – Room Parent Expense Report

o       Best Practices - Room Parent Best Practices Guide

o       Q & A

·        Adjournment: