The Room Parents at North Fayette Elementary School are dedicated volunteers who utilize their talents and resources to support the school’s mission and objectives. As members of the PTO Room Parent Committee we are committed to...

REASURRING teachers with collaborative support;

ORGANIZING classroom parties & events;

OFFERING volunteer opportunities to other parents;

MINDFULLY investing in the educational journey of each child.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Holiday Party Planning

The Holiday Parties are on Thursday, December 15th at 1:15. Let's plan early by discussing the party letters, gift exchange ideas (if applicable), and menu with the homeroom teachers. Our party letters should include information about the party, gift exchange (if applicable), and teacher gift (if applicable). Let's try to have our letters sent home to the parents no later than the last Tuesday, November 29th. This will give us two weeks for donation collection and follow-up calls.

Teacher Preferences: Your homeroom teacher may have preferences on teacher gifts (from students to teacher) and student gift exchanges (student to student).
  • Some teachers provide gifts to their students so that parents do not have to purchase gifts.
  • Some teachers allow the children to bring a book or gift (minimal cost) to participate in the gift exchange.
  • Some teachers do not prefer to have gift exchanges due to cultural sensitivities and cost.
The highlights of the holiday party are the gift exchange, playing with new toys, watching the movie, and eating holiday treats. If your class is not having a gift exchange, then consider incorporating the movie, some games and/or a craft, and eating holiday treats. Remember to arrive no later than 12:30 to begin your set-up and have fun!

Here are some helpful resources:

The Better Practices Guide (NFES Room Parent Resources)

Holiday Diversity (intended for teachers, but good information for room parents) http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/features/hol_diversity_index.html

The Holiday Dilemma: Finding Cultural Balance Throughout the Year (great information for teachers and room parents)
http://www.mindnurture.com/holidaydilemma

Ideas for activities, decorating, games, goodies, planning, and snacks:
http://www.ehow.com/list_6963377_ideas-kids_-christmas-parties.html

http://www.fundraiseralley.com/teachers/christmastips.html

http://childparenting.about.com/od/funcelebrations/a/Christmastreats.htm

Happy Thanksgiving

It is hard to believe the Thanksgiving Holiday is just 10 days away. As I reflect on the many things I am thankful for I pause to say thank you for your willingness to serve as Room Parents at NFES. Your contributions are making a difference. Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” I am grateful for your sacrifice of time and resources to build the youth at NFES. May you have a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!