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 29^th. 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