Frequently Asked Question

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does the term “Room Rep” really mean?

A: The Room Rep is any parent, grandparent, guardian, etc. willing to serve as the liaison between the PTA, teacher, and your classroom's parents. You will be asked to coordinate parties, classroom assistance and other activities throughout the year, according to your teacher needs.  You will also coordinate Teacher Appreciation Week in May.

Q: Isn’t that a lot of work for one person?

A: Not if you know how to delegate! Collect contact information for all parents and use this list to ask for help! If you know a parent whose child is also in the class, ask them to work with you as a Co-Room Rep or solicit one from your list.

Q: How do I know what to ask for?

A: You will work closely with the teacher to find out what the needs will be for the year and what his/her expectations are.  I will also be emailing you important information from the PTA that we will need you to distribute to your contact list. You can also reach out to us at 

Q: What information do I need from the parents?

A: Their name, their child's name, email address, and a phone number. An easy way of collecting this information is to work with the teacher by putting together a Class Directory. Send out a form requesting this information to the parents.  Please note: teachers are not allowed to give share contact information with you.

Q: What do I do first?

A: Three things: (1) Talk to your Teacher about their needs; (2) compile your Class List; (3) send out the welcome packet in Thursday folders to the room families identifying yourself and letting them know you will be looking for their help throughout the year.

Q: Are there other things I might be responsible for?

A: Yes, as the connection to your teacher and classroom families, you may be asked to help us communicate PTA key events that we hold during the course of the year. 

Q: How do I fund the class parties?

A: As part of your welcome packet to the parents, you will be asking them to donate $25  for the class fund.  The class fund will be used to fund all the class parties, Breakfast and a Book, Teacher Appreciation Week and the End of the Year Celebration. Don’t be discouraged if not everyone donates.  Work with what you have! 

Q: How do I know what my teacher likes?

A: All the teachers have been asked to complete a “favorite things” list.  You can find this list in the office on the shelf above the volunteer sign-in binder. 

Q: What is expected for teacher appreciation?

A: How your class shows appreciation for your teacher is up to you and the parents in your class. . We will provide you with a “favorite things” list from your teacher that can be a great source of inspiration. Examples of teacher appreciation gifts include gift cards, a coffee and muffin brought in for breakfast, flowers or balloons, handwritten cards, books/supplies for the classroom, or anything else you think would make your teacher feel special and appreciated.

Q: What can I ask parents to supply for the class parties?

A: You can ask parents to sign-up for food items, drinks and paper products.  You will also want to ask for parents to volunteer during the party and for a designated photographer.

Q: How and where should I post a sign-up sheet for my upcoming parties?

A: You can create a sign-up sheet and post it in the WhatsApp group. You may also consider a paper sign-up sheet you can put outside the classroom. 

Q: What food should I ask parents to sign-up for?

A: For classroom parties, classrooms are allowed to bring one sugary item (i.e., cupcakes, cookies, etc.).  The other items should be healthy options.  Ask your teachers for their recommendations/policy on party treats.  Be sure you plan for any children who have specific food allergies by either offering items that everyone can enjoy or asking their parent to bring something for them.

Q: Are we supposed to use the class funds to get the teacher a group gift for the Holidays?

A: No, the class funds is for the class parties, teacher appreciation week and the end of the year celebration.  Parents typically do their own thing for the Holidays.  If you are asked to help coordinate a group gift and are willing to do so, that would be an additional expense.