Start here

1. Join the PTA and complete the HCPS Volunteer Form (opens in a new tab). Sign in at the office any time you’re on campus.
2. Introduce yourself and any co-room parents to your teacher. Reach out through ParentSquare or the email database lookup. Ask whether other languages are spoken in the class and whether there is an instructional assistant.
3. Check classroom supplies. Ask how the teacher is stocked for indoor recess and whether they prefer new or used donations or particular items. Ideas include LEGO bricks, board games, puzzles, and beads. Ask about the pretzel snack supply, too; room parents can request donations if the class is running short.
4. Send a “Hello from your Room Parents” letter. Include your contact information, print on yellow PTA paper, and place copies in the teacher’s box for student folders. Teachers may also forward it by email or ParentSquare. Translate as needed; Arabic and Spanish examples are already available.
5. Coordinate parent contact information with your teacher. Ask the teacher to notify class parents through ParentSquare before sharing their information with room parents. The teacher will provide the email addresses of families who have not opted out.

Throughout the school year

Fall Festival baskets

Room parents work together to create a grade-level themed basket for the Fall Festival raffle. Funds raised support PTA events throughout the year. Solicit donations from parents, collect items, and assemble the baskets. A flyer is available, and additional communication will be shared. You are encouraged to email the flyer to your class families. Please remember that Pinchbeck is a nut-free school.

Staff luncheons

Luncheons for teachers and staff take place on specific Fridays during the school year. Each has a theme, and participation is divided by grade level. The PTA Hospitality Committee organizes these events and may ask room parents to share SignUpGenius links with classrooms.

Winter parties · December

More details to come.

Teacher Appreciation Week · May

More details to come. Theme suggestions are welcome!

Teacher birthdays & favorites

The PTA website includes teacher birthdays and Staff Favorites & Wishlists. If your teacher has a summer birthday, celebrate their half birthday. A small acknowledgment and class celebration are greatly appreciated.

Things to know

Organize volunteers & donations

SignUpGenius is a helpful way to track classroom volunteers and donations. The Room Parent Coordinators can post links to specific lists on the PTA website by class or grade level, as requested.

Confirm your class count

Check in frequently with your teacher, since student headcounts may change during the year. Class counts are also available from the main office.

Plan donation drop-offs

Donations may be collected at the front office or in tubs outside the office. Let the office know when you are expecting drop-offs, and arrange to pick items up promptly; the office cannot store items long term. Ask families to clearly label physical donations with the teacher’s name and grade level.

Monetary donations

The PTA only solicits monetary donations through the Sunshine Fund. Individual parent donations to classrooms are not included in the PTA budget and are not tax deductible. Donations of items rather than money are encouraged to support participation from all families.