Guidelines

We recognize that special celebrations create wonderful social times and memories for our students.  We ask that when room parents plan all parties they go over every aspect of the party with the classroom teacher.  So that all grade levels enjoy similar events, please follow these K - 6 guidelines:

• Halloween Party is 1 hour with treats and games.  Only room parents are present.
• Winter Party is 1 hour with a treat and simple craft project.  Only room parents are present.
• Valentine Party will be opening of valentines and enjoying a treat that the parents provided.  Parents do not stay for this party.
• End of year Party
  • Grades K - 3 typically hold individual classroom parties.  Kindergarten party is based at school, whereas other grade levels may choose to go to a nearby park. 
  • Grades 4 - 6 typically hold grade level parties at a local park. 
  • All parties are not to exceed a morning or afternoon time, excluding lunchtime.  A balance of structured and unstructured activities are appreciated by the teachers.

Special Note:  Please check with the teacher regarding all plans, and also for food allergies.

Planning Procedures

It is recommended that room parents follow these steps in planning for all classroom parties: 1. Once a party outline has been created, a copy must be submitted to your classroom teacher for approval. (There is a sample party outline in your folder for your reference.) Please do this well in advance of the party in order to accommodate your teacher’s schedule. Do not proceed on party plans until your teacher has provided you with feedback.*

*Classroom teachers are directly responsible, per the district, for all party arrangements – just as the teachers have direct liability and responsibility for all school-related functions. As such, a cooperative working agreement regarding party arrangements for the year must be maintained and developed early in the year between the classroom teacher and the room parents.

2. Check for food allergies in your classroom. This is very important...we do have children at Ogden that are seriously allergic to certain foods.

3. Please consult with your teacher with regard to how many parent volunteers are allowed at each party.

4. Insure that all parents are aware that, due to safety concerns, pre-school children are not allowed to attend the classroom parties.

5. Don’t forget to have someone take pictures. (Forward copies to the yearbook coordinators through the mailbox in the school office.)

General Policies and Practices

• With the exception of the end of the year party, all parties are to be held on the school grounds due to liability factors. Dr. Boudreau must be notified of any off-site parties. The teachers will generally coordinate the distribution of parent permission slips in the event of an off-site party, but they may want room parents to handle.

• All parks used for an end of the year party must be reserved through the appropriate Park District office. It is recommended that you contact the Park District early in the calendar year for the best selection. Also, the Park District will request a Certificate of Insurance. These are available from the school office.

• Additional monetary donations for a party may not be requested from the parents.

• Try not to contact a parent who filled out a party volunteer form more than once in a school year for donations of time or supplies.

• Reserve any special party space at Ogden (i.e., playground, etc.) by filling out a building use form in the school office well in advance of your scheduled event.

• All party favors must be of a non-religious nature.

• Take great care in selecting your tools for a craft or party activity, keeping in mind the safety of the children. For example, avoid the use of super glue, hot glue guns, sharp instruments, etc.

• All party locations should be cleaned up following each event.

• Whenever you cannot attend to your duties as a room parent, it is your responsibility to find another parent volunteer to take your place.

• Room parents are encouraged to attend PTC Meetings held monthly at Ogden. See your school calendar for dates and times.

Resources

This website lists helpful links to other websites that contain many party planning ideas. In addition, our local libraries have copies of current magazines and books that may help you generate ideas for your event.

General Craft & Game Links
Family Crafts
Kaboose Printable crafts & activities for kids
Hands-On crafts for kids
FunAttic List of kids games
AllCrafts - general crafts
Family Fun

Kaboose Halloween crafts
Halloween crafts & activities
All Halloween Site

Winter Party Links
Kaboose winter craft ideas
Winter crafts & activities