From Robin Dandridge, current and continuing Parents Circle Head:
Being a room parent at BPC can be a rewarding experience. Certainly it has been for me. Maybe this next one will be the year you do it!
Our remarkable school depends on the parent body for support during about 20 events each year. The primary purpose of the Parents Circle and room parents is to help make that happen. In recent years, room parents have opted to divide up the tasks so it's better defined and less burdensome for each (e.g. 'the email guru, the event guru, and the faculty care-taker'). Another way to look at it: there's a mix of project management, strategic thinking, individual and group problem-solving, plus staying on top of the calendar and reminding fellow-parents about upcoming responsibilities.
The rewards of being a room parent include gaining a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes with the BPC faculty, board, admissions, fundraising, and other internal processes. But it's also spending time with other dedicated parents, with a shared intention of making a real difference in our son's and daughter's lives!
The rewards of being a room parent include gaining a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes with the BPC faculty, board, admissions, fundraising, and other internal processes. But it's also spending time with other dedicated parents, with a shared intention of making a real difference in our son's and daughter's lives!
This is a serious commitment that lasts the entire year - September through June (& maybe even a few emails sent over the summer!). Most grades have chosen a 2-3 person room parent team, and that seems to work best.
What's the workload? During the average week, there might just a bit of email conversation for one or more of your team. But leading up to big events like the Picnic, Halloween or Soiree, there will be several hours of work involved for some room parents. There are also the monthly meetings, where one or more of your team represents your class.
What's the workload? During the average week, there might just a bit of email conversation for one or more of your team. But leading up to big events like the Picnic, Halloween or Soiree, there will be several hours of work involved for some room parents. There are also the monthly meetings, where one or more of your team represents your class.
We need great people with wisdom, lots of energy, and a deep desire to help BPC realize all that it has offer. This volunteer cadre makes our school different, and frankly, is essential to BPC's success!
If you're ready to join the Parents Circle, reach out to your current room parents today. You can also find out more by coming to the last meeting of the year, which happens to be a dinner party at Laura's house on Tuesday, May 17th., at 7 PM. Location: 1111 Hollywood Ave, Oakland, California.
