A: At BPC, they are one and the same. The room parents (usually numbering 25-30) as a group = Parents' Circle, and collectively we take responsibility for making sure the 20-odd events of the school calendar run smoothly. We don't put on loads of fundraisers. Just Soiree/Auction in the Spring, and usually a small fundraiser of some kind in the Fall.
Q: Do Room Parents end up having to do the jobs that no one else wanted?
A: In reality, 98% of volunteer tasks get picked up by parents during the all-school sign-up in September. When someone has to cancel, they find a replacement directly or by messaging their class. It's actual become pretty rare that you have to step in.
Q: I'd like to be involved, but my spouse works late and those evening meetings are just impossible.
A: You're not alone. First off, there's usually at least one room parent who doesn't attend meetings. You could be that person, taking on the volunteer reminders (for one event during the year) and/or the teacher appreciation. Second, some parents bring their (older) child to the meetings and they read in the library foyer. Finally, some room parents split up the meetings so they only have 4.
Q: Is it really true that you get the inside scoop on what's happening behind the scenes at BPC?
A: Yup! ;- )
