September 22 Parent Group and Principal Coffee

Mr. Donner graciously provided snacks and coffee and shared some resources and updates with parents.  There were only a few of us in attendance, since the automated text service wasn't working correctly.  We talked about early dismissal Wednesdays, which are to give teachers more time to work together on curriculum and communication.  Parents shared that having them without a specific pattern is a bit confusing (and challenging for working parents, I have heard).  We also discussed having AM and PM parent group meetings. We decided to try having both AM and PM meetings each month for a while and see if people come to the PM meetings.  I (Rachael) shared my desire to have parents form a cooking class team to go into classrooms and give cooking demonstrations.  I also shared my desire for parent volunteers in the lunch room and at recess.  The protocol for this is to get permission from Ms. Griffin to volunteer.  Lunch and recess times are from 11am to 12:20pm.

Last Spring's parent group meetings

So, I never recorded the last two parent groups from last spring.  I'll try to catch up now.  In April, we were making preparations for the Teacher Appreciation Lunch--writing cards and making decorations for the teacher's lounge.  We started off eating Hilary's banana bread and other treats and talking about things about our children that challenge us at times.  It was good to listen and laugh as we shared our parenting struggles. 

At the end of May, we got to meet Ms. Griffin, who shared a bit about her role as Dean of Culture and how she advocates for students by trying to understand conflict situations from both sides and help students and teachers work together.  Then we talked about our parent group likes and wishes.  The main likes were getting to know each other and the success of the teacher appreciation lunch. 

The wishes were:

1. Parents teaching a cooking class for students and staff
2. Better communication
3. Parent education
4. Unity
5. End of year celebrations
6. More parent leaders to step up
7. Find a good balance of sharing resources between parents, staff and community
8. Have our own space
9. Have toys/activities for little kids
10. Snacks and coffee/drinks (sign-up at end of meeting)
11. AM and PM parent meetings with childcare so all parents feel welcome