Coordinating Classroom Parties

When September rolls around, it gets me thinking of Halloween! I know it's early, but it's my favorite time of year. Fall in general is my favorite, so I like to look forward and plan for the BIG fall party for my kids' classes! I also make sure to call the party "harvest" or "fall" for those who don't particularly celebrate Halloween.

This year, I am not the main room parent. Their teachers had everyone sign up for certain things at the beginning of the year at open house. I'm signed up to coordinate the Halloween party (yay!). I'm kind of relieved to not have to coordinate each party. I've been doing it for five years and for both of my kids for four years. I've enjoyed every minute of it. However, this year, I'm subbing a lot more and don't want to spread myself thin. It's nice to let others coordinate, too. I've always waited a couple weeks into the school year to see if the teachers need a room mom. I only step up when no one else wants to -- I'm not one to step on toes. I'll coordinate, but not tell people what to do. It's not my style. I love seeing other people's ideas. I love having my own, too, but I'm happy to step back a bit this year.

If you're reading my blog for the room mom part of it, you may be wondering how I coordinate the class parties. Sometimes it depends on the class. I have two ways I'd like to tell you about.
For example, my son's teacher last year, sent the weekly classroom newsletters via e-mail to all the parents. I used that e-mail list to coordinate parties with the parents by sending them party updates. I'll send something like the letter below and ask them to respond to all when replying so everyone knows what is spoken for and is still needed.

See one of my Halloween classroom party posts here

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Hi there! I'm (name here) and I'm helping to put together the Halloween/Harvest/Fall Party for (teacher's name here) class. It will be at 2:15 on Thursday, October 31st . 

Here's the plan for the party but if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!  If you'd like to help, please sign up for something below:

If you can bring or send in something, please reply to all, so we know what is spoken for : ) 

Sweet Treat* - 

Healthy Snack (fruit or veggie)* - 

Salty Snack* - 

Drink* - 

Treat bags* (optional) - 

napkins -

plates - 

*please remember, no snacks with nuts in the building due to allergies

If you can come to the party and would like to help with an activity, please sign up below:

Station 1: Halloween Bingo  -- We will need someone to run the game and items for prizes such as pencils or candy (a bingo game will be provided)

Station 2: Snacks -- will need someone to hand out snacks -

Station 3: Photo Booth - I will take pics and have them printed

Station 4: Craft or other activity (suggestions are welcome) - 

I'd like to have a "photo booth" during the party. A picture will be taken of the student and a photo will be sent home in their purple folder when I get them printed.  I've done this in the past, but let me know if you don't want your child's picture taken.

Thank you! (I also include my information so they may contact me with questions or suggestions) 

Molly

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The other way is how I had to coordinate for my daughter's class last year. I did not have all the e-mail contacts, so I had to make copies of the letter above and ask that they e-mail or call me with what they could help with and it worked out pretty well. If I got duplicates, I just went with it. It's okay to have more sometimes, but if I had 3 desserts instead of 1 or 2, I would go back to the one who sent their info to me last and ask if they could help with something else. 

Needless to say, it is much easier when I have all the e-mails. There is also Sign Up Genius. I may be using that this year. I'll talk more about it once I actually use it. 

If you'd like to share your ideas, please do!

Happy party planning!!