Partnering with Parents

As a Parent Partner, you play a vital role in helping your child become a successful student.  We ask you to be responsible for the following things:

• Keep the school office and the teacher informed of address and phone changes for both your residence and work, custody concerns, changes in emergency contact information, situations that may effect a child’s health, emotional, and spiritual well being (illness, death of a family member or pet, deployment, divorce, separation, new baby, new home).
• Drop off and pick up your child on time.  
• Make school attendance a priority. Help your child set up routines so homework, backpacks and other necessary items get to school.
• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast. All children should come dressed in uniforms, wearing sturdy shoes and bringing outdoor clothing for recess. Jackets, hats, mittens, lunchboxes, backpacks, and sweaters should be labeled with your child’s name.
• Establish a family code word. Make sure your child knows what to do in case of an emergency or early closure. Be sure to provide an emergency kit and an extra change of clothes for your child to keep at school.
• See that your child has the needed supplies and replenish these as needed. Do not send toys or valuable things to school with your child without checking with the teacher.
• Make sure your child has lunch each day. Mark your child’s lunch sack or lunch box with his or her name. Include disposable utensils, napkins and a drink.
• Attend parent conferences, and school events. Read the daily news board, class newsletters, the handbook, and all information sent home. Check your child’s “cubbie” and mailbox daily for papers.
• Let us know when you have concerns or suggestions. Fill out the annual school survey and help us let others know about our program. If you need time to talk with the principal or a teacher, call for an appointment so adequate time is available to meet with you.
• Be sure there is someone available to pick up your child if he or she becomes injured or ill. Keep your child home if he or she is ill, running a fever and/or vomiting. We are unable to give medication at school without a doctor’s signed orders.
• Help your child develop respect for property by returning things on time and in good condition.
• Monitor your child’s academic progress. Learn the expected curriculum so you can assist your child in learning and reviewing skills and expected behaviors. Monitor homework and let the teacher know if your child is having any difficulty. Make daily homework a family event. Keep in close contact with your child’s teacher.
• Be prompt in taking care of your financial obligations to St. Mary’s.
• Help your child review school rules and follow up at home when incidents occur at school.
• Support school fund raising and actively participate in the school’s Annual Auction.
• Be an active parent. Get involved in all aspects of your child’s growth and development. Volunteer to work in the classroom, go on field trips, and help with special projects.
   

St. Mary's PTA
St. Mary's Christian School Parent-Teacher Association is a service organization which sponsors the monthly family fellowship nights, volunteers in the classrooms and school/parish offices, promotes ad hoc fundraisers, mentors new families, and networks the school with the broader community.  All school parents and staff are members of the PTA.

To learn more about our PTA or to become involved please contact our president for 2009-2010, Christine Munari.