Has anyone been a Homeroom Mom before?

[*Fantasia*]

How was it? What did you guys do or what event did you guys set up? Was the parents cooperative? Was the other HM share the same thoughts or did you guys debate a lot?

I am thinking of signing up to be a HR. But I don't know... if it's going to be a lot of work.. or is this a pain? If you have been one or are one, please share your responsibilities... your thoughts... what you like and dislike... Thanks so much!

 

[bananiem]

I wasn't one but when I was the PTO President I had to deal with the HR Moms and teachers. The job really varied from teacher to teacher. Some had a big job list, others did not. Most of the time the teacher expected the room mom to plan and do the 3 class parties and help on field trips. We had a Volunteer Coordinator that would get the classroom volunteers for weekly assignments so the room moms didn't have to do that.
As for the other parents, some classes have very helpful parents, others do not. I hate to say it but every classroom seemed to have a different experience.
Do you think you'll get along well with the teacher? That can be a major plus. Do the parents in your school have a history of good volunteers? Are you prepared to "do it all" if no one else steps up?
Good luck with your decision. I know the teachers really appreciate all the help they can get!

 

[nealymouse]

I was a homeroom mom for a few years. I really enjoyed being in the classroom with the kids and my DD's but as far as getting parents involved its hard.
Not becasue they dont care, Most worked and were unable to make it to parties ect. You may find that being the room Mom also makes you all the other kids temp mom for the day.
I went on all field trips. (had the best times) Loved doing and helping with the craft projects.

I still treasure a bag the kids gave me with all their hand prints on it.

Have fun.......

Beth

 

[rascalmom]

Yes - I think I did it pretty much every year that my kids were in elementary school.

What will be expected will depend on your school's traditions & the needs/expectations of the teacher. In my kids' school, HR mom primarily planned & organized help & refreshments for about 3 parties per year. We were also responsible for coordinating volunteers for other school events, such as staffing the school carnival, helping distribute fundraiser stuff, etc.

In our school, we also a PAL program (never did figure out what THAT acronym stood for). These volunteers donated a small amount of time to help the teacher each week. Usually involved making copies, cutting out bulletin board letters, prepping projects for the kids, etc. This was completely seperate from HR mom duties, but in some schools HR mom might be expected to do some of these things.

Being a HR mom was fun; the teacher & the kids always appreciated what I did. I never had any problems getting enough volunteers, donations, etc. Never had any problems coordinating with the other HR mom, when there were 2 of us. Of course, our school had been doing this for many years & had written guidelines and a "training" meeting for the HR mom at the beginning of each year. I'm very glad that I did it & of all of the volunteer things I did at my kids' school over the years I think this is the one that my kids saw & appreciated the most.

Go for it! Schools always need caring parents around to support the kids & the teacher's efforts.

 

[4greatboys]

It can be fun and it can be a PITA. There are some parents who are great about chipping in for parties (money and help wise) then others who wont do a darned thing.
Mostly you just set up parties like Christmas, Halloween, ect. Call parents to bring some goodies and some to help out.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Good and Bad. I don't find it too be too much work. As long as you were organized things go smoothly.

The good is that it is fun, the kids know you and are always talking to you. You get waves in the hall from the kids. You spend time in the classroom.

The bad I found was $$$$. I ended up spending quite a bit more of my own $$$ than I would if I was just a donator. Some years people pitched in full force, & some years they didn't.
Of course our "budget" was 3 dollars per kid for the year and not all donated. So you ended up with $50.00 per year for 3 parties.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Sorry... I didn't mean to leave this thread hanging. I decided not to volunteer this year. I don't think I am ready yet to do the task. It just sounds like a lot of responsiblities. And what if you don't "hit it off" with the other moms and then they don't even participate to help out and then you're kind of stuck. I don't know if I want to deal with the headache.

I think I will volunteer to help the homeroom two moms and also volunteer in the class to help the teacher. Also I am volunteering to drive when there's a field trip.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I appreciate it. Hopefully one of these years that I will have the courage to be one and hopefully all the moms will be willing to help. Thanks again.