Pembroke Pines Florida State University Charter Elementary School First Mate Procedure Handbook 2017 - 2018

Who will be contacting you? First Mate Coordinator Renata Santoro-Donatelli (305) 632-6989 FirstMateFSU@gmail.com Please note that most of the communication will come from This e-mail address.

The First Mate is a vital position to both teacher and our PTA. Thank you so much for volunteering to be a First Mate in your child’s class. The First Mate is a vital position to both teacher and our PTA. You will be working closely with your child’s teacher and will be assisting him/her with activities and programs he/she are planning.

You Might be Asked… To help get donations of items needed for the classroom; To assist with the planning of festival celebrations or to find volunteers to help with classroom activities or projects; To proactively communicate with Room parents to inform of upcoming events; To regularly check email and respond to classroom parents; To attend First Mate’s meeting, one meeting per quarter

First Mate Rules (1/5) First Mates must meet with the teachers to plan classroom activities. No class events should be planned unless the teacher is contacted. Only four festivals (parties) shall be planned during the school year. The four times of the year are: fall, winter, spring, and end of the year. Dates are designated by the teacher. The phone numbers and or emails shall only be used for school business.

First Mate Rules (2/5) Parents may not utilize phone numbers or emails for other means. Memos/mass emails must first go thru Dr. Libidinsky or Mr. Pfau for approval All memos should be submitted at least 48 hours in advance. Collections from parents shall not be greater than $5 for teacher/associate gifts.

First Mate Rules (3/5) All monetary collections shall be DONATIONS only. Remind parents to log their hours and have their volunteer forms signed when they send in donations, volunteer in the classroom or do work at home. Top volunteers who exceed 50 volunteer hours will be honored at a breakfast

First Mate Rules (4/5) Coordinator will be contacted by office for items needed for school wide activities. First mate will be contacted to assist in the donations needed The First Mates for each grade level will work on collecting money/items for the City of Pembroke Pines Gala/Golf Tournament and for the family bingo/spaghetti dinner night (details to follow). Please introduce yourself to the other first mates in your class and communicate appropriately and accordingly.

First Mate Rules (5/5) Being a room parent does not guarantee automatic participation in all school events (field trips etc.) Be mindful and respectful that is NOT appropriate time to discuss your child or any other student. Lead parents by example, ( i.e. satisfying family service hours , engaging in school activities , adhering to school policies)

Getting Started! A letter needs to be sent home to all families requesting permission for you to contact them. Sample letters are included below Create an email distribution list for all parents in the classroom. This list must be kept confidential. (Bcc all parents) Be comfortable “reminding” parents about school events and encouraging them to contribute their time and resources for classroom needs. Talk to your teacher and find the BEST way for you to contribute.

Getting Started Teacher Questionnaire: A questionnaire has been created for you to administer to your teacher This will help you to get to know your teacher likes and dislikes You will receive this via email

Teacher Appreciation Week Suggestions are welcome!

Some Examples

Pictures | Yearbook Please ensure that photos are taken at every class event and field trip. Be sure to include close-ups of the children

Be sure to include close-ups of the children Pictures | Yearbook Check with your teacher regarding that student’s consent has been given. Be sure to include close-ups of the children

Pictures | Yearbook File pictures must be uploaded at DROPBOX: Send an email to Kristina kgafanha@bellsouth.net requesting an INVITE Sign in to the Dropbox website. Click the Upload button at the top of the window. A window will appear. Click the Choose File button and then select the file on your computer that you'd like to add to your Dropbox. Choose as many files as you like, and then click the Start Upload button.

Sample Letter - Classroom Donation Request Dear Parents, Next week we will be celebrating Spring in ____(teacher’s name)____ class. We are looking for donations of _____(food items, money)_______________________. We are also looking for volunteers to help with this celebration in the classroom on _______Date/time_________. If you can help out, please contact us at ____________________________________. As always, your help is greatly appreciated! (First Mate’s names and contact information)

Sample Letter – Permission to Contact Dear Families: It is with great excitement that we introduce ourselves as the 2012-2013 “First Mates” of (teacher’s name) class. Please complete the following information and return as soon as possible so that we can schedule you accordingly. We will be contacting you to coordinate specific volunteer activities. Child’s name: ______________________________________ Parent’s name: _____________________________________ ____ I give permission for my information to be shared with the First Mates My home phone is ___________________________________ My cell phone is ____________________________________ My email address is __________________________________ (___Yes, I check my email regularly and this is a great way to contact me) It is easiest for me to contribute by: (please check all that apply) ____Donating items needed for class ____Completing at-home projects ____Helping in the classroom Here are some other ways I may be able to help out or talents that I have… Thank You, Please feel free to contact us at: Insert Contact Information

Sample Letter – Gift Request Dear Parents, It’s that time!! We are planning the end of the year gift for our XXX grade teacher and associate, insert names We would like to present our teacher and our associate with a gift to express our sincere gratitude for the wonderful environment they have provided for our children this school year. Not only have our children grown immensely from a learning standpoint, they have experienced an environment filled with compassion and respect for one another. The monetary donation you provide will be one of your choice. Or if you’d like to send in a gift card from a local store or restaurant. Please place your donation in an envelope marked: Attention First Mates and please send it in by insert date. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail insert names. We would like to thank you for your support throughout the year it has truly been a pleasure to work with each and every one of your children. Sincerely, Your First Mates

Thank you for being a first mate! Please make sure your contact information is correct Let’s have a great year!