We've also done the crying room type of event on the first day of Kindergarten, with great success. PTA officers and the principal are all in there, ready to answer questions while serving juice and cookies. What we've found is that the majority of the questions the new parents have are actually for the principal, so his participation is a must. After a bit of social time the principal gives a tour of the school, which allows the parents to meet the various specials teachers (e.g. music, art).
The other thing that this provides is an assist to the classroom teacher. That first day, she wants all the kids and parents to hug and kiss and promise to have a great time and such...and then the parents need to leave. It makes her seem less ogrish to gently suggest that the social is waiting for them. Last year, we had one mother walk into the room a good five minutes after all other parents had left, grab her husband by the belt loops, and pull him out of the room -- and he didn't turn off the videocamera until he was out in the hall!
We do a coffee and donuts for kindergarten parents and new parents. As PTO prez I'll say a few words but I'd love a 'cute' name for it. Like the Kiss and Cry. We're going to have a big bowl of Hershey's Hugs and Kisses set out and lots of boxes of kleenex (I may put them on little pedestals!)
What a fantastic idea!! My fourth child will be starting kindergarten this year and I don't remember ever having anything like this offered to us in the past. As a newly elected member to the PTO board I will be bringing this up to the rest of the group to try and help with parent involvement. Thanks. [img]smile.gif[/img]
For the last two years, we have had a New Family Breakfast on the first day of school. The new parents drop their children off at their classrooms, then come to the cafeteria for coffee and bagels. The principal and the PTSO pres give a little speech, and then the parents are free to socialize.
This has been so popular that the principal has extended it to all families this coming year.
As a mom to a new kindergarten 'kid' I would LOVE something like this! I'm not thrilled with the whole half day concept (our charter school offers full day at $200 a month- ouch!)and this would be a nice way to start the year and (maybe) meet some new moms!
Cool idea!! [img]smile.gif[/img] :cool:
