The Family Commitment Policy provides a description of the areas in which adult members of the community are involved in the operation of our school. The quality and variety of the school depends on the level of parent volunteer hours in each of the following three areas: Community Meetings, Program Support, Fiscal Responsibility/Fundraising. The level of success of Room Nine Community School is dependent upon the level of family participation. Most families contribute much more than the time described in the following sections. (Note: ‘Family’ means any adult or youth family member designated by the child’s parent(s) who is willing to help fulfill the family commitment contract.)

Community Meetings:

Regularly scheduled monthly Community Meetings are an integral part of Room Nine Community School communications. Regular attendance at monthly Community Meetings is vital to foster and maintain a sense of community and commitment to our school. Attendance is mandatory.

Community Meetings Provide an Opportunity for:

• Program input
• Getting to know others in the school community
• Brainstorming future classroom activities
• Problem solving on school issues
• Reviewing on-going classroom activities
• Planning future events
• Adult education
• Signing up for tasks that fulfill commitment hours
• Collaboration with district/PTA council/state PTA/National PTA.

School Support:

Parents agree to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per month, per family in addition to attending Community Meetings and participating in fundraising. Examples of parent involvement include but are not limited to the following:

• classroom assistance
• evening work parties
• Parent Place Volunteer
• committee leadership
• electives
• making curriculum aids

At Room Nine Community School, parents, staff and students share responsibility for the success and well being of all individuals in the community. Parents and extended family members provide support by:

• Attending community meetings and participating in school-based decision-making
• Participating in formal student-led conferences
• Helping to create a safe and stimulating school environment for students, parents, and staff
• Modeling and practicing problem-solving skills, resiliency, and life-long learning
• Sharing time and talents with students and teachers with approximately 10 hours per month, in a variety of roles.
• Being an active member of their child’s learning team
• Participating in teacher interviews and selection
• Taking responsibility for the success and problems of ALL the children
• Using challenges as teachable moments for themselves and the students
• Participating in Room Nine Community School fund-raising and extended activities

Fiscal Responsibility & Fundraising:

Parents agree to pay for activities (through their pledges) or to make known their need for scholarship assistance to the Treasurer. Parents agree to support fundraising efforts with time and effort, and by being involved in the planning and implementation of fundraising activities.