This type of role modeling is invaluable, but it is not without some additional effort on the part of the co-op families. The following is a list of cooperative family responsibilities, which we all share and which we all agree to when enrolling in St. Thomas Parish Cooperative Day School.
- Participation in the Classroom ~ Parents of the 2, 3 and 4 year-old groups will participate in the classroom on a rotating basis. Depending on current class size, this will be no more than three times per month. Specific duties will be determined by the teacher but will likely include bringing class snack as well as assisting the teacher during the daily class instruction. Parents are required by Maryland State Law to provide a medical release form before they may participate in the co-op activities.
- Participation in two mandatory fundraisers ~ There are many fundraising opportunities throughout the school year. However, two of St. Thomas Parish Cooperative Day School's annual fundraisers are mandatory for the school budget. Each family must participate in the Annual Raffle by purchasing or selling at least 20 tickets at $5 each. This raffle is held in November. In late February or early March, St. Thomas Parish Cooperative Day School hosts an Auction Dinner. Each family is required to purchase at least 1 ticket to the auction, donate an item or service with a minimum value of $50 and assist with at least one auction planning committee.
- Attendance at the Orientation Meeting ~ This meeting is typically scheduled the week before school begins. It is a time to meet the other families, receive an annual calendar and daily schedule, become acquainted with the policies and procedures of the school and gain familiarity with the physical environment.
- Attendance at the Parents' Meetings ~ There are usually 2-3 meetings scheduled per year. These meetings can be compared to PTA meetings. The Board reports on each of the committees, there is a forum for concerns and issues raised, and business and work issues are addressed.
- Participation in School Cleaning ~ The school is thoroughly cleaned by our participating families every other month during the school year. Each family is scheduled once during the year to be a part of the cleaning crew, which meets on Saturday at the school.
There are non co-op spots available in the preschool classes. These spots eliminate the parents from the classroom rotation and school cleaning participation but does not relieve them of their fundraising or meeting attendance responsibilities.
In addition to the required responsibilities of the co-op families, many families choose to increase their involvement in the school, either by serving on the Executive Board and its committees or by serving as a Class Parent. There are many opportunites for families to serve the co-op environment. Although it does require a bit more time and effort, it affords the participant a greater sense of connection to the school and a greater degree of influence in the daily operations and future direction of the co-op. The co-op also hosts several social events to further promote the community and camaraderie of the school. We encourage you to get involved and look forward to working with you!
