Parent Liaison FAQ 2023-2024

• What does a parent liaison do?
• When do I coordinate gifts?
• How do I get everyone's contact info?
• Are there any rules I need to follow?
• Can I ask for help?
• Who do I reach out to if I have questions?
• Where do I sign up?

• What does a parent liaison do?

You will help to keep your class informed of PTO events, important announcements/updates, and anything that your classroom teacher would like for you to share (some teachers prefer to make their own classroom announcements, so just ask your teacher). You will also reach out to your classroom families to plan the teacher appreciation gifts at predetermined times throughout the year.

• When do I coordinate gifts?

There are a few times each year to work with your fellow classroom parents to put together a gift for your classroom teacher(s). They are as follows:

• Holiday Gifts for Classroom Teacher/Para/Specialists

  • In the beginning of December reach out to families to let them know that you will be organizing a group gift. Liaisons commonly purchase gift cards to the teacher's favorite restaurant or business and/or assemble a gift bag of the teacher's favorite things (click on the "Favorite Things" icon below to view the list)

• Teacher Appreciation Week (First week of May)

  • Email your class in April to begin the conversation. Some liaisons coordinate a small group gift for every day of this week while others pick some of the days or just one of the days. It's up to you! Some ideas include thank you cards from the kids/families, a gift card, flowers, wearing the teacher's favorite color, a compilation of thank you videos from the kids, etc.

• End of Year Gift for Classroom Teacher, Para(s), Specialists

  • This conversation can begin in June OR at the same time you are planning Teacher Appreciation Week, so you are not asking for money twice in a short amount of time. 

• How do I get everyone's contact info?

Teachers are not allowed to provide parents' contact information in the class. However, liaisons can ask teachers to send an email out to the class on their behalf. A template for this email will be sent out to all liaisons at the start of the year. Or, you can access it here at any time!

• Are there any rules I need to follow?

Yes, just a few to help make the process smooth and equitable for all: Do not ask for a specific amount because everyone's financial situation is different. Instead, inform families that any monetary amount is appreciated, and that participation is optional. You can collect money via Paypal, Venmo, or any other format you prefer. No matter who contributes to the group gift, ALL the student names will be on the card (you can also sign the card from "Your Class.")  Even if a parent doesn't respond to emails or cannot contribute money towards a gift, NO child is excluded.

• Can I ask for help?

Absolutely! As the coordinator, you may take the lead on gift giving and other tasks or you can ask if other parents would like to help. The choice is yours.

• Who do I reach out to if I have questions?

If you have any questions throughout the year or if you simply need gift-giving ideas, please email ptoguilfordlakes@gmail.com.  You can also reach out to other liaisons! 

• How do I sign up?

Please email ptoguilfordlakes@gmail.com with your name, teacher name, and grade level.