1. Pembroke Pines Florida State University Charter Elementary School
First Mate Handbook & Procedures

2. The First Mates are vital to both teachers and the PTA.

3. Who will be contacting you?
First Mate Coordinator
Emi Toussaint
*Please note that most of the communication will come from this address.*

4. You may be asked to………………..
To coordinate class donations for various class events
To assist with the planning of festival celebrations or to find volunteers to help with classroom activities or projects
To proactively communicate with parents to inform of upcoming events
To attend First Mate’s meeting, one meeting per quarter
Organize/collect items/donations for Mayor’s Golf Basket

5. First Mate Rules
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 and may vary per grade.
The phone numbers and or s shall only be used for school business.

6. First Mate Rules
Parents may not utilize phone numbers or s for other means.
Memos/mass s must first go thru Dr. Libidinsky or Dr.Pizzo 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.

7. First Mate Rules 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.
All volunteers who exceed 50 volunteer hours will be honored at a breakfast or lunch.

8. First Mate Rules
Coordinator may be contacted by the 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.

9. First Mate Rules
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)

10. Getting Started!
A letter needs to be sent home to all families requesting permission for you to contact them.
Create an 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.

11. 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 presentation via

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

14. Pictures | Yearbook All Pictures will be saved to Google Pictures:
Send an to Mrs.Garcia and to the address below requesting an invite to access the dropbox file.
ygarciapinescharter.net
Upload Pictures to Google Photos
Choose as many files as you like, and then click the Start Upload button.
Teacher will let you know if there are students who cannot be photographed.

15. 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)

16. Sample Letter – Permission to Contact
Dear Families:
It is with great excitement that we introduce ourselves as the “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 address is __________________________________ (___Yes, I check my 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

17. 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  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

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