Thursday, November 5, 2026

❄️ Winter Party Planning Tips

Whether you're a first-time Homeroom Parent or a seasoned pro, here are a few simple tips to help make your classroom celebration a success.

Three steps to get started

1. Check in with your teacher.

Before making plans, connect with your teacher to discuss party themes, activities, and expectations. Themes are often coordinated by grade level, and party times will be set by teachers and administration.

2. Team up with your fellow Homeroom Parents.

Many hands make light work! Divide up responsibilities for activities, food, decorations, and volunteers so everyone can pitch in.

3. Spread the word.

Once plans are in place, send an invitation to classroom families. Include party details, volunteer or donation sign-ups, and information about any optional class gift collection.

Don't forget to invite your classroom's designated staff member(s)! Your teacher can help coordinate a student-made invitation or a simple email.

A friendly reminder about class gifts

The holidays are a wonderful time to show appreciation for our teachers and staff. As you plan, please keep these guidelines in mind:

  • Keep it to two: Class gift collections should take place only twice a year — at the Winter Party and End-of-Year Party.

  • Keep it optional: All contributions are voluntary, with no required or suggested minimum amount.

  • Include everyone: Class gifts should always be presented as coming from the entire class, regardless of who contributes.

  • Give families time: Allow at least two weeks to contribute using Venmo, PayPal or another convenient method.

  • Respect privacy: Keep all contributions confidential.

Every family has different circumstances, and we want everyone to feel included without financial pressure.

Let's make it memorable!

At the end of the day, it's not about elaborate decorations or perfectly planned activities. It's about creating a fun experience for our students and celebrating the teachers and staff who make our school so special.

Thank you, Homeroom Parents, for your time, creativity, and all you do for our classrooms. Happy planning!

Monday, August 24, 2026

HRP Kick Off Information - 2026-2027

Hi Homeroom Parents!

My name is Reilly Purl, and I'm the homeroom coordinator for the 2026-2027 school year. Below are some important action items for the 2026-2027 school year. 

  1. Determine an HRP lead for your class and let me know who that is
  2. Join the Caraway PTA
  3. Apply to be an official RRISD volunteer
  4. Set up time with your teacher to go over expectations for your role, class parties, etc.
  5. Get a class parent email list from your teacher
  6. Email class parents a quick intro
  7. Email your paired staff with a quick intro (found in the Caraway HRP Hub below)

You can also use this Caraway HRP Hub as a resource throughout the year. This includes:

  • Your teacher & paired staff favorites
  • Other HRP contact info

As more announcements become available, I will send them to your HRP lead to distribute to other HRPs and the class.

Thank you for volunteering for this role! The Caraway teachers & staff truly appreciate it, and it makes such a big difference for our community. Please reach out if you need anything else!

Cheers,
Reilly
Juniper & Shepherd's mom