Family Council

Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.
– Elizabeth Andrew

Family Council

The purpose of the Family Council is to develop community and facilitate parental involvement in the school life and culture. The Family Council consists of two parent coordinators for each class and other members who wish to participate. This organization includes and is available to all parents and other family members of students who attend Juniper Ridge Community School. Monthly meetings provide a means for families to be informed of, and involved in, festivals, fundraisers, staff appreciation, new family support, and other activities as needed. Meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Wednesday of each month but more may need to occur during high need times such as; in preparation for the Halloween Journey or other school-wide events.

PURPOSE:

Parent support is essential to the success of the Juniper Ridge Community School (JRCS) and your participation is expected and embraced. Our community thrives on family involvement. Through our Family Council (FC), mothers, fathers, and even grandparents are offered many opportunities to share their skills, talents for the community. This all-volunteer, parent-run organization’s mission is to foster the well-being of the school community by facilitating communications among the bodies of the school, inspiring parent participation in school life, enlivening our social culture, and organizing our efforts.

ROLE WITHIN THE SCHOOL:

Family Council is a way for parents to actively participate in, serve, and contribute to the functioning and organization of the school. The Family Council is the third organizational body of the school (the other two being the Instructional Leadership and Building Leadership teams, and the Governing Board (Board of Trustees). The Family Council’s main sphere of influence is in the social realm, while the school’s main sphere is the pedagogical realm and the Board is mainly responsible for financial and legal matters.

MEETINGS:

The Family Council has regular meetings once a month while school is in session and occasional, additional meetings. Monthly meetings are open to all parents of children enrolled in the school. The Family Council meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 2:15 to 3:15 with more frequent meetings called as needed. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend. Small children are welcome to come and sit on laps or play quietly.

STRUCTURE:

All parents and guardians of children currently enrolled at Juniper Ridge Community School are automatically considered members of the Family Council. Each member is welcomed as a valuable contributor to the mission and goals of the council. The success of Family Council rests on the commitment and contributions of our parent body.

The JRCS Family Council organizes various committees to serve the school in areas such as assistance with fundraising campaigns, volunteer coordination, facility development/maintenance, festivals, teacher and office support, and any other area of need. JRCS-FC meetings provide a means for parents to be informed about school issues and to offer their input and ideas. Your participation is welcome and needed. All JRCS parents/guardians are welcomed to participate by attending the monthly meetings normally scheduled for the 3rd Thursday of the month and/or participating as part of a committee and will be facilitated by our school's Pedagogical Director, Alice Dussart.

For more information please contact our Pedagogical Director, Alice Dussart at [email protected] or by calling the JRCS Office at (970) 986-8219.