Parent Guild
What is the Parent Guild?
The Woodside Montessori Academy Parent Guild (WMAPG) is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization. The Guild consists of all Woodside Montessori Academy parents, guardians, and grandparents. Our goals are to enrich children's experiences at Woodside Montessori Academy, and to foster a sense of community among all Woodside Montessori Academy participants, parents, teachers and students.
Purpose & Objectives
- To foster effective communication between parents, teachers, and administration
- To develop, organize and initiate family enrichment and social activities in order to promote a spirit of community, cooperation and fellowship between families, teachers and administration
- To support through fundraising and development efforts, projects that will enhance and expand Woodside Montessori Academy’s educational objectives, while maintaining the school’s quest for quality and excellence.
- To support and organize efforts in the development and maintenance of the school’s outdoor environment.
All parents, guardians and grandparents are members of the WMA Parent’s Guild by virtue of having a child attend the school. Participation in events and on committees is strictly voluntary however it is strongly recommended. Studies indicate that children who are successful in school have parents who are actively involved in their child's educational experience.
When does the Guild meet?
Guild meetings are typically held once a month during the school year, between September and May. Board meetings are held at Woodside Montessori Academy, and generally last no more than one hour. ALL members of the WMA community are invited! Tentative meeting dates are included on the school calendar; parents will be notified of changes to the schedule via Bloomz , the school weekly updates, and/or the white board outside the main door to the school.
What does the Guild do?
Guild members meet once a month at the school. The meetings are short and informal, and a great way to learn about what’s happening at Woodside Montessori Academy. Come join us over cookies and decaf, and find out more.
Social Activities
Members of the Social Activities committee arrange outings, picnics, and other after school occasions at which Woodside Montessori Academy families can get together. Past activities have included ice-skating, bowling, and Spring picnics and guided walks at local nature sanctuaries.
Caring
The Caring Committee has two separate objectives: (i) to provide help to Woodside Montessori Academy families in times of need, and (ii) to develop a sense of social compassion among our students. Within Woodside Montessori Academy, the committee maintains a list of parents willing to help out with dinners and other assistance during times of illness, loss, or other upheaval in a Woodside Montessori Academy family, and coordinates assistance for that family as needed. In addition, the caring committee also organizes support for worthwhile local charities or organizations; in the past year, a local family shelter has received toiletries, school supplies, and holiday baskets through the committee’s efforts.
Materials
The Materials Committee is the primary liaison between the teachers and parents regarding resources that would enrich students’ learning experiences. Ideally, a representative from each classroom will be on this committee; these representatives will also serve as room parents for the classroom. Committee members help with copying, laminating and making materials for the classrooms, research enrichment programs or field trips for elementary students, and provide specific support as requested by teachers. In addition, the committee seeks to maintain a list of hobbies, occupation, specific interests and abilities of Guild members that may be used to enhance classroom activities.