Helping the teacher of the classroom is the biggest responsibility as a classroom representative. Meeting with the teacher and getting to know each other is the first step to succeeding as a representative. You'll need to ask if she needs assistance from other volunteers for reading groups or a fund-raising event, for example. If she does need helpers, then contact other parents to ask if they can volunteer. Then, create a schedule for the teacher that shows who has volunteered and when they are helping. Finally, make a list of the things you and the teacher hope to achieve together.
Making contact with the parents of the other children in the classroom is important to communicate properly. You need to tell them about school events on a regular basis and provide feedback on your progress, or ask if they can help with lunches or school trips. Obtain phone numbers, email addresses or mailing addresses through the teacher or the children at the beginning of the school year. Write the parents an introductory letter outlining your skills, experiences and what you hope to achieve. Provide your contact details if they want to speak with you, and ask when they are free to help.
Attend the Parent Council Meetings. This is a forum for parents and the school to share ideas, express concerns or suggest improvements for the school. The group might arrange fund-raising events for new facilities or arrange social events so the school community can interact at a more personal level. As a representative of the classroom, ask other parents if they would like you to raise any points on their behalf, ask if they would like to attend, and then, after the meeting, provide the minutes so they are aware of what was discussed.
Most of the duties you will need to perform as an elementary representative will require planning ahead, so parents can prepare for an event or take time off to volunteer. Therefore, you need to be well-organized and willing to dedicate time to planning. For example, you might need to recruit volunteers for a summer fete, or prepare tables, chairs, nibbles and drinks for a social evening. Telling parents when the event is, asking for their support and attendance and motivating them requires planning ahead of schedule.
Your role may also include further duties, depending on how much you involve yourself with the school. You might volunteer to record and distribute the minutes from the council meetings to all other classroom representatives or plan the budget for a fund-raising event. Furthermore, you might offer your assistance to train as an exam invigilator or take a course to become a first aider.