A room mother often plans parties for holidays throughout the year, including Halloween, a celebration in winter, Valentine's Day, the last day of school and the 100th day of school. The room mother will recruit parent volunteers to make treats, create arts and crafts, and supervise the event. During Teacher Appreciation Week, she may ask other parents to supervise the class while the teachers get a longer break, or ask parents for funds to help cater a special lunch.
A room mother may organize fundraisers for classroom supplies, field trips or sports equipment. According to Jack Warner, Clyde Bryan and Diane Warner, authors of "The Unauthorized Teacher's Survival Guide," room parents achieve fundraising goals through spaghetti dinners, selling wrapping paper or holding carnivals or fairs.
A room mother works with other parents to line up volunteers for various tasks. At St. Timothy's Catholic School in Virginia, the room mother assigns volunteers to help out in art and music classes. She also coordinates volunteers for class field trips and for school events sponsored by the Parent-Teacher Organization.