President: 

Resources

To enroll a child at Malcolm X, go to the BUSD enrollment page.

Tips for building an effective school community
 

Create a phone tree and/or be on one
This is probably the most valuable tool your classroom can develop. The general idea is that no one should have to call more than 3 or 4 people to get the word out. Work with your child's teacher to set it up initially.
 
A phone tree looks like this: 

Classroom needs
Ask your child's teacher what her or his needs are. Some needs may be in the classroom, others outside the classroom. Good examples of "outside the classroom" needs are making phone calls to arrange field trips, handling book club orders, creating snack calendars, organizing potlucks, photocopying, etc.  During school hours, the teacher may appreciate one-on-one tutoring, working with small groups, storytelling/reading, and more.

Be a liaison
The primary room parent acts as liaison between the teacher, the PTA, and families in your class. You make it easier for others to get involved. When families come to classroom potlucks, volunteer for fundraising events, and attend PTA meetings, they become connected to the school and to other families. They become part of our school community.

When your class gets together, be sure to announce the various PTA functions going on, such as fundraisers in progress, scrip options, upcoming meetings/workshops. For more info on PTA activities you can call the PTA officers for current updates and support.

Help plan a potluck party
A potluck party is a good way for families to get to know one another. Kids love to show off their families, and you'll find out who your child's friends are. It's best to have a party early in the school year, preferably in October, to give maximum time for new friendships to build. (Another one in the spring is also nice.)

School-wide fundraising help
Fundraising at MX is schoolwide. That means that every classroom benefits from the work we all do together. Therefore, the PTA asks that each classroom provide volunteers for two events each year. When you get a call asking you to organize volunteers, activate your phone tree. Scrip is a way for your class to participate in painless, on-going fundraising. You can help your class sign up by talking with the scrip coordinator. Check here for volunteer opportunities or downoad the flyer.