Family Involvement

If you have any corrections or questions about these FAQs, please contact the Communications Co-chair.

What role are parents expected to play at Open?

One important principle of open education is that parents and guardians are active participants in their children’s education and are integral to the Ann Arbor Open environment. That's why we ask that each family contribute 10 hours of volunteer time to the school - during school hours, at an after-school activity, or at home.

The volunteering choices are many. Take a look at the AAOCC’s volunteer information page, which includes a link to the current comprehensive Volunteer Guide, for specific suggestions. Want to direct your efforts directly to your child's classroom, you can ask their teacher for what would be helpful. 

Even just joining a Google Group specific to your areas of interest is a great way to get to know teachers, other parents and their children, and school staff!

What does a “Room Parent” do?

It depends on the teacher, and not all teachers request a Room Parent. Typically, Room Parents help organize classroom specific events and parties. Often the Room Parent will coordinate holiday and end of year teacher appreciation gifts or efforts.

What does a “Parent Class Representatives” do?

Parent Class Representatives are parents from each classroom in our school who connect the AAOCC (our PTSO) to their child's classroom in order to increase communication. Representatives attend the AAOCC's General Assembly meetings and are asked to communicate with other classroom parents in person and/or by email to solicit input or share information. This can be in the form of questions or concerns brought to the meetings on another parent's, student's or teacher's behalf. 

Is there anyone else who can help me navigate the school?

Yes! Interested new families can be assigned parent/family mentors through the AAOCC. Parent mentors are volunteers who have offered to help new families navigate their transition, acting as informal sources of information and guidance. If your mentor can’t answer your question, he or she can likely point you to someone who can!

Is there a PTO at AAO?

Yes! It’s the AAOCC! Ann Arbor Open’s parent-teacher-student organization (the Ann Arbor Open Coordinating Council) was founded with the intention of including students, parents, and teachers in the decision-making process for our organization and amplifies the voices of each of our members related to the operations of our school community.

The purpose of the AAOCC is to provide support for and further the educational goals of Ann Arbor Open School; to encourage cooperation and communication among all people connected with the school - students, parents, staff, administrators, and the community; and to assure shared decision-making on the formation and implementation of program policy.

The AAOCC hosts two types of meetings throughout the year: General Assembly meetings and Roundtable events which are open to all staff, parents, and students. 

General Assembly meetings focus more on the business of running our 501(c)3 non-profit organization. and discussing the concerns of our membership. Typically the meetings include a Q&A with the principal, allowing those present to address any questions and concerns, and then move on to a topic of general interest. All present, including students, can vote on items raised at the meetings, and participation is never required for attendance. (It’s fine to just come and listen!)

Roundtable events are geared more towards community building and growing in our understanding of the Open philosophy and interests. 

Under our non-profit status, the AAOCC has a significant responsibility as the fundraising organization for the school, raising tens of thousands of dollars each year to support of Ann Arbor Open programs.

How do AAOCC officers get elected?

Nomination of the four officers takes place at the regular March AAOCC meeting, or as soon as possible after that. In one year, one of the Co-Chairs (focused on Fundraising or Communications) and the Secretary are up for election. In the following year, the other Co-Chair and the Treasurer are up for election. Following the nomination meeting, ballots are distributed to the General Assembly for a vote. All students, their parents or guardians, the principal, and staff have a vote. Results will be announced at the April AAOCC meeting, or at the first meeting after the vote is held. For more information see the AAOCC's ByLaws (most recently approved in 2015).

What happens to all that AAOCC money?

The biggest use of AAOCC funds is field trips. We also spend money on classroom materials, library books, Focus Study supplies, hospitality events (e.g., eighth-grade graduation, the Open House, greeting new parents, etc.), art and music programs, the Science Fair and Science Olympiad, teacher continuing education, parent education programs, and intramural sports. A small amount is used for AAOCC administrative costs (insurance, supplies, etc.). For more info, check out the FiFun page: Where does all the money go?

Are there any procedures to assist families with temporary financial problems?

The AAOCC budget includes a sum of money that can assist AAOCC families in temporary economic crisis—for example, an overdue utility bill and utilities about to be cut off. These funds are available through the school social worker. A family in crisis can approach the social worker directly or initially apply through the principal or school secretary. The social worker will review the family’s situation and consider what potential sources are the best to use for the family’s situation. If it is determined that the AAOCC funds are an appropriate source, application can be made by the social worker to the AAOCC treasurer. The treasurer will review the request according to procedures in the Finance Guidelines. If funds are approved, often a check is issued directly to a third party, such as a utility company.

What do I do if I have a great idea for something new the AAOCC could spend money on?

The school budget process starts each year in the spring, when a call is put out for school needs: that’s the best time to let us know your idea. There are a few steps in the process of reviewing ideas, and ultimately a preliminary budget is approved toward the end of the school year. The final budget is approved in September, after the books have been closed on the prior school year.

If your idea can’t wait until next year, there’s some discretionary funding in the budget every year. Contact the Treasurer.

How can I help support the AAOCC financially?

There are lots of ways you can help:

• • • First, if you can, make a Field Trip and Enrichment Contribution.

    • If you can, give more than the requested amount for field trips. Many families do so. These extra contributions support families that are not able to contribute.

    • Join in the fun by attending school fundraisers - the Ice Cream Social, and Silent Auction, etc.

    • Volunteer to help at fundraisers and with other needs as they arise and are publicized in our Help Wanted messages (in each Wednesday Packet sent by the principal). Most fundraisers only require half-hour or so of your time, and you may be there anyway chaperoning your kids. It’s also pretty fun!

    • Join the Finance and Fundraising Committee. This group meets regularly to talk about equitable fundraising and the highest priorities for spending it. We discuss fundraisers, plan the budget, consider requests for funds, etc.

I would like to volunteer to help with a fundraiser. How do I do that?

For lots of information about what kinds of volunteering opportunities are available at Open, please check out the Volunteer page. 

What if I have a great idea for a new fundraiser?

Contact the fundraising coordinator or treasurer! They will probably ask you a few questions and help you work out some details. If your idea seems promising, you may be invited to discuss it at the next meeting of the Finance and Fundraising Committee (FiFun). Visit the Submit a Fundraising Idea page for more info. 

I want to help decide how the AAOCC’s money is spent! What do I do?

Join the Finance and Fundraising Committee! Meetings are open to anyone, and meeting dates are posted in the school calendar. You can also contact the Treasurer for more info.

If it’s hard for you to make it to the committee’s scheduled meetings, let the treasurer know! There are lots of ways to help.