Clubs at Einstein - Let's Get Started!
A club is similar to a student activity because both provide an opportunity for students to have an experience around a specific topic that interests a particular group of students outside of normal classroom time. A club is different than a student activity because there is no charge to participate. All student activities must be PTSA sponsored while clubs are organized through the school office staff with approval of the principal. Clubs can meet before school, during lunch/recess, or after school. Clubs can meet weekly, monthly, quarterly, or on whatever schedule is reasonable for the instructor and participants. Clubs can be open to everyone or can be limited to select grades or ages. The instructor sets minimum and maximum enrollment. Enrollment must be first come, first served within the guidelines for who is eligible to participate.
Steps to getting started:
· All clubs need an instructor who serves as the point person for that club. It is fine to have co-leaders for a club, but there must still be a single lead instructor (point person) for each club.
· The topic of the club needs to be approved by Mr. Tobin. Please schedule a brief meeting with him to talk about new club ideas.
· If there is any cost to get the club up and running, the instructor(s) have three options: 1) the instructor can write up a short proposal describing the club and the anticipated costs so the board and/or general membership can decide if they will fund the start-up costs, 2) the instructor can solicit donations from parents or the community at large to cover the cost of starting the club, or 3) the instructor can decide to charge students to participate in the club (this would then change the club into a student activity).
· The instructor(s) as well as any other adults who will help during the club need to complete a volunteer background check through the district. It is a simple form that can be completed in the office or online. A photocopy of the applicant's drivers license must be submitted with the application.
· Day/time/meeting place for the club needs to be arranged with Bobbie Jo to ensure space availability.
· A building use form needs to be filled out so the school personnel are aware that the space is occupied during that time (this is a simple form and Bobbie Jo can assist you in completing the form).
· The instructor needs to create a flyer describing the club, how to sign up, when/where it is meeting, who can sign up, etc. The instructor needs to provide the flyer electronically to the PTSA for distribution. The instructor will then collect registration forms from families who want to participate and will be responsible for all communications with the participating families.
· The instructor(s) leads the club meetings and is responsible for preparing all activities/materials for the club meetings, handling any behavior issues, set up and clean up, etc.
Some clubs utilize pre-existing curricula such as Girl Scouts or the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Alternatively, some clubs do not have a set curriculum and are focused on a common interest such as basketball or knitting.
If you have any further questions, please contact Michelle Sullivan at president@einsteinptsa.org. Thank you for your interest in supporting clubs at Einstein!