Studies have shown that the most accurate predictor of a student's achievement in school is the extent to which that student's family is able to:

• Create a home environment that encourages learning

• Express high (but not unrealistic) expectations for their children's achievement and future careers

• Become involved in their children's education at school and in the community

Following are some ways to get involved.  (Some committees have no openings at this time.)

PIC (Parent Information Committee) - Come to meetings or just subscribe to the newsletter.  More info Chris Johnson or Dani Thomas.  

SAC (School Accountability Committee) - This CDE mandated committee is responsible for (1) making recommendations to their principal concerning priorities for spending school funds, (2) making recommendations concerning the preparation of the school’s Performance, Improvement, Priority Improvement, or Turnaround plan (whichever is applicable), (3) providing input and recommendations to District Accountability Committees and district administration concerning principal development plans and principal evaluations, and (4) meeting at least quarterly to discuss implementation of the school’s plan and other progress pertinent to the school’s accreditation contract with the local school board. Parents may attend the meetings and/or join the committee.  For more info contact Heidi Chapman-Hoy

School store/Pizza days/PBIS - The school store and pizza days are part of the school wide PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) program where students who exhibit positive behaviors in the school receive "Know the Code" cards. These reward cards may be redeemed for fun items and treats at the school store (two Fridays per month) and a pizza day (one Wednesday per month.) The store and pizza programs are fully funded through generous donations from our school parents and community businesses. Please help us to continue this wonderful endeavor by volunteering (sign up here) and/or donating (contact Cristina Magill or Angela Catterson).

Office Helper - SSMS welcomes parent volunteers to help answer phones, make photocopies, and other clerical tasks.  Contact Val Dietrich for more info.

Library Helper - SSMS welcomes parent volunteers to help shelve books and other tasks.  Contact Megan Scannell for more info.

Green Team - There is a student green team with a faculty sponsor for each grade level.  Parents would work with students and staff to help with various projects.  More info contact Sandy Lettunich.

Science Olympiad - Each year SSMS puts together a Science Olympiad team to compete against other schools.  Students are assigned events for which they need to research a science topic or design and build something - the events are different each year.  Coaches are needed to mentor the students. If you’d like to help out, contact Pamela Karzen.

Math Team - This club, run by parent volunteers, is open to anyone who wants to improve their problem solving skills.  Contact Sally Lambert if you’d like to be involved.

Girls to Women/The Journey Ahead - Our 8th graders participate in an annual "career day" type event held at CMC designed to educate students about positive choices, give them positive role models and tools for goal setting, and inspire them to make a commitment to excellence. The conference for girls is called Girls to Women; the one for boys is called The Journey Ahead.  Volunteers are needed to present to the students, as well as to be helpers so the day runs smoothly.  This year’s event is tentatively scheduled for May 8.  For more info contact Cristina Magill.

Staff appreciation - Every year during staff appreciation week in May, a parent volunteer puts together activities and small tokens of appreciation for our teachers and staff to ensure that they feel appreciated.  If you’d like to be involved, contact Chris Johnson or Dani Thomas.

Teacher meals - The PIC organizes pot-luck and catered meals for teachers and staff during parent/teacher conferences in the fall and spring, as well as during Staff Appreciation Week in May.  You can help by signing up to contribute food or money for the meals.  Watch for the sign up link in the weekly bulletin from the office the week before and week-of these events.  For more info contact Monica Neidermeier.

Box Tops for Education - Parents are requested to clip, save and submit Box Tops coupons.  A volunteer counts the coupons and submits them to the company for money.  If you’d like to help, contact Chris Johnson.

AmeriGas receipts - Parents who use propane from Amerigas are asked to save their receipts and submit them to the school.  A volunteer counts and submits the receipts to the company for money.  

Carnival - We have an agreement with the carnival company that comes to town each spring.  We arrange for their permit, trash collection, and porta-potties, and they give us a percentage of their ticket sales in exchange. This is our biggest fund raiser.  If you’d like to help out, contact Chris Johnson.

Hiring Committee - When new staff is hired a hiring committee is formed, which usually includes a parent.  If you’d like to be considered for this position, please contact Heidi Chapman-Hoy.

DAC (District Accountability Committee) - This CDE mandated committee is responsible for (1) making recommendations to their local school boards concerning budget priorities, (2) making recommendations concerning the preparation of the district’s Performance, Improvement, Priority Improvement, or Turnaround plan (whichever is applicable), (3) providing input and recommendations to principals, on an advisory basis, concerning the development and use of assessment tools to measure and evaluate student academic growth as it relates to teacher evaluations, and (4) cooperatively determining other areas and issues to address and make recommendations upon. Parents may attend the meetings and/or join the committee.  For more info contact Dr. Brad Meeks.

GT Advisory Committee - The SSSD GT Advisory Committee, made up of parents and school administration, makes recommendations to the district regarding programs for gifted and talented students, and also works to educate parents and students about issues surrounding gifted and talented students. For more info contact Sarah Jones.

Curriculum Committee - The Curriculum Committee includes teachers, administration, and parents. They review curriculum and graduation requirements on an ongoing basis to be sure that our district’s academic standards are maintained.  For more info contact Kevin Taulman.

SSHS Booster Club - The Booster Club parents, volunteers and administrators work together to support High School and Middle School athletic teams and clubs through financial support and volunteerism.  More info on their website.

Community Committee for Education - The Community Committee for Education (CC4E) was formed in the wake of the Nov. 2015 failed bond to inspire a dialogue about the future of Steamboat schools.  Their mission is The Best Education for Our Students.  Their meetings are open to public; parents are encouraged to attend.  More info on their website.

Steamboat Springs Education Fund - Steamboat Springs Education Fund (SSEF) is a non-profit, independent corporation that administers the proceeds of the half cent sales tax to expand resources and enhance the educational achievement of students in the Steamboat Springs, Soroco and Hayden school districts. Attend a meeting.  All board and commission meetings are open to the public.  The community is encouraged to attend and participate in the public commentary. Parents may also volunteer to be on EFB or the Commission. More info on their website.

Steamboat Springs Board of Education - Our school board establishes a vision for our schools that reflects a consensus of the board, community and district staff. The school board has a wide variety of additional responsibilities, such as adopting a balanced annual budget, adopting the school calendar, negotiating contracts with teachers, approving curriculum and constructing schools.  Parents are encouraged to attend the bi-weekly meetings.  Parents may also run for school board.  Contact Deb Ginesta for more information.