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 Suzy Stone 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

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

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 Eric Bender.

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.

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 Suzy Stone 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 Suzy Stone.

Box Tops for Education - Parents are requested to scan their grocery receipts for Box Tops donations.  Instructions to do this are found at Box Tops for Education.

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.  

City Market - City Market Community Rewards makes fund-raising easy. All you have to do is shop at City Market and swipe your Value Card. Make sure to set up your value card to benefit SSMS. Register in january each year at this link.

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.

Facilities Committee - The Facilities Committee discusses and prioritizes the facilities needs of the district.  For more information, contact Pascal Ginesta.

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.