Ruffing Family Association
Ruffing Families- the heart and soul of our community. Families hold an essential role within our school. Through the gift of their time, parents and guardians can support the teachers, staff, and children at Ruffing by strengthening the activities and events that make our community special. Involvement also offers parents the chance to get to know other families while enriching the Montessori mission. There is a volunteer opportunity for every interest and every schedule. We welcome you to join us!
Family Volunteer Opportunities:
The Hot Lunch Program is open to children in grades 1-8. We provide the option to have a lunch from an area restaurant delivered to your child. Volunteers assist by helping to check orders once they are delivered to the school and help distribute food to individual classrooms. Parent, Amanda Steinacker, is the lead for our Hot Lunch Program.
Family Potluck Picnic is a longstanding annual event. This September welcome picnic begins our school year and is a great way to meet Ruffing families. Volunteers are needed for planning, set-up, live event support and clean up. It takes place at Clague Park. Parent, Sara Hobbs, is the lead for this event.
Family Fall Fest occurs in October and is a great event for all ages. Activities include a hayride, a hoedown under the big tent, crafts and sporting activities. Pizza and drinks are provided. Volunteers are needed for planning, set-up, live event support and clean up. Parents, Kathy Osborne and Neda Sopko are the leads for this event.
Family Ice Skating Party takes place annually at the Rocky River Ice Rink. All members of the Ruffing community including parents, siblings, faculty and staff are invited to skate for the afternoon when the rink is “closed to the public.” Volunteers are needed for planning, set-up, live event support and clean up.
The Annual Auction is the school’s flagship event and the most important fundraiser of the year. Typically held in the early spring, there are many volunteer opportunities- big and small. Roles exist for every level of time commitment. Contact any member of the board, or Lori Coticchia for more information.
Material Making is an essential activity at the school. Volunteers help to support individual classrooms and teachers by helping to make materials that are used in day-to-day classroom work. Parent, Jessica Thuener, is the lead for our Material Making program.
Teacher Appreciation events are a great way to show the school’s faculty and staff how much we appreciate all the ways in which they help our community. These events happen at various times throughout the year. Volunteers are needed for planning, set-up, meal support and clean up. Parent, Lara Morris, is the lead for our Teacher Appreciation program. Keep an eye out for a Sign-Up Genius to participate.
Classroom Parents have important roles supporting teachers in the classroom. Every teacher has different needs and ways to help out. Field trip chaperones, classroom projects aides, cooking helpers, and pre-primary book helpers are just some of the opportunities. Speak with your child’s teacher directly about the ways you can help support classroom activities.
The Father/Daughter Dance is an annual tradition bringing Dads/Guardians & daughters of all ages together for a night of food, dancing & fun. Volunteers are needed for planning, set-up, live event support and clean up. Parents, Nadia Bharmal, Dina Wolanin, Farrell Feighan, and Debra Gerber are the leads for this event.
The Mother/Son Outing is an annual event that provides an afternoon of cherished fun to Moms/Guardians and sons. The type of event changes each year but is always sure to deliver lots of fun and smiles to all grade levels. Volunteers are needed for planning, set-up, live event support and clean up. Parent, Kristine Urban is the lead for this event
Ski Club is a great opportunity for kids to learn a fun skill and is in its 18th year of operation! The club operates after school in the winter at either Boston Mills or Brandywine ski resorts. Students do not need to know how to ski or snowboard to participate as lessons can be provided. Generally, students ages 8 – 18 are eligible. Volunteers are needed for planning, organization and onsite chaperoning. Parent, Sarah Frey, is the lead for the 2024-25 year.
Black and White Photo Helpers play an important role in this beloved Ruffing tradition. A lovely, professional, photo of your child/children will be taken in an individual sitting and then made available for purchase as an auction fundraiser. Volunteers help the day of the photography sessions with support and organization. Parent, Jessica Thuener is the lead for this event.
Please contact parent, Sara Hobbs, or Lori Coticchia for more information about participating in these opportunities. Your involvement of any kind makes a difference!
*All parent/guardian volunteers must have a background check on file in order to participate. You only need to have this completed one time while you are at Ruffing.