School Council

School councils are an important way for parents and guardians to have an active voice in their children’s education. At CVPS, the Council is made up of 17 seats, with parent representatives elected each September. Only elected members may vote on issues; however, all parents and guardians are encouraged to attend meetings and become involved with Council activities.                                                     

The Council’s main functions include:

• acting as a forum for school administration and parents to discuss and make decisions about relevant issues
• providing advice on how Board policies and practices can best be applied at our school, based on our knowledge of the community and our children
• working with school administration to develop and implement the School Plan for Continuous Improvement
• communicating Council news and activities to parents through the Council section of the school website and regular installments in the school newsletter
• organizing committees to support initiatives, such as staff appreciation and sustainability, outside of monthly Council meeting times
• fundraising to support initiatives that enhance school life for our students, such as Smart Boards, books for the classrooms and library, and resources for the music and physical education programs.

We know that families are busy and appreciate whatever efforts parents can make to get involved. Whether you have a lot or only a little time to spare, there are many ways to contribute your valuable ideas, thoughts, time and skill sets. Consider any of the following ways to get involved in Council-led activities. For information on helping directly with the school, such as volunteering in the classroom or joining grade level activities, please talk to your child’s teacher or school administration. 

Apply to be an Elected Council Member for that school year. Nomination Applications are sent to parents and guardians in the Book of Forms each September. You may nominate yourself or someone else you think would be a good Council member. 

Attend Council meetings to learn about school news from the Principal or Vice-Principal and provide feedback where appropriate. Find out what Council is doing, including the work of committees. All parents are encouraged to attend and lend their voice to the discussion: your input counts. School Advisory Council decisions should reflect the entire Cornell community. Come out and be heard. 

Join or support a committee. You do not have to be a Council member to join one or more committees. If you cannot commit to joining a committee on an ongoing basis, you can still volunteer for a particular activity or event. For example, the Fundraising Committee conducts approximately four fundraising events each year and requires volunteers for each event. Similarly, the Staff Appreciation committee provides dinner to teachers and staff on evenings such as Curriculum Night: they welcome volunteers to sign up to contribute a dish. 

Provide financial support to Council fundraising events. Council fundraising exists solely to help enhance student life. As of September 2013, Council provides parents information on what a fundraising event is raising funds for and how it will be used. Where appropriate, Council can offer a tax receipt for donations $25 and over. 

Donate or sponsor items for fundraising events or other Council initiatives. Our aim is to involve students in our initiatives so that it is fun and of value to them. For example, Council’s signature fundraising event, the Dance-a-thon, is growing each year. Every year our hope is to offer prizes to students who are successful at raising funds. If you are able to donate a “hot” item for a prize, it is always greatly appreciated. 

Spread the word about Parent Council and information from Council meetings to other Cornell parents and guardians.​

How do I become a Council member?

School Council is made up of 17 seats, with parent representatives elected each September. If you wish to be an elected and voting member of the Council, complete the Nomination Application (provided by the school in the Book of Forms each September) and return it by the due date listed on the form. If more than 17 applications are received, an election will be organized by an Election Committee. Election results are typically finalized in the October Council meeting. 

What is expected of Council members?

• Regularly attend and participate in Council meetings
• Maintain a school-wide perspective on issues
• Act as a link between the Council and the community
• Help to achieve Council’s ongoing goals
• Encourage the participation of all parents within the school community
• Participate in committees and assist with Council tasks 

What are Executive roles?

The Executive consists of the Chair, Vice Chair, Past Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, and is elected each year from the newly-elected parent members of the Council. These individuals have extra responsibilities at and outside of Council meetings. 

I’m not a Council member but I would like to help. How can I be involved?

All parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend monthly meetings, join committees or help in other ways.

Fundraising committee work typically includes:

• attending approximately three to six meetings throughout the school year
• creating a plan for the school year that outlines fundraising events and communication
• participating in one or more fundraising event (can include creating forms and reports, copying and
• distributing forms, counting money and volunteering time to lead or run an event)
• donating prizes or requesting prize donations from local businesses.

 If you are interested in joining the Fundraising Committee, please contact our School Council.

Committees are groups of parents who work together to complete the detailed, in-depth work that is not possible during regular Council meetings. Each committee focuses on one area of interest. Committees other than the standing committees listed below may be formed as needed. 

Communication

Communicates Council activities and assists administration when needed in communicating school activities to parents. This may include but not be limited to assisting with the newsletter, website updates, and specific communications from the school. 

Fundraising

Coordinates and reports on the raising of funds to supplement the goals of Council. 

Parent Engagement

Coordinates the efforts of the Council in support of our School Plan. Helps to increase parental involvement in school activities, including volunteering in the classroom, parental involvement in student reading and writing, and presenting workshops for parents and the community on issues relevant to the School Plan.  

Staff Appreciation​

Plans initiatives to recognize and give back to our school’s teachers; for example, by providing meals for the staff on the parent/teacher conference nights and concert nights.