What is ROPES?

ROPES is a school based parent-to-parent mentoring program that brings together parents of currently enrolled children and parents with enrolling children. ROPES (Reaching Out to Parents with Education and Support) was conceived to provide new parents with a warm, friendly link to the school.

ROPES was designed to be initiated in the spring when most kindergarten registration takes place. However, ROPES can also be used at the beginning of a new school year. Intended to target parents at kindergarten entry, ROPES can easily be adapted to meet the needs of parents with students of any age moving into the school attendance zone.

Why use ROPES?

Parents that are comfortable in the school setting are more likely to become actively involved in their child’s education.

Who can be a ROPES mentor?

Parents with children who have completed one or more years at a school are trained to mentor parents of newly enrolled children. Parent mentors are assigned to guide their mentee parents through their first school year.

Who can be a ROPES coordinator?

A parent educator, PTO president, home-school coordinator, guidance counselor, parent, principal, teacher, or other responsible person in the school setting may be a ROPES Coordinator.

How much time will ROPES take?

The ROPES program does not require a significant time commitment. Training requires less than a day. The ongoing commitment is more a matter of timely contacts - often telephone calls or a personal note are all that’s required. ROPES mentors make themselves available to answer questions throughout the school year.