Structure of Big Backyard Program at Fiske School, Lexington, MA © Trina Waters  2006 Program Co-chair(s) --Oversees the big picture: --Submits budget to PTA and acquires materials from Fran’s office, monitors expenses and submits to PTA  --Schedules and directs meetings of Grade Coordinators as needed --Schedules and staffs trainings, monitors walks through Grade Coordinators --Responsible for generating and circulating all notices, forms, tips, and other communications to Grade Coordinators, Class --Coordinators, Volunteers, Teachers --Raises awareness of Big Backyard program in school community (and Lexington) by writing frequent reports in School News and   through other media --Maintains ongoing communication with Principal and Fran Ludwig --Oversees desk area, video library, supplies, file drawers and cabinet --Responsible for volunteer appreciation Grade Coordinator ß       Keeps pulse on all aspects of Big Backyard at that grade level by: o       Maintaining close contact with teachers, in effort to tailor program to their needs o       Maintaining close contact with Class Coordinators to answer questions, discuss problems, changes, suggestions, needs o       Maintaining close contact with Program Co-Chair ß       Recruits Class Coordinators and helps Class Coordinators recruit additional volunteers as needed for each walk ß       Builds kits for walks and monitors them to make sure they are cleaned, repacked and restocked after every walk ß       Checks to make sure there are enough walk guides and worksheets; makes copies as necessary ß       Works with Class Coordinators to ensure that they schedule walks and follow general protocol. ß       Marks plants with surveying tape if necessary (or recruits someone else) ß       Follows up with teacher and volunteers whenever issues surface Classroom Coordinator ß       (See fall letter to coordinators and follow-up communications) ß       Schedules walks with teacher volunteers and enters date on master calendar ß       Identifies who will volunteer for each walk, and submits list to teacher several days before walk ß       Learns from teacher whether he/she wants help with pre- and/or post-walk talks or activities, and tries to accommodate ß       Picks up kits on day of walk ß       Coordinates with volunteers about any last minute details just before walk ß       Cleans, repacks and restocks kit after walk ß       Collects evaluation forms from volunteers ß       Lets Grade Coordinator know how walk went ß       Decides with teacher early the morning of the walk if walk should be cancelled due to rain, snow, ice, wind, etc. Calls volunteers. Parent volunteer   ß       If new to Big Backyard program, attends Introductory Training with Bev, or watches video ß       Attends training for each walk, or watches video, receives walk guide Talks with his/her own child ahead of time about what to expect during walk ß       Comes to walk well prepared      ß       Completes evaluation form after walk ß       Helps Class Coordinator as needed Trainer      •   Offers training sessions for grade level walks Teacher ß       Retains BBY blanket permission forms, and makes sure all slips are in ß       Gives possible dates and rain dates to Class Coordinator ß       Checks final date to make sure no conflict exists ß       Draws up small group lists, (generally with parent, Gr. K-2; without parent, Gr. 3-5) ß       Sends  notice home to parents about date of walk, dress, sunscreen and repellent ß       For walks far from school property (Chiesa Farm, Whipple Hill, Granny Pond) notifies nurse and completes the school’s trip permission slip process. Carries first aid kit, epi pens and inhalers as per school policy ß       Decides with Class Coordinator whether to cancel walk due to weather or conditions During walk circulates between groups outside (if possible), participates and supports