The Co-Op Experience
Our involved parent community fosters learning in a nurturing environment.
What is a cooperative preschool?
Portland Kinderschule is a cooperative preschool in Portland. A cooperative preschool program is operated by the collective group of parents who take an active interest and an active role in their child’s first educational experience. Portland Kinderschule employs professional teachers with German fluency to lead our classes, but all other aspects of the school are conducted on a volunteer basis by the students’ families.
Why choose a cooperative preschool?
At Portland Kinderschule parents have a voice in school decisions, administration, and policy-making. As parents work together both inside and outside the classroom, a tightly knit community is built. The security that children draw from this sense of community ensures that they will begin their educational journey loving school. Portland Kinderschule families value the mutual understanding and moral support from other parents with the same interests and values.
What are my obligations?
Parental involvement is essential to the success of our school. The contributions of each family allow Portland Kinderschule to offer an outstanding, immersive education at a very reasonably priced tuition.
Volunteer for one job or board position per school year.
Our Board
Portland Kinderschule is a cooperative German immersion preschool run through the efforts of teachers, as well as parents who serve on an administrative board.
Lacey Schaich
President
President
Coordinates and oversees all operations of the preschool.
Conni McGuire
Vice President
Supports president as needed and takes over when president is not available.
Geoff Painter
Secretary
Takes minutes during meetings and communicates them to the membership via email.
Emily Strychowski
Treasurer
Receives and dispenses funds. Keeps complete financial records. Develops and presents financial reports and budgets.
Emely Strychowski
Payroll Treasurer
Manages bank account and payroll system. Files taxes. Issues reimbursement checks.
Carla Quisenberry
Carla Quisenberry
Membership Coordinator
Acts as registrar, ensuring all required forms are on file prior to start of school. Maintains files of student records, immunizations, and school roster.
Katerina Baratta
Marketing
Manages all marketing for school and camps through multiple venues/media. Maintains promotional material. Maintains a presence in social media.
Non-Board Volunteer Positions
Katharina Menzel
Parent Help Cordinator
Determines number of parent helper days required per family. Creates and provides sign-up sheets at general meetings.
Jessica Foote
Fundraising Cordinator
Works with board to plan, coordinate and organize fundraising events for the upcoming year.
Ralf Brabandt
Event & Fieldtrip Coordinator
Plans field trips and schedules classroom visitors that support Portland Kinderschule’s curriculum. Organizes four cultural events per year.
Kelly Ryan
Facility & Safety Coordinator
Checks emergency and first aid kit to make sure there is sufficient food, water and supplies. Organizes two cleaning days per year. Coordinates with teachers to make sure periodic fire, earthquake and lock down drills are carried out.
Matthew Foster &
Ashley Clark
Ashley Clark
Media Coordinator
Takes pictures of all incoming students and families. Creates bulletin board identifying each student and the family’s job. Gathers photographs throughout the year and creates a year-end yearbook.
Lacey Schaich
Teacher's Aide / Purchaser
Maintains school and classroom supplies. Documents the weekly teaching summary for distribution to the parents.
Matt McGuire
Technology Coordinator
Supports the school website. Maintains permissions of the shared electronic file system and email system.