Long before it was popular, CCNS provided an atmosphere for dads to 'ticipate.
- Robert Elliot, Former Mayor of Croton-on-Hudson, and parent of alumni.

CCNS is a cooperative school, which means that the families become part owners and share in the management and maintenance of the school.

Parents are an integral part of their childís first school experience at CCNS, as they take turns assisting teachers in the classroom. Depending on the class size, classroom participation is about 3-6 hours per month.

In addition to events such as Mayfair and family picnics, activities for parents include class coffees and parent education programs. Involvement in a cooperative often brings additional benefits ó our families form lifelong friendships, both among children as well as parents.

Additionally, the cooperative environment provides a supportive learning environment for adults by offering:
ï an important role in their childís growth and development,
ï acceptance into a friendly group of parents who face similar challenges,
ï greater appreciation for their childís skills and strengths,
ï first-hand observation of their childís interaction among their peers,
ï skilled guidance for their child by a knowledgeable, experienced teacher, and
ï access to educational materials and programs.

There are four major parent requirements: maintenance hours, committee work, fundraising and class participation. Working on your committee, helping out at our fundraising events and pitching in during our maintenance sessions are a great way to get to know other families in the school, and many lasting friendships are formed.

1. Maintenance
Every family contributes 3 hours to the maintenance of the school. All work sessions are "child-friendly," meaning you can bring your child(ren) to school while you work.

2. Committee work
The committees include , Newsletter, Fundraising, Parent Liaison, Publicity, Social, and Maintenance.

3. Fundraising
Funds for scholarships, major school improvements, and operating costs not covered by tuition income are raised by parent efforts.

Each family participates in these two fundraising events:

ï Fall Tag and Bake Sale: This is a fun event for the entire community, for which each family is asked to donate at least one item and one baked item.

ï Mayfair: For over 10 years, CCNS has been hosting this day of fun games, activities, face painting, treats, a bouncy castle and more.

4. Classroom Participation
You will meet all your childrenís friends and see what goes on each day in your childís class.