Whether you are the parent of a kindergartener, just starting in the adventure of his/her school career, or a veteran with children of high school age, there are many great reasons to get involved at your child's school.
First of all, getting involved communicates that you care. Your children need to know that school is important to you. Helping out says that school is worth the investment of your time, as a parent, and sets a great example of selflessness that will stick with them for years to come.
Secondly, school budgets have been trimmed to the minimum. Schools need more quality help than they can afford. Yourvaluable presence will enrich the school environment and make life a little bit easier for the administration and staff. So, offer todo what you can to be of service.
If you can volunteer during the school day, it will give you the opportunity to see your child's school in action. You'll gain a whole new perspective of what your child and the teachers, staff and administrators experience every day. Whether you can be there during the day or not, though, your involvement as a parent will make a real difference in your child's school experience.
Did you know that volunteers are probably more needed at the middle and high school level? It makes sense. Many parents start out with enthusiasm when their children are small and readily get involved in school activities. But as the children get older, parents start to run out of steam. Things change and it may not be evident that there is still a real need. Staying in tune with an older child's school-life is more important than ever so, make up your mind early in the game to stay on the course and be involved.
Where to Begin
To start with, contact your child's teacher to introduce yourself and express your desire to help where needed. If there is an Open House or Parent Teacher Conference coming up soon, that would be a great place to talk to them. If no scheduled opportunity is near, be proactive and contact the teacher yourself. Ask where there is a need and offer to fill it. Be sure that you have your contact information ready to give them and ask for theirs as well.Veteran teachers may already have a list of things that you can do for them. Newer teachers, on the other hand, may not know where to start. If you don't hear back after your first conversation, contact them again by email, handwritten note or phone call. Have a suggestion or two ready of what you'd like to do for them, if nothing specific has already been discussed.
Where Can You Serve Best?
SCHOOL DAY: You may want to take an active role at school during the day. If it works with your schedule, there are a number of areas where most schools would love to have some help. You can volunteer as an assistant in the classroom, computer lab, playground, library or lunchroom. The school office may need help with filing, stuffing envelopes or answering phones. If they are under staffed, the paid personnel might even enjoy a few moments away from her desk to take a break. You can relieve them.
DRAMATIC PRODUCTIONS: Remember the school play? If you were ever in one, you know that a lot goes into a production. Parents may be needed to sew costumes, serve as makeup artists, find props or build sets. Do they need an adult as a stage manager or could they use help in the publicity department? If your child is in the play, you might offer to host the cast party after the final performance.
FIELD TRIPS: Schools are always in need of chaperones and drivers for field trips. Be sure to let your child's teacher know if you are able to help.
FUNDRAISING: Gone are the days when everything is paid for. Today, fundraising is an essential part of school life. Baked sales, car washes, can and bottle collecting, coupon book and magazine sales, and spaghetti dinners are just a few of the most popular means of raising funds but they all need manpower to make them happen. Get involved.
GRANT WRITING: Likewise, grant writing is a time consuming activity that requires some expertise, but for those who are able to do it, the dividends are great. Some grant opportunities may be missed just because no one is available to try. Find out if there is a desire for help in this area and go for it. A side benefit is that you may find that you acquire a marketable skill as you write more and more of them.
READING TO THE CLASS: Youngsters love to hear stories. Even if your children are older, you can offer to come to the classrooms of the younger children and read to them. It gives the teacher a break and guests bring an exciting change to the school day.
SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS: Are you a scientist or engineer? Children are thrilled with real life experiments and hands-on experiences. Offer to come to class to give a demonstration and a little teaching along with it.
SPORTS: Sports programs require much help. If athletics are your thing, find out if there is a need. Some of the healthiest athletic programs have parent-run Sports Boosters Clubs where they raise funds, organize rallies and generally cheer the team on. If your child's school doesn't have one, ask if you can start one!
TUTOR: If you have strength in an academic area, you might be needed as a tutor. Speak to the classroom teacher or the principal about your interest and see if an opportunity is available.
Not Free During the School Day?
There are other ways to be involved. Make it a point to attend as many school activities as possible such as open houses, parent teacher conferences, musical concerts, science fairs, athletic events, and the school musical. Offer to bake for a classroom celebration or be a chaperone on a field trip. Participate!
PHONE CALLS: Schools also can use extra help doing the legwork for seeking donations or looking for volunteers to man special events. You could make the phone calls to set these things up.
WEB HELP: Are you good on a computer? Help maintain their website or write the school newsletter. Offer tech help when computers need repair, if that's up your alley.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Enriching activities for the students take a lot of time to put together. Schools love strong volunteers who can spearhead school-wide events like Career Day, Earth Day, Black History month, etc. If that is your strength, talk to the principal. You may be just the person they are looking for!
TEACHER APPRECIATION: One of the most gratifying projects a parent can bless a school with is to organize a "Teacher Appreciation" campaign. Teachers are appreciated but they don't hear it nearly often enough. And don't forget the administrators, office staff, maintenance and kitchen help. They all pour so much into your children's lives. It's nice to have that recognized by others. How do you do that? Get a Christmas/Holiday Wish List from each teacher or department and make it known to the parents in plenty of time for them to do something about it. Teachers are always looking for more supplies, books, videos and other aids to enhance the classroom experience. Sometimes the littlest things can make their jobs so much brighter! They may even wish for a little something for themselves. Restaurant gift cards are big! Teachers may not bring it up but they'd love to receive one, or two, or three of them!
Is it possible that nothing is being done for their birthdays? How about a parent-generated birthday card effort or simply sending in a small gift to your child's classroom teacher from your family? And, don't forget those teachers of "specials classes" who don't have a classroom of their own. Physical education, art, home economics, computer technology, and foreign language teachers all need a pat on the back now and then. Make sure that they are covered. You even may want toassign parents to adopt a teacher who is an orphan, in that way. It'll be fun. Whatever way fits best for you, take the time to consider the possibilities and act on it now. Get involved in your child's school. You will be so glad that you did.
Sinea Pies is a contributing writer to Rochester Area & Genesee Valley Parent Magazine. She lives in the Rochester area and has worked as a guidance counselor and school administrator for over 15 years. She is a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who often writes about her passion – the value of being organized and personal success strategies: getting your "ducks n' a row". Visit her atwww.ducknarow.com
