Get Schooled

By MMM

August 7, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

I find volunteering at my kid’s school very rewarding. I do it almost full time. I am rarely in the classrooms with kids (but that isn’t my desire or “gift”).

By SarahG

August 7, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

My youngest (of three) is now a rising 11th grader, so my days of volunteering in her classrooms are behind us, but I can’t think of any other “investment” I have made in my children that has paid off like volunteering in their schools. At the obvious level, their teachers need help, and appreciate anyone who is willing. Dig deeper and there’s a whole host of other benefits - strong relationships with the people who daily make decisions that affect your kids (teachers and principals alike); actually knowing what goes on in classrooms rather than getting the kid-vid version; the boost to your child’s self-confidence knowing that you are willing to sacrifice time for them (money is much easier); and not least the feeling you get inside from doing something important.

I have made copies, relieved teachers of lunch duty, helped in computer labs, swept up all kinds of messes, listened to readers, installed software when the system’s IT folks took too long to get there, run the go fish booth at festivals - and been a sympathetic ear for teachers at the end of their rope, watched my kids successes first hand instead of having to wait for the replay at home, and had the privilege of helping children less fortunate than mine. What’s not to love?

My plan for retirement is to “adopt” the local elementary school and help wherever I’m needed - I can’t wait!

By catlady

August 7, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

While I was in graduate school I volunteered with my younger daughter’s class. I read, taught songs, and did simple art things the teacher requested (cutting, etc.) I would also eat once a week with her class. It was great for me to stay in the school and get an idea of the climate.

I think it is harder to volunteer now (at least at my school) but letting the PTA president know,the principal know, the counselor know, they can frequently hook you up with someone who wants your help. There are so many concerns about privacy, safety, etc. now. We do use volunteers for book fairs, school store, putting up bulletin boards, etc., and it helps if you are willing to do something for classes that your child is not in. Our school badly needs people to be mentors to at-risk students, but I think that process is even more convoluted. One thing I have observed is the parents who want to help but also want to bring younger siblings along. This does not work so well, usually. Get the word out, though, and see what happens. It can be a great experience when you find a good match of your talents and time with teacher/school needs.

By fk

August 7, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this

I volunteered a lot at my son’s elementary school. I co-chaired the A/R program. I also helped out from time to time in the Special Ed. class. Those teachers worked especially hard, and it was a very rewarding experience. I don’t know how those teachers did it every day, though.

In middle school, I did a lot of photocopying. The teachers really appreciated that.

By Tina

August 7, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this

As a third grade teacher, I love having volunteers in my room! My main request is for the parent to email me or send a note telling me what time he/she is coming in. That way I can have a list of things ready to be done, and not have to stop in the middle of teaching. I’ve also had parents teach Junior Achievement classes, Spanish lessons, help with Accelerated Math, and work with struggling students. Parent volunteers are wonderful!

By MA

August 8, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this

Several years ago a parent volunteer escort for a field trip was discovered to be a registered sex offender. At that time, our school decided to restrict volunteers to positions where they had no individual contact with students — ice cream sales, bulletin boards, etc. In order to be a reading mentor, parents must fill out applications and agree to a background check. This limits the number of volunteers, but it does increase the safety of our children.

By Ernest

August 8, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

Because of responsibilities from my job, I can’t volunteer as much as I’d like however when I do, I find it extremely rewarding. I’m fortunate that the ES school my children attend also has quite a few male volunteers. We all know the ladies traditionally show up but it means a lot when our children can see men is positive roles. Thanks to all who volunteer in our schools!

By Vicki

August 10, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

I saw this topic the other day but was too busy volunteering at school to respond until now.

We had a beginning of the year home-cooked breakfast for the staff of 125 at our school on Monday. Tuesday we stuffed 900 packets with all the county’s information (15 enclosures) to go home with the students the first day of school. Also on Tuesday, the Room Parent Committee met and started the Open House pack for the teachers. Wednesday we finished up the Open House packs and distributed them to the teachers. Today we planted 1/2 dozen flats of flowers to help give the grounds some color and boy was it HOT. Then set the Cafeteria up for Open House that starts at 8:00 am tomorrow. These are the things I (with some help from my boys, 8 and 10) have done this week.

Who’s idle?

Ernest - my guys love it when Dad comes to help out at school. He has helped with Field Day, Science Day, and has gone on field trips with their classes.