So you want to volunteer in your child's school, but you have no idea what to do.

There are dozens of ways you can help out. Parents who like to sew, paint or do carpentry can help design theatrical productions. Community members with a background in computers or engineering can mentor the robotics team. If you have a music background, you may offer to tune band or orchestra instruments.

If these sound like too big a time commitment, principals and teachers suggest other ways to volunteer:

• Help the teacher in the classroom a few hours a week.

• Become a guest reader and read books to different classes.

• Chaperone field trips and other school-related events.

• Tutor students.

• Become a mentor.

• Organize fund-raising activities.

• Run the concession stand at sporting events.

• Write grant proposals.

• Speak at Career Day.

• Supervise playground activities.

Compiled by Laura Diamond