Wherever your child attends school, chances are the staff will probably appreciate parents' help. Educational funding has suffered significant national, state, and local cuts over the past few years, leaving gaps that can only be filled by volunteers. Since parents have the most at stake, they are the logical supporters that most schools look to in times of need.
Meeting a school’s special needs is a great way to contribute to the community. A second benefit is your child's academic progress. Studies show that students whose parents volunteer to help at school often earn higher grades and show greater levels of achievement than those whose parents aren't involved.
If you don't know where to begin, here are a few pointers to help you get started.
1. Ask your child's teacher if you can help in the classroom. Becoming a room mother is a traditional role for many parents. Room mothers--or room parents, since fathers are now providing more help than previously--may assist with holiday parties, conduct test monitoring, or provide playground supervision. Get plugged in wherever needed, and you will provide a valuable service to overworked school personnel.
2. Offer a special skill. If you can type, help in the office. With previous library experience you may be able to assist the school librarian. Do you have medical training? Come in to check heads for lice or give flu shots. Even maintenance-type skills may be useful in unclogging a drain, painting a wall, or installing an electrical outlet--after clearing it through the principal, of course. Devote a morning to give a talk about your job or hobby. Students will love the change of pace and teachers will thank you. Arrange a field trip with educational implications, such as a local bakery, factory, or museum.
3. Become a teacher's aid. Those who have experience writing, drawing, speaking a foreign language, or another professional skill may want to volunteer their talent on a weekly or bi-monthly basis or be paid a nominal amount for their service that the school might not otherwise be able to afford. Thus you will benefit many students, not just your child.
4. Provide technical support. Computer training and maintenance is a highly prized and often expensive service for school systems. Bring your expertise to campus to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in computer maintenance or software installation.
5. Give the teacher or office staff a break. Supervise a class or the front desk while someone gets lunch or takes a coffee or bathroom break. Ask about grading papers (true and false or multiple choice answers are easiest for non-teachers) or helping with errands to pick up supplies. Monitor phones, fill out forms, or greet students to take a load off a school employee who is frazzled.
6. Sponsor a fundraising event. Through the PTA or perhaps a community organization, write a grant or organize an event that will help to raise money for your kids' school. Golf outings, recycling drives, holiday merchandise sales, and other activities can provide opportunities for the community to support their school.
As a non-profit entity, public schools need and value parents' support. Contact your child's school to find out how you can make a difference.
