Be Sure to Give to Your School

Last week, I witnessed my daughter's graduation from elementary school.  The cafetorium was packed.  In the weeks leading up to the day, parents were begging for extra tickets to attend the event.  I saw several moms and dads whom I knew as fixtures in the school:  They were PTA board members, room parents, booster club regulars, or just frequent volunteers.

Unfortunately, I also saw many more parents whom I had never seen before.  My guess is that they just drop their kids at the front of the school, assuming that their children are receiving a first class education because of all the money our state provides.

No, that isn’t it.

While there are more than a few parents who give a level of time or money that the average family cannot, there are also more than a few that give nothing.  I suspect the reason more families don’t give just a little is because there is a lack of understanding of its importance and how needed it is.  Every little bit helps:  $1 or $1000, one hour or 100 hours—our schools and our kids need it.

I know first-hand that not much more than a few dozen parents do most of the volunteer work at our school.  Frequently it is the PTA executive board member who also serves as a room parent.  You can always count on some families to give something at every opportunity, while most never give.

It is my hope that when families return to school in the fall, there will be a new passion for giving from all parents.  Our most ardent volunteers are passionate about their cause, but their energy is not limitless–nor are their pocketbooks.  And our kids need more.  They deserve more.

So, after a summer of rest and renewal, please walk into your children’s school on the first day of class, grab the nearest PTA or Booster Club volunteer you can find, and ask them, “How can I help?”