Health & Fitness
Volunteer for Your Elementary Schools
Become involved with your child's education not just at home but at the school. Many opportunities are available for parents to volunteer their time.
I've talked about the importance of parental involvement in a child's education at home, but what about at school? If you are fortunate enough to have the time to volunteer I strongly suggest it. Believe me, your kids will notice and love it... until they get a little older anyway! My kids are both still at Northeast so most of my personal experience is focused at the elementary level. Here are some great ways you can help your elementary school out:
- Volunteer to be or help the room parent. Room parents have different responsibilities depending on the school, teacher, and grade. But they can be very helpful in organizing activities in the classroom. Even if you just help out with a healthy snack for a holiday party it does matter.
- Look for opportunities to read to the kids. In the lower grades the teachers were constantly looking for volunteers to come in and read. It really is a lot of fun to have a bunch of second graders huddled around while you read them Winnie the Pooh. And the teachers appreciate a few extra minutes to get homework folders done.
- Join the PTO! It's not just about fundraising. Our PTOs do so many great events throughout the year, from assemblys to science fairs. And yes, a fair number of fund raisers. The meetings are once a month, and you will be directly involved in your kid's education. Without PTOs the Board of Education would be a lot more strapped to provide field trips, playground equipment, and so much more.
- Even if you don't want to be a day to day PTOer, help out for an event. Scoop ice cream for the social. Chaperone a dance. Help out at the school store. Little things really do matter.
These are just some quick and easy ways you can get involved. Not every family has the time available to volunteer, but if you do I highly recommend you give it a try. The rewards may be less tangible on your child than practicing multiplication tables, but they can make a lifelong memory for you both. Reach out to your local school today and ask what you can do to help them out this year.
The opinions expressed here are strictly my own and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Board of Education.
