Whether your child is just starting kindergarten, entering the
final year of
high school
, or is somewhere in between, there are many good reasons and
opportunities for you to volunteer at school. It's a great way
to show your child that you take an interest in his or her
education, and it sends a positive message that you consider school
a worthwhile cause.
Many schools now have to raise their own funds for activities
and supplies that would once have been considered basic
necessities, and parent volunteers are essential in helping to
organize and chaperone these fundraising events, as well as to
participate in other school activities.
Why Should I Get Involved?
Parent volunteers offer a huge resource and support base for the
school community while showing their kids the importance of
participating in the
larger community
.
The school isn't the only one to reap the benefits of your
involvement. By offering some of your time to the school, and by
interacting with teachers, administrators, and other parents on a
regular basis, you can gain a first-hand understanding of your
child's daily activities and some insight into the trends and
fads of school life that will help you communicate with your child
as he or she grows and changes (all without intruding on your
child's privacy or personal space).
Even if you haven't been involved in the past, it's
never too late to start; in fact, it may be more important than
ever to get involved when your child reaches secondary school.
However, some parents may experience "volunteer burnout"
by the time their children enter high school or may decide that the
schools don't need them as much when the child leaves the
primary grades. But many parents who volunteered a lot of time
during their children's elementary years may have returned to
full-time careers by the time their children reach their
teens
, so there's often a shortage in the secondary schools.
Finding the Right Opportunity
One of the best starting points for getting involved is a
parent-teacher conference or open house - these are usually
scheduled early in each school year, and they provide a great
opportunity to approach your child's teacher or principal about
volunteer involvement. If you have something to offer, or if you
just want to help out in whatever way you can, discuss the
possibilities with your child's teacher. The teacher may
arrange something with you personally or direct you to a department
head or administrator who can answer your questions and make
suggestions. It's also a good idea to join the Parent-Teacher
Association (PTA) or parents' advisory council.
Here are just some of the things your child's teacher and/or
the PTA can help you to do as a school volunteer:
- act as a classroom helper
- mentor or tutor students
- help children with special needs
- volunteer in a school computer lab
- help organize, cater, or work at fundraising activities such
as bake sales or car washes
- act as a lunchroom or playground monitor
- help to plan and chaperone field trips, track meets, and
other events that take place away from the school
- help to plan and chaperone in-school events (i.e., dances,
proms, or graduation ceremonies)
- organize or assist with a specific club or interest group (if
you have an interest in an activity that isn't currently
available to students, offer to help get a group started - for
example, a chess club or cycling team)
- assist coaches and gym teachers with sports and fitness
programs or work in the school concession stand at sporting
events
- help the school administrators prepare grant proposals,
letter-writing campaigns, or press releases or provide other
administrative assistance
- attend school board meetings
- work as a library assistant or offer to help with story time
or reading assistance in the school library
- sew costumes or build sets for theatrical and musical
productions
- work with the school band or orchestra or coach music
students individually
- help out with visual arts, crafts, and design courses and
projects
- hold a workshop for students in trade or technical
programs
- spend some time with a specific club or interest group
(approach the teacher who sponsors the group)
- volunteer to speak in the classroom or at a career day, if
you have a field of expertise that you'd like to share
- supervise or judge experiments at a science fair
Remember that not everyone is suited for the same type of
involvement - you may have to "try on" a number of
different activities before you find something that feels right. If
you're at a loss for how you can help, just ask your
child's teacher, who will likely be glad to help you think of
something!
Questions to Ask
When you offer to help out, find out how much of a time
commitment you'll be expected to contribute, and if you'll
be expected to help out on an ongoing basis. Are you going to
repair the costumes for the spring musical, or will you be expected
to keep the drama department's supplies in good condition
year-round? Are you chaperoning the track meet or coaching the
whole season?
Be sure to ask if there are any financial costs associated with
your volunteer activities. If you're chaperoning a field trip,
for example, find out if you'll be required to pay for
transportation and admissions costs. Find out if you'll need to
transport students in your own vehicle or if a school bus will be
provided. If you're organizing or helping out with an activity
that will take place off the school grounds, be sure to find out if
there are any specific school regulations you need to keep in mind
or any liability issues you should consider.
Getting Started
Here are a few tips to keep in mind once you've signed up
for the volunteer opportunities of your choice:
-
Make it clear before you begin just how much time
you're willing to volunteer.
Even stay-at-home parents don't have an unlimited amount of
time to volunteer at their child's school - many parents have
other activities and interests, as well as other children to care
for. Don't be afraid to say
no
if you're being asked to do more than you feel comfortable
with - just try to say it early enough so that someone else can
be found to take your place, because many trips and activities
can't be taken unless the school has a certain number of
chaperones or supervisors.
-
Start small.
Don't offer to coordinate the holiday bake sale, the band
recital, and a swim meet all at once! If you've taken on too
much, find out if you can delegate some duties to other
interested parents.
-
Don't give your child special treatment or extra
attention when you're volunteering at the school.
Follow your child's cues to find out how much interaction
works for both of you. Most kids enjoy having their parents
involved, but if your child seems uncomfortable with your
presence at the school or with your involvement in a favorite
activity, consider taking a more behind-the-scenes approach. Make
it clear that you aren't there to check up on him or her -
you're just trying to help out the school.
-
Get frequent feedback from the teachers and students
you're working with.
Find out what's most and least helpful to them, and get
suggestions about what you can do to make the most of the time
you spend on school activities. It's important to keep the
lines of communication open among teachers, administrators,
students, and volunteers, and to be flexible and responsive as
the needs of the students and the school change.
When volunteering at your child's school, remember that the
work you do not only benefits your child, but will enrich the
classroom, the whole school, and the entire community by providing
students with positive interaction, support, and encouragement. And
don't underestimate the students - you may feel that what you
have to offer might not interest them or might be above their
heads, but you'll probably be pleasantly surprised. You'll
be helping to build skills, confidence, and
self-esteem
that will last beyond their school days.
Updated and reviewed by:
Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: September 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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