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Ways You Can Get Involved at Your Child’s School

Posted on Aug 03, 2019

Getting involved at your child’s school is something that will be beneficial, whether your kiddo is in preschool, high school, or somewhere in-between. Getting involved as a parent will benefit the school greatly, as well as strengthen the bond you have with your child. Schools are in need of help from volunteers, so why not offer yours?

You may have dragged your feet because you aren’t sure how to get involved, or maybe you don’t know where to offer help. Well, it’s your lucky day! There are steps you can take to find the best way to contribute. We will be exploring the importance of getting involved, as well as tips for getting started.

Keep reading to see our suggestions…

What Are the Benefits of Getting Involved at Your Child’s School?

There are so many reasons to get involved at your child’s school. Your kiddo will be so happy to see you taking an interest in their life and helping out. This will motivate them to be try harder in school, since you are showing your dedication for their education.

Not only will your child appreciate the effort, but schools are always looking for help. Whether it’s providing resources, or offering your time, schools are always looking for parental involvement. The more you help the school thrive, the better opportunities your child will have.

On top of pleasing your kiddo and those needing the help at school, you will be teaching a valuable lesson to your little one. The more your child sees you contributing to the community and the school, the more inspired they will be to follow in your footsteps. By volunteering, you are teaching your child that getting involved can be fun.

How to Know Which Opportunities to get Involved In?

One of the best ways to find an opportunity is by talking to the teacher. Ask which areas they need the most help in and offer your help. Try to find an area that fits your skill set and schedule the best. Your child’s teacher should be able to direct you to the right place.

If the teacher is not able to recommend any activities to you, then they will give you the contact information for somebody in the school who can.

You can also talk to the athletic director, coach, or the leader of a club your child is in. There will more than likely be something they need help with.

1. Donate

Teachers are always in need of classroom supplies. They constantly run out of supplies like tissues, pencils, markers, and crayons. With so many children using these resources, they either get damaged quickly, or used up. Around cold and flu season especially, tissues are used up like crazy.

If teachers don’t receive these items as donations, they usually have to spend their own money on them. With a class holding anywhere between 15 children, to 30 or more, these supplies add up very quickly.

Not only can you help by donating to teachers individually, but there are usually fundraisers or other charitable events put on by the school throughout the year. When canned food drives are being put on by the school, raid your cupboards for cans! If there is a holiday toy, blanket, or clothes donation running, contribute in any way that you can.

Your generosity will benefit the school and community so much.

2. Volunteering to Help with Fundraisers

Maybe you don’t have the resources to contribute to fundraisers with tangible items, or maybe you just want a more hands-on opportunity to get involved. Either way, schools are always in need of volunteers to help with their fundraisers.

Offering to set up and clean up for the fundraiser will be much appreciated. Also, using your voice to spread the word will help create a bigger turnout for the cause. Maybe you have equipment at your home that you can contribute, such as a tent, chairs, or tables. Every bit helps!

3. Volunteer to be a Chaperone

When it comes to events like field trips or school dances, chaperones are always needed. There is often a need for parental help for these events, as there are only so many teachers available.

Not only will you be helping the school out, but your child will be thrilled to have you tag along!

4. Offer Your Help to a Club Your Child is Involved In

Groups like band or choir have a somewhat small staff, and they rely heavily on parental support. Band and choir often need help transporting equipment, providing transportation, or bringing food for the group. This is where volunteers are a life saver!

Not only do large groups like band and choir need help, but smaller groups or clubs do too. Unfortunately, many clubs lack funding needed for essentials like travel or equipment. It is vital to the club’s operation that parents are willing to donate supplies, or volunteer to help with events.

5. Speak About Your Career

Schools will usually have career fairs, or classes where professionals in the related field talk about their profession. Someone that is actually working in the field provides a perspective that reading a textbook cannot.

Put together a presentation highlighting the most interesting and important aspects of your career. You will also want to share the journey of how you started your career. If hosting a booth at a career fair, create a visual display that children or teenagers can easily navigate with the same information.

6. Volunteer to Read to the Class

With literacy being such an important part of education, you can’t go wrong by offering to read to the class. The teacher will likely appreciate the moment to breathe, and you’re having the opportunity to impact the class positively. What’s there not to love about that?

Try to choose a book with an underlying meaning (ex: sharing, kindness, acceptance, diversity) and prepare a few questions to ask at the end. Your child will be thrilled that you came to their class, and their teacher will be pleased with your contribution!

7. Plan a Special Visit for Your Child’s Birthday

If your kiddo has a birthday during the school year, it would be great for you to come into school that day. Make sure you clear it with their teacher, but most teachers won’t mind. Consider bringing in their favorite treat and being there to help their peers sing “Happy Birthday!”

Your kiddo will be over the moon that you came in to celebrate!

8. Attend School Board Meetings

Choosing to attend school board meetings gives you the opportunity to be active in your child’s education. The job of a school board is to understand the concerns of the parents and adjust the environment for the better. Important topics like available programs, how money is spent, and even the dress code will be discussed.

Your taxpayer dollars are being decided by your school board, so get involved and have a voice!

9. Offer to Volunteer in the Classroom

Many schools appreciate the help of parents in the classroom. You can offer to tutor a small group of children in an area you are knowledgeable of. Whether it’s math, reading, science, or even art, talk to the teacher at the beginning of the year to figure out what will work best for everyone.

When you choose to get involved at your child’s school you are taking the leap to better your community. Schools rely so heavily on parent involvement, and the more help they have the better equipped they will be to help your kiddo thrive. Before you know it, you will be making a difference in your child’s life, and your community!

 

And when you’re all done volunteering, celebrate with a trip to Monkey Joe’s!