volunteering in ps

[jeteaa]

Do you volunteer in your dc public elementary school? How often are you allowed to be in the class and interact with the students? Are parent volunteers a true help to the teachers or do they get in the way? What does your dc think about you being in the class?

[Tigerchild]

Last school year I logged 60+ hours in classroom (including library) volunteering at our school, both in my kids' classes and other classes (I'm not counting things that are working with kids but not classroom oriented, like staffing events, student store, ect--with all those counted it would be over 100 hours)

To be in my children's program, I had to sign a contract guaranteeing I would volunteer at least 80 hours supporting the program--whether that was in the classroom, enrichment activities, ect. I was in each child's classroom at least once a week, and there were two other classes that I did not have children in that I helped out once a week in the library (they were not part of my kids' program either).

Whether or not a parent gets in the way or not is largely dependent on the parent. I have seen some volunteers that were WORSE than useless (not in our program though--could be because we attract different people or the fact that all the teachers take the time to train their volunteers specifically for the tasks they want them to perform). Some teachers don't like volunteers, probably because of horrific experiences. I think if you honor the classroom guidelines, follow the teacher's instructions, ect. you won't get in the way. It also depends on what you like to do. I don't mind doing office tasks (photocopying/putting things together/ect.) so that the teacher doesn't have to worry about the doodads and they can concentrate on teaching. Some people only want to do "non-busywork" tasks. Other people only want to do office type stuff because they feel shy working one on one with a child or a small group. I think as long as you communicate what you feel comfortable with to the teacher, and allow them to utilize you in the best way for what you can do, you can be a huge asset.

My kids love having me in their class--if I have to miss it because I'm sick or have a meeting and have to switch or trade with someone they bug me about it. Actually, all the kids really seem to like having all the parents know them. I don't just have my own kids running up to give me a hug these days because I know all the kids in the class really well. Of course, my kids are relatively young (two entering 2nd, one entering 3rd).

Our program teachers are used to utilizing parent volunteers though. Not all teachers are. And of course, all it takes is one experience with an obnoxious, destructive volunteer to turn off a teacher pretty strongly to trusting parent volunteers. I have heard complains from other teachers not in our program about the flakiness of parent volunteers. That does sometimes happen in our program, but not as much, since there's some accountability there.

[whatsnextmom]

Yes and no. I was at DD's school almost daily working with kids. I tutored weak readers. I ran a strategy game club in the mornings. I did reader's theatre with advanced readers. I ended up getting hired as an aide for her last couple years at the school and that was nice. When she moved into middle school, I pulled back. At that point, I felt she needed more space. I was still leading her Girl Scout Troop. I was still helping out with her theatre stuff. Since she was doing so well in school, I let that be her parent-free zone. Now she's going to high school. I helped with the school fundraising gala this summer but that will likely be the extent of my volunteering.

DS goes to a Spanish Immersion school and I don't speak the language and so not particularly helpful in the classroom. I have been invited to do a few English reader's theatre lessons here and there. However, I find I'm the best help in the copy room a couple times a month. I also help with school events. This is his last year in elementary so looks like most my school volunteering is coming to a close. I'm still involved in some of his activities so I don't feel guilty about it.

My kids always liked my being around at school. I always felt appreciated by the teachers.

[mommy2maya]

My kids school doesn't really have volunteers in the classrooms. We have professionals who do reading tutoring and acceleration. However I am at the school on a weekly basis volunteering with things they do need help with, last year I coordinated weekly communication folders.

[whatsnextmom]

We have professionals who do reading tutoring and acceleration.

As do we. I offered this service because I have a great deal of training in this area which included professional tutoring. I worked with children who were inbetween services. Some kids struggle to stay at "grade level" but since they are grade level, they don't qualify for services. They can benefit greatly from some extra practice and one-on-one time. There are also many bright kids who could use a little extra challenge but they don't qualify for GATE. Just because select parents are used for tutoring doesn't mean the school doesn't offer professional services too.

[mommy2maya]

Our school offers an hour of the day to ALL kids for reading services. It is the time of day that used to be set aside just for kids to get tutoring for below grade level and above grade level. Now, all kids are split into small group RTI (response to intervention) according to ability. We have a reading staff for this endeavor, who are specifically trained in reading intervention.

[ollyoxenfree]

Do you volunteer in your dc public elementary school?

Over the years, I've done the following volunteer activities at school:

In class - tutoring, editing written submissions for class magazine, reading out loud, helping with crafts, baking, gardening, assisting the teacher with photocopying, organizing class materials, supervised/assisted field trips, supervised/assisted sport day

In school library - cataloguing books, re-shelving books, checking books in/out, purchasing excursions

In school - participated in mentoring program for at-risk/struggling students, organized debate club, organized pizza lunches, organized holiday card fundraiser, organized poinsettia Christmas fundraiser, chaired parent council, organized end-of-year ("graduation") celebration, organized clothing drive, yearbook

I'm sure I've forgotten a few activities. Along with attending my kids' extra-curricular activities (cheering soccer games, cross-country meets, track events, drama productions, etc. etc. etc.) I'm sure that I was present in school at least 3 or 4 times per week in some years, although I wouldn't be in my child's classroom that often.

Are parent volunteers a true help to the teachers or do they get in the way?

I hope I was helpful, not a hindrance. The teachers always seemed to appreciate the help and invited me to return. Certainly some activities - debate club, the mentoring program - would not have happened unless parents volunteered.

What does your dc think about you being in the class?

My kids liked having me around, although I think they took it for granted after a while.

[emilysmama]

Do you volunteer in your dc public elementary school?
Yes. My dd just finished K, and my husband and I work full time, but we found it rewarding to do so.

How often are you allowed to be in the class and interact with the students?
It depends on the teacher and the grade, I think. I get the feeling that the younger grades appreciate more help than the older grades. I think also that it is very teacher specific. My dd's K teacher has a reputation for putting parents to work. As soon as I've finished one task, she asks me if I have time to do another task or if I have to leave. Parents with children in other K teacher classes tell me that they have languished in the hallway for an hour doing nothing, even though they were asked to come to help at the pre-appointed time.

Are parent volunteers a true help to the teachers or do they get in the way?
My child's K teacher is very effusive in her thanks for my help. She has also sent thank you notes, and even a couple small gifts in the past. I think that if I were in the way, she would have no hesitation in redirecting me elsewhere.

What does your dc think about you being in the class?
My dd adored it.

Here are some of the ways that we helped.

Every Monday, I helped for an hour with computer lab.

Every other Friday, my husband helped with science class for an hour.

Once, my husband offered and gave a 15 min presentation that was relevant to a unit that the class was studying.

In february, I worked with a bunch of K parents to build the set and props for the K school play.

If I was caught loitering in the hallway, I was put to work hanging student artwork on the walls.

Another mother did a lot of photocopying. Because photocopy machines and I don't get along, I was relieved that I only had to do it once.

On the day after the last day of school, my dd and I came in the afternoon, and helped the teacher organize her classroom to be ready for the fall. The teacher was very enthusiastic in her appreciation, and my dd had a great time.

[meemee]

at K teacher could use ANY help i could give. ANYTIME. first grade not so much help needed. 2nd grade almost no help needed in classroom.

i did a lot of different kinds of work, as the teacher had too much and they needed more than the professionals could provide.

my dd loved it. but honestly i LOVED it even more. those kids know me so well and even though they are all in different sections or even in different school they all come running when they see me - even in the mall.

[One_Girl]

I volunteered some in my dd's class when she was in kindergarten and once for a party just before I pulled her out to homeschool her. The teachers in our schools decide on if and when they want volunteers in their room. Some do like volunteers and they find them helpful, some don't like volunteers at all and think they are a burden. I enjoyed volunteering at my dd's school, but she was a little naughty when I was there and whined whenever it was time for me to go home. I enjoy volunteering for parties and plan on just keeping my volunteer time to that when she starts school again this year.