School Says 'Thank You' to Its Volunteers

This week my son’s school set a good example for their students.

The teachers, principals and students organized a Volunteer Appreciation day for all of the parents, guardians and grandparents who help out at the school. To express their gratitude for the year of lending a helping hand, they held an assembly for the volunteers, where the students got a chance to personally thank us for the help. It was so nice to hear “thank you” from so many people!

District 308 schools depend on support from volunteers. Due to recent budget constraints many schools have lost the ability to work with a full staff, meaning much of the work could go undone without volunteers. Schools that formerly employed educational aids may not have that capability this year, and so parents have had to step in and help as much as possible, both in and out of the classroom.

has really worked hard to let parents know what they can do to help the school, and thereby, their children. At the onset of the school year, parents are given information regarding volunteer activities. These range in time commitment, anywhere from an hour to several days over the school year, depending upon availability.

Many parents are on the Home and School board and they spend a lot of time organizing fund raisers for the school. They also sponsor activities such as Family Reading Night, Culvers Night, Bingo Night, Gym Night with Dad, Daddy Daughter dances, The Fun Fair, Grandparents Day, and a host of other activities that involve families in school activities. I am certain that all of the other District 308 schools have success in involving families in similar activities.

Parents can contribute their time and talents in the classroom as well. Many teachers have volunteers that help children with reading or math. Some people come in just to make copies, which is a constant need in a school building. Others do a small art presentation to bring additional art awareness to students. One person even did a science demonstration this year. Still others help with room parties on holidays. Each task that a volunteer handles frees up our teachers to do their job, which is one of the most important jobs on the planet, and paves the way for our children’s future.

It was nice of the faculty and staff of Long Beach to express gratitude to their volunteers, letting them know how much they have helped the school. The children assembled in the gym to present the volunteers with special songs, poems and cards made by the students. We even got to munch on some snacks! It makes all the difference in the world to know that the teachers and staff appreciate our help. Their Volunteer Appreciation day was a great example to our children that when someone gives you a hand, it’s important to take the time to say “thank you” in return.