PTSA Volunteer Opportunities…

We Challenge Daniell Parents to Give Us One Hour This School Year

Come Join The Fun and Help Make A Difference!

The following are PTSA events and activities that need parent volunteers. For more information about any of these opportunities send an email to JJnews@bellsouth.net:

Why Parental Involvement is Important

(excerpts from www.pta.org)

Can you really make a difference?
Yes, when you are involved your child achieves more.

How do I help my child succeed?
You can help your child succeed by providing a home that encourages learning and supports your child's physical, mental, and emotional development. And, you can help your child succeed by working with the school and other community groups that have an impact on your child.

What happens if I get involved?
Decades of research show that when parents are involved students have:

• Higher grades, test scores and graduation rates
• Better school attendance
• Increased motivation, better self-esteem
• Lower rates of suspension
• Decreased use of drugs and alcohol
• Fewer instances of violent behavior
• Greater enrollment rates in post-secondary education
  

Make time to volunteer, and make a few calls -
Determine how much time your schedule allows you to participate in school events/ activities and what you are willing to do. If you decide just how much you can be involved, you'll feel good about the time you can give.

Not sure of whom to call to get involved at school? The PTA president, the classroom teacher, the school secretary, and school volunteer coordinator often will be your first contacts. Many can be reached through the school's website, school/PTA newsletter, or by calling the administration office. Let them know your schedule, the best times and ways to contact you, and when you are available to volunteer. If you don't have a regular work schedule, call the school to ask what volunteer jobs are available on your next day off.

Join your PTA
Whether your schedule permits you to volunteer on a regular basis, you can show your support through a membership in your local PTA. Your PTA works to address many important issues affecting the school in your neighborhood as well as your community at large. By becoming a PTA member, you add your support and voice to others making a difference for the children in your school and all children.

Stay informed
One way to feel connected to your son's school is by reading school newsletters, calendars, or fliers sent home. You'll get a heads up on important school dates, events, and deadlines. An increasing number of schools now have websites that let parents know about specific classes, schedules, and important activities. Some teachers have their own classroom websites with homework assignments, tips, and project requirements. If you don't have a computer and Internet access at home, visit your public library. You can also check to see if your son's school has a parent center with computers

Take advantage of school functions
Get a schedule of school and PTA programs, projects, and ceremonies (from the school office, school website, PTA newsletter, etc.). Discuss with your child which ones he feels are the most important for you to attend, and tell him which ones are of greatest interest to you, too. Volunteer to help with school functions when and where you can. Often there are specific, short-term tasks that can be done at home or on a lunch break. Ask if your child's school holds an informal breakfast, lunch, or potluck dinner where families can meet with other parents, share experiences, ask questions about school policies, get help on homework or preparing for tests, and be more involved.

Put your talents to work
Your talents and skills often can be used from work or home to benefit the school and its students. Do you have computer skills? Offer to work on the PTA or school newsletter, help design a flier, or update a web page for the school. Are your talents in art, music, or literature? You might be able to provide curriculum enrichment activities in the classroom, or in before- or after-school programs. Do you speak/read a language other than English? Volunteer to be an interpreter for parents at school events or help translate materials for use by other parents. You could also be a "buddy" to a new parent for whom English isn't a first language. Hobbies such as cooking, carpentry, or gardening can sometimes be vital to supporting a special school program.