Volunteering

We can't do it without you!

The PTO is an all volunteer, parent run, non-profit organization.  While endorsed by the school, all of our programs are on top of the basic curriculum and depend on ALL of our families being engaged in the school. 

 Why should it matter to you?

As parents, most of our plates are not only full but overflowing; our schedules are so tight they’re cutting off blood flow and our to-do lists are endless. The last thing any of us truly wants to do is commit to another project, group, or organization.

Here are five reasons why should get involved (and how to do it without getting overwhelmed).

It takes a village: As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and the same is true for creating and maintaining a positive and nurturing school environment. But building a tight knit community of volunteers who create a lasting impression on staff and students alike takes some serious manpower. Your child’s school is the village and you, my friend, are a villager, so get to work.

A little goes a long way: Maybe you work full time. Maybe you run a Girl Scout troop. Maybe you haven’t had a decent shower since your firstborn arrived in 2004.  You are busy, but odds are so are the other parents at our school. The big mistake here is thinking volunteering has to be an “all or nothing,” thing. It doesn’t. When it comes to helping out, a little can really go a long way. Spending once a week or even once a month making copies, distributing fliers, sending out emails, or painting posters takes the edge off of someone else who’s probably already doing more than their fair share. So check your calendar and figure out how much time you can really devote to volunteer work, then make a commitment and stick to it.

Everyone has something to offer: We get it – you can’t bake your way out of a paper bag. Or maybe you have the social skills of an aardvark. Volunteer work at school can certainly seem daunting if you buy into the idea that you have to be Martha Stewart. But volunteering is so much more than decorating the perfect holiday cupcakes or greeting parents during school events. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work to be done that doesn’t require anything other than a true willingness to give your time and energy. The trick is to find your niche and apply it to volunteer work accordingly.

Your child will benefit: The majority of assemblies, teacher wish list items, book fairs and special events are organized and implemented by volunteers who believe your child is worth the extra effort. You should believe they are worth the extra effort too.  Helping to oversee some of these programs and projects will give your child a more meaningful school experience — and that should be motivation enough for anyone.

You’ll feel good: Not only will your volunteer efforts pay off by enhancing your child’s experience on campus, you’ll feel pretty good about yourself too. Doing for others feels right, and it’s contagious. Plus those “School Visitor” stickers you get to wear are pretty awesome; it’s a badge that says I care about my community and makes you feel kind of special.