Schools usually need a lot of volunteers throughout the year. There are many activities, programs, lessons and fundraisers that require parental help. And being a parent who volunteers helps you get to know what the school environment is like. You will also meet other parents, teachers and staff through volunteering.
Increasingly though, it is becoming the norm for schools to ban any children from school property if they are not students. Our school used to be open to having siblings visit the classroom, but these days they are not even allowed during official visiting days or even school pageants. Since many of us either stay home or work at home with our child’s siblings, this can make it difficult to volunteer. I know because I am in this situation myself.
There are ways to still volunteer for the classroom or the school when you can’t actually set foot on school property with your other children. Here are some ideas that you can do at home.
Volunteer to help at a weekend event, such as a fall fundraiser or spirit day.
Volunteer to be on the phone tree. Basically if there is an important announcement during the day, such as a school closing, you would call other parents to let them know the news.
Volunteer to cut out or assemble materials for the classroom.
Volunteer to make or send in a food or beverage for a class party.
Volunteer to tally up box tops, label for education, fundraiser orders etc.
Volunteer to go shopping for the teacher’s gift.
Volunteer to be on the yearbook or other committee that meets in the evenings when you might have your spouse home with the kids.
Volunteer to type up classroom materials or important memos.
Volunteer to create the school or classroom newsletter.
Volunteer to organize a prayer group that prays for the school and its students.
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