Great idea about the babysitting for parents wanting to participate/chaperone school functions but can't because of siblings. That may work with my group. And the idea of attending school board meetings. Our town broadcasts the meetings on the cable station but it would be a very good idea for someone to bring the issues discussed to the PTO meeting. Alot of the ideas mentioned are covered by either the PTO or HOTS (Helping Our TeacherS). This group is a separate entity from the PTO but with similar results. Namely helping where needed.
1. Do the bulletin boards for a few of your favorite teachers.
2. Volunteer to put up and take down the hallway displays outside the classroom (sometimes you get to have some creative fun too)
3. Volunteer to put up and down, the displays in the library, or in their showcase.
4. Call parents and let them know what book is outsanding (under a bed, in a closet, etc.)
5. Put treats in the teachers mailboxes (little candies and a cute note - just to say Thanks!
6. Volunteer to set up and take down the chairs for your meeting in the cafeteria.
7. Volunteer a hour of your time a specific day of every week, to come in spend time in the school library - checking in books, organizing them on the shelves or whatever librarian needs.
8. Anwser the phone for the school receptionist to give her a break.
9. Volunteer to personally deliver the mail to the teachers.
10. Spend time in the cafeteria during lunch time - to help maintain control and be kind to the kids - they are not your full time responsibility.
This last Monday I asked our school nurse (who was absolutely swamped with work) if I could do anything to help. She said that each year, Little Debbies Snacks had donated crackers and stuff to the school nursing offices (for when kids take medications and stuff) and that she just wasn't going to be able to make the call or the pick up for some time. Would I be willing to make the call? Of course I would make the call, but I went one step farther and called to the other school's nurses and asked if I could pick up and deliver theirs as well. The response was overwhelming. My point here? Think Outside The Box (or the school as it may be...lol). Tomorrow, I will go out to McKee Foods, pick up and deliver the goods for 8 school nurses.