Thank you all so much for your replies and emails. I appreciate all the information you have sent me more than you will ever know. This is a tremendous center of knowledge here, and I'm so glad to be a part of this now. If I can ever help anyone as well, please let me know. When I get all my information together, I will make a post to anyone who would be interested in getting a copy. I'm going to compile something from everything that I have sent and downloaded from the net both. Thanks again, and I'm so glad I decided to post here. I look forward to talking with you all again soon.
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I like your enthusiasm, and that goes a long way with encouraging others to participate. We also request volunteers using a letter/form that goes out with Teacher Assignment Packets in August. We have one form that asks for classroom volunteers; when handed in, those go directly to the teachers. Another form asks for PTO volunteers; these stay with us. We stress that we will use the volunteer's talents and time availability so we help them find a position that suits them perfectly. I found that it's very helpful to get day and evening phone numbers, asking when is the best time to reach them (at home or work). Most importantly, I ask if they prefer evening/day or at school/home tasks. Not only does that help me know when they are available (which is SO helpful when I'm desperately searching for someone at the last minute), but it gives them the message that there are many opportunities for helping.
I would also encourage you to talk with your principal about screening requirements (e.g., background checks) for volunteers in your building. Building policies can vary greatly, and it would be best to know what yours is in advance. That way, there will be no surprises after you've already got a pool of volunteers.
This is our 2nd year in our new school (K-5th) and we have a group of RSVP (retired senior volunteer program). They each come once a week and read one on one w/ children having trouble in reading, they assist w/ our spring carnival, attend our PTO meetings and lots more. You would think they were on staff as much as they help out. Its been great for us and them!
Also, since proration hit us hard last year, we called our highschool art and spanish teachers and they bring their honor students once a wk to teach our children. Its been great and I can't tell who is benefiting from it more, the children or teenagers!
Thought this may help!
PTSOparent could you also send me a copy of the volunteer form !!!??? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thanks so much !!!!! :cool:
I am director of a new county education awareness and advocacy group in addition to being v.p. at my school. One of the partnerships we have created in the group is with our county Local Management Board and with our County Volunteer Coordinator. We also work with several churches, and groups like the Moose and Elks lodges.
Making sure that only one person is coordinating the volunteers and not heading up anything else is important. Too many cooks spoil the stew... and if he or she has other things going on as well, things could get overlooked. When working with that many people, you need someone to concentrate their energies on that one area, then delegate jobs out.
It sounds like a terrific plan...be sure to contact all of your town and county offices to find out what kind of volunteer programs there are. If there are large volunteer banks already in place, you don't want to duplicate efforts and take volunteers away from one another. Work with them to generate volunteers for all areas and create a branch to work specifically in the schools, if there isn't one already.
We have found a cache of resources in our county offices, both human and financial. Go to your phone book and start calling. Ask who is charge of the volenteer services for your area. Then tell them your idea and find out how you can make it happen. Having someone on board with experience and "ties" is very valuable to a successful venture. Good Luck!! [img]smile.gif[/img]
