ahh...if something like this would actually work in a public school..Truth is how valuable is a volunteer who is REQUIRED to be there? Yes you may get some that enjoy it and want more (that would be me) or you may get alot that make every event, project a living @#$%!! I know there are private schools who have done this with great success and have greatly increased their volunteer base. Have you thought about instead of making it mandatory just pushing the slogan "Do you have two hours?" Is there a main bulletn board that you could push this on? explain it's two hours for the year.
One other question what do you consider as volunteering or parent involvement? Involvement can be as simple as attending a school event or helping your child with homework...Volunteering could be as easy as a field trip. Good luck and let us know how you make out...I would love to know!
If I was told I had to help Mandatory then I would tell the school where they could shove it. Sorry there is somethings in our school I don't agree with and would not want to take part in. Then there is lots of things that I would love to take part in. This past year and upcoming year will be the first time I have been able to have an understanding job that lets me go to all activities and be involved more. I am the president of our PTO and you know I would rather have few helper then NONE. I agree some parents can't get off or can't take off without hurting their income. Not all businesses give you children's school time off (would be nice). And another goo point was the other may not be supportive. My hubby thought the school was taking advantage till he sees how it actually works. Some parents think that they pay taxes, school fees why are they needed all the time. Some parents have not relized they are important in their children's education.
I think this matter may work at some schools but it would not with me or at our school. My parents would laugh and throw things and cuss me out if I told them Mandatory Volunteer hours will be in effect this year. Nope not my school or out of my mouth.
I'm sorry that I don't have answers for your specific questions, but I would have strong misgivings about this type of plan . "Mandatory volunteer" seems like an oxymoron. I realize many private schools work like this, but I'm not familiar with how public charter schools work. I'm fairly certain it would not fly in our public school.
I'm guessing that your group is having a tough time getting folks to step up, and I know that is extremely frustrating. You brought up a good question--what would the consequence be for not meeting the requirement? I hope there is a more appealing idea out there that will help your group accomplish its goals. :confused:
As a parent, this would upset me greatly. I don't think that it is fair to impose mandatory volunteer hours, because you don't know the situation in any given household. Have you taken into consideration those families where:
*Both parents work full-time outside of the home and may not have understanding employers when it comes to taking off for "kid stuff".
*One parent works outside of the home and the other is staying at home with non-school aged children and may have a difficult time finding a sitter.
I have found myself in both of these situations at one time or another before my youngest started kindergarten. Once I had all of my children in school, I was able to help out in many different areas.
Other situations that you need to consider:
*One parent is not supportive of the other parent taking on more responsibility. We have this situation at our school. The mom wants to get more involved, but her husband is unwilling to watch the kids so she can attend PTO meetings or help at events.
*Single income families. Maybe the only working parent can't financially afford to take time off work to volunteer at school.
Just my opinion, but I think you need to weigh the benefits of joyous volunteers versus gruding volunteers. Personally, if I am forced to do something I don't want to do, I am not a happy camper. As I said...just my opinion.
Out school is thinking of implementing a two hour minimum per month volunteer hour mandate for all families at our school this upcoming year.
We are a public charter school in its 5th year.
Are there other schools that have implemented this type of program? Can you supply details, such as:
Is the progam succcessful?
What level of particapation?
Are there Consequenes for not meeting the quota or rewards for making the commitment?
Thanks
