I'm a volunteer. Now what?
Many of you may have already signed up and are getting under way with your projects. You may be starting to see that the benefits go beyond helping out the school. Many of you may be experiencing more confidence in your decision to enroll your child in our school or more understanding of the Montessori Philosophy and how to incorporate what your child is learning on a daily basis into your home.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind once you’ve signed up for the volunteer opportunities of your choice:
Make it clear before you begin just how much time you’re willing to volunteer. Even stay-at-home parents don’t have an unlimited amount of time to volunteer at or school – many of you have other activities and interests, as well as other children to care for. Don’t be afraid to say no if you’re being asked to do more than you feel comfortable with – just try to say it early enough so that someone else can be found to take your place.
Start small. Don’t offer to coordinate an auction, a school social event and a classroom bake sale all at once. If you’ve taken on too much, find out if you can delegate some duties to other interested parents.
Don’t give your child special treatment or extra attention when you’re volunteering at the school. Follow your child’s cues to find out how much interaction works for both of you. Most kids enjoy having their parents involved, but if your child is having a hard time separating from you, consider stepping out of view of your child until he or she is back with the class.
Get frequent feedback from the teachers and administrators you’re working with. Find out what’s most and least helpful to them, and get suggestions about what you can do to make the most of your time you spend on school activities. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open among teachers, administrators and other volunteers, and to be flexible and responsive as the needs of the school change.
When volunteering at our school, remember that the work you do not only benefits your child, but will enrich the whole school and the entire community by providing students with positive interaction, support and encouragement. And don’t underestimate your value to our school. You may feel that what you have to offer might not interest the teachers, administrators and students, but you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised. You’ll be helping build skills, confidence, and self-esteem in your child and a stronger foundation to continue the growth of our community and school that go beyond your child’s school days.
