Special to The Bugle
mail@bradfordvillebugle.com
Giving back to one’s community can take many forms. Some may give back by supporting legislature to make communities more inclusive, while others may volunteer with their local fire departments. Parents of school-aged youngsters can typically find many opportunities to give back through their children’s schools.
Parents who volunteer with their children’s schools often get a unique glimpse into their children’s life at school. Such parents may see how their children interact with educators and classmates and gain greater insight into the school community where kids spend so much of their time. Volunteering at school also can benefit kids, who may recognize the importance of education more readily if mom and/or dad are spending their free time on campus. That recognition can lead to improved performance in the classroom.
Parent-teacher associations can be great resources for parents who want to volunteer with their children’s schools. Each year, students graduate and move on to new schools or colleges, and that means schools are in fresh need of parent volunteers each school year. Though each school has its own unique needs, the following are some roles parent volunteers may be able to play at their children’s schools:
· Tutor
· Mentor
· Organizer: Schools host many functions in a typical school year, and officials typically ask parents to pitch in so such events can be successful. For example, parents can help organize school fundraisers, dances and holiday bazaars.
· Chaperone on field trips
· Assistant coach: Many schools pay stipends to the head coaches of their athletic teams, but parents can serve as unpaid assistants or support staff during the season. For example, parents can volunteer to work as gameday staff, taking tickets at the gate or directing ticket holders where to park.
· Club official: Extracurricular clubs also can benefit from parents willing to work as volunteers. Parents can help students who want to start new clubs or serve as moderators or helpers in existing clubs.
· Speaker: Schools may host periodic career days throughout the school year to help students on the cusp of applying to college uncover potential career paths. Parents with significant professional experience in a given field can offer to speak to students on career days, sharing information about their careers and industries and answering any questions students may have.
Parents who want to give back to their communities can take an active role in their children’s schools.
Volunteering in Leon County Schools
In Leon County Schools, all volunteers—including field trip chaperones—must complete the district’s official volunteer process before participating in school activities.
Here’s how to get started:
- Submit a Volunteer Application:
Visit volunteers.leonschools.net to complete the required online application. This must be renewed annually. - Complete a Background Check:
A Level 1 background screening is required for all school volunteers. Some roles may also require fingerprinting. Approval is necessary before you are allowed to volunteer in any capacity, including field trips. - Wait for Approval:
After your application and background check are processed, your name must appear on the school’s approved volunteer list before you can participate. - Check in at the Front Office:
Each time you visit a campus, bring a photo ID, sign in at the front office, and wear a visitor badge while on school grounds. - Log Your Volunteer Hours:
Volunteers are encouraged to track their service using the district’s time sheet, available through the school office or online.
Field Trip Chaperones:To chaperone field trips, parents must follow all the steps above and may be asked to sign additional authorization or waiver forms depending on the trip. Chaperones are responsible for supervising small groups of students and must adhere to all district safety guidelines during the outing.
For more information, visit www.leonschools.net/volunteers or contact your child’s school office or teacher.
