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Research has shown that children who see their parents engaged in their school perform better in school. This is why parent involvement is a critical element of the Neighborhood Charter School. Participation at every level is welcome. Outlined below are some of the many ways parents can be involved. If there are other ways that you would like to be involved — GREAT, talk with your teacher or classroom parent and share your ideas!
Upon enrolling a child at the Neighborhood Charter School, each family signs a Family Contract. This contract outlines the rights and responsibilities of parents/guardians at the Neighborhood Charter School. At the beginning of each school year, you will be asked to sign the Parent and Family Involvement Plan, which details specifics about volunteering at the school and signifies your understanding of the commitment you have made as a family. Throughout the year you will receive an update of your family’s participation.
Listed below you will find many suggestions about volunteer opportunities. You will also find plenty of information about volunteer opportunities in the Parent Room. The Parent Room is located just off the main lobby adjacent to the auditorium. Important information about a variety of things is available to all families at the Neighborhood Charter School. Resources available in the Parent Room include: a monthly calendar of meetings and events, committee and governing board information and contact information; a comment box; information on school and community events; extra-curricular programs and camps; a computer for use by families; a phone; toys for youngsters; and a variety of interesting people. Please feel welcome to come in and use the resources available. However, we would like to ask that you be considerate, clean up after yourself, write notes and phone numbers on scrap paper only, and do not take items that don’t belong to you.
Once a week, once a month, or once a year — your presence is welcome (and once you see how delighted your child is to have you there, you may just have to keep coming back!). There are many opportunities for you to share your child's journey. Read to the class: most classes have read aloud times and Mystery Reader programs. Participate in these. Assist with the class: let your classroom parent or teacher know if and when you are available during the school day. Schedule a time that you are able to join your child's classroom. The Neighborhood Charter School teachers welcome parents into the classroom. At times, it is helpful to let your teacher know that you are coming so your teacher can make the best use of your time. Sometimes your teacher might have a busy day in store for your child and may need extra help from you or they might just need you to be an observer — especially if there are new and unfamiliar concepts being taught. What better way to see the curriculum in action, by observing and learning more about how your child works throughout their school day. There are also opportunities throughout the year to help organize and chaperone field trips and help with class parties. Also consider volunteering in the Art, Music, PE, or Spanish classes. These classes greatly benefit from an extra set of hands. You may also want to consider helping with lunch during your child's lunch period.
Volunteer in the main office by helping to make copies, filing, answering phones, etc. Help assemble the Wednesday Courier — meet in the Parent Room after Morning Meeting on Wednesdays. Volunteer for a Building and Grounds Project by contacting the Building and Grounds Chair to see what needs to be done inside or outside the school. Help in the Media Center by re-shelving books, assist students with book exchange, or other projects.
For parents whose schedule prevents them from volunteering during the school day, there are many activities which can be done outside of regular school hours. Annual events: assist with an annual fundraiser or event like the Fall Fling, Yard Sale, Holiday Sampler, etc. Take home classroom projects: many teachers have a project box or backpack which parents can take home to work on during the evening or weekends. Speak with your teacher or classroom parent about helping with these types of activities. Building and Grounds workdays: these are generally held on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons. Many of the projects have tasks that children can do so you can bring your student with you. Assist with childcare: help look after students and younger siblings during PTCA meetings, other school meetings, and fundraisers. Parent sponsors: serve as a parent sponsor for a school-based club or scouting group.
Our school has a great network of volunteer committees. All families are encouraged to actively participate in at least one committee. Governing Board Committees: Finance, Personnel, Parent and Family Involvement, and Fund Development. School-Wide Subcommittees: Student Learning, Diversity Awareness and Initiatives, Building and Grounds, Related Arts, Grant Writing and Technology. PTCA Committees: Childcare, Child Safety, Courier, Enrichment, Farm to School, Hospitality, New Family Partners, Room Parents, and Volunteering. School Events: there are also opportunities to help with a certain event during the school year. Examples include the following: Yard Sale, Fall Fling, Holiday Sampler, Grandparents & Special Friends Day, Low Country Boil, Movie Nights, Game Night, Book Fair, Festival de Colores, Field Day, End of Year Picnic, and Golf Tournament.
Consider serving as a parent representative or board committee chair on the Governing Board.
All families are required to complete a set amount of volunteer hours with the school. In order to receive credit for these hours YOU must record them. We have an online volunteer sign-up and tracking program. Remember: it is your family’s responsibility to make sure all hours are recorded.
Stop by the office first to sign-in as a visitor before heading to your volunteer activity.