Ways to Get Involved at Your Child's School

This post was originally published at 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting in August 2014.

School Bells Are Ringing

Dads, in what ways can you volunteer at your child’s school?

I have thoroughly enjoyed opportunities at my kids’ schools.  Several reasons to consider volunteering: your kids love seeing you there, getting to know the teachers/staff better, knowing classmates and friends of your son/daughter, help needed with students because of budget cutbacks, and the joy you receive when serving.

Ways that you can serve at your local schools:

·         Mentoring-For the past 5 years, I have emailed the teachers in the grade my child is in and asked if they need any help with reading or math.  They have not turned me down.  I give 30 minutes each week helping a classroom teacher.  Our teachers are doing a great job and a little extra help from caring adults goes a long way.

·         Site Council-Most schools have a committee called Site Council comprised of parents, business leaders, teachers, principal, and other staff.  On Site Council, you can share feedback based on ideas or changes the school is considering making. Your school wants to hear from you!

·         Watch D.O.G.S-A great program available for fathers or father figures is Watch D.O.G.S. If your school does not have this program, be the one who brings it to your school.  Our school district began Watch D.O.G.S last year.  I participated four times and it was a lot of fun. Watch D.O.G.S. sees the importance of males in the school building.  As a Watch D.O.G. you will help with security (checking doors and extra eyes to make sure there are no strangers in the building), help in classrooms (reading, worksheets, or answering questions with students), eat lunch with your child, and extra help during recess (I cannot tell you how many kids I have pushed on the swings over the last year).

·         Work Projects-Budgets are tight and time is short so organizing a group of men or families together to help do projects around the school is a great way to bless your local schools.  We have painted a map on the concrete, moved mulch and rocks on playground, washed windows, and pulled weeds.

I would encourage all of you dads or uncles or grandpas to consider serving in your local schools this year.  It will be worth your time!

^“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”(1 Corinthians 10:31)