The school year is in full swing and with that comes fundraisers, events, the need for volunteers, and yes, more fundraisers. I only have one child in school but I can imagine the bombardment many of you feel with multiple children in school, not to mention children in multiple schools.
Keeping everything straight can be overwhelming for sure. I am relatively new to having a child in school. This is our 3rd year of school but first year in the public school system. I was also a public school teacher for 11 years before becoming a work from home mama. Let me tell you, the teachers really don’t like constantly asking for things from us either, but here’s the thing, they need us.
The money from the school fundraiser really is going for a good cause, things that will benefit our kids. Many schools and classrooms can’t run without volunteers. There is just not enough time in the day for all the work that goes into planning and executing all of those extra things our kids get to do and experience. Teachers consistently put in time above and beyond the expectation and their own money to make things happen for our kids.
I enjoy volunteering and love to get involved in lots of different things, especially when my kids are involved. My mom was very involved in my education growing up, volunteering at the school regularly. I was involved in many organizations in both high school and college, taking on leadership roles often. So this is something I am naturally passionate about and eager to be involved in.
I get it, we are all busy with a whole variety of things. Everyone does not have time to volunteer at every school event or chair a committee for the PTO but everyone can do something. If you look and seek out opportunities I guarantee there are things for everyone that are completely doable in your schedule. I don’t think you need to participate in every school fundraiser but I also don’t think you should necessarily throw away the papers for ALL of them. Decide what you can do and do it. Maybe that means just asking grandparents or making a small donation yourself. If fundraisers are really not your thing, sign up to bring cookies for the holiday party. Don’t have time to bake? Go buy them because really the kids could care less.
From big to small, there really is something for everyone. The teachers need us. The school needs us. Whether we help or not, our kids still get the benefit from that new technology, the awesome class party, and the growing classroom library. We reap the benefits so we should do our small part to contribute in whatever way we can. Our involvement really can and does make a difference in our schools.
What’s your favorite way to get involved?
