Parent Participation
The Community School is run cooperatively by parents,
staff and principal. Without the help of parents the Community School,
as we know it, could not survive. We accommodate a variety of parent
schedules in many ways. Parents may work in the classroom by assisting
our teachers or instructing small groups of students (there are always parents
in our classrooms every hour of the day), help supervise students before
school, at breaks and during lunch, help in the library, which is totally
staffed by parents.
Classroom volunteers are trained by our teachers. Other volunteers
work at home, correcting papers or helping with other projects that can be
accomplished out of the building. This parent talent offers not only
support and enrichment, it fosters our sense of community.
Volunteering
1. COMMITMENT
Three hours a week, flexible scheduling
Parent Meeting - 1 per month
Committee Meetings
2. DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
Lead student groups to project completion
Work one on one with students - writing, math, reading, penmanship
Instruct small groups - spelling, math, reading, science
Assist with curriculum enrichment - reading, social studies, science, art
Research curriculum resources - for staff
Teach choice Activities - cooking, science, sports, drama, art, crafts, computers,
pottery
Attend Field Trips and Plays- 6 to 8 per year
3. OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL DAY
Attend Camp - cabin counselors, activity leaders, preparations
Work in the Library - management, purchases, renovations
Plan social events
Do outreach - public relations with community
Research curriculum
Assist with playground equipment and grounds improvements
Correct student work
4. OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL YEAR
Assist with building renovation, research learning materials and curriculum
5. COMMITTEES
Steering
Enrollment
Finance
New Parent Orientation
Library
Staffing - as needed
6. OUTCOMES
Positive climate for learning; students, staff and parents
are all a part of the learning process
Shared decision making
Outdoor education and field trips
Library assistance
Facility improvements
Grant writing
Fund raising
Sense of Community
Staff hired by committee
7. BENEFITS TO STUDENTS
Work at own pace
Smaller learning groups
Build positive adult associations
Curriculum enrichment
Classroom support from own parents
8. BENEFITS TO TEACHERS
Classroom assistance
Curriculum enrichment
Parents/teacher team
Materials preparations
Increased availability of staff for students
Sense of Community
9. BENEFITS TO PARENTS
Intimate knowledge of school
Access to staff
Continous knowledge of students social, emotional and academic progress
Community of people working toward common goals
Familiarity with child's peers
Enriched parent-child relationships
Personal growth
Knowledge of educational practices
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