Busy Mom's Guide to Volunteering

• Can you spare 30 minutes a term? Sign up to be a class reader! Kids love seeing their mom front-and-center reading their favorite book.
• Can you spare one morning a term? Volunteer to chaperone a field trip or help with a special holiday performance or class celebration.
• Can you spare one or more mornings a month? Talk to the teacher about her needs in the classroom and sign up as a reading, math, or science-station helper.
• Can’t make it in to school?  Volunteer your time at home with your child – preparing craft kits for the class party or cut-outs for the bulletin board.  When your work shows up at school, your child will be proud that together you contributed to her class.
• TIP: Make scheduling classroom volunteers quick and easy with VolunteerSpot.com.  Free online signup sheets and scheduling make it a snap to signup, schedule and remind parent helpers.  No more ‘reply-all’ emails!
   

Volunteer your talents

• Do you love art, music, gardening, or computers?  Many of these enriching activities are the first to go in school budget cuts.  Talk to your child’s teacher about sharing your special skills and interests with the class. 

Up for more? Become the Room Mom

• We all know that if you want something done, give it to a busy person.  If you like organizing events and celebrations and are good at delegating, consider becoming the Room Mom and working with the teacher to make the school year extra fun and memorable for the kids.
   

Support the school too!

• Many schools have experienced significant budget cuts over the past few years and need parents’ help to cover lost staff positions and fund enrichment programs and technology. Consider taking a volunteer shift supervising at recess, in the cafeteria or library. Support fundraisers as a school carnival or walkathon volunteer, and participate in product sales as your family budget allows.