This a great list. Thanks. How about these:
Read a story to the Pre-K.
Donate a book to library.
Set it up so your job saves printer cartridges for the school.
Call or visit three businesses so they save cartridges for your school.
Attend the school committee meeting and write a summary for the PTO newsletter.
Attend the Family Game Night and maybe even bring a game.
I recently posted the following list of at home projects parents could do under another thread...it definitely applies here:
1. Stringing Punch Card Necklaces for Our Jog A Thon
2. Placing Labels on Money Collection Envelopes for misc fundraisers, sales, etc.
3. Making Signs for our Rummage Sale
4. PreCounting Tickets and Placing in Envelopes for Carnival
5. Filling goodie bags for our Fish Pond at the Carnival
6. Sorting Field Day Ribbons into Ziplocs for each class
7. Make follow up phone calls for donation requests
etc., etc., etc.!!! The lists could be endless.
I was asked once this very same question and I guess I gave that Dad a different aspect on the topic. He was looking to spent time with his children (newly divorced) and I sugested having lunch with the children, helping with recess, when we have our bookfairs we ask for parents to help the students shop (he liked that one!).
I personaly have suggested parents (Dads) call our Building Manager to see where he can use some help- landscaping, hanging basketball hoops, clearing old storage, etc.. Bill has gotten A LOT of response and much needed help!
I'm always amazed at how many little things that need to be done that most people take for granted or don't even think of!
OMG!!! Crossing Guard!!! Parking Lot Attendant!!! School Litter Patrol!!! Painter (for all those little paint jobs around the grounds?)!!!
Hallway Info Desk (you know, on the days when there will be a lot of visitors, like Grandparents Day, Book Fair Days, party days, etc.)!!!!
One of the biggest things I can think of is something I'm not sure how to put down. Special Talents and Special Talents Coordinator? One of my friends used to be a professional clown. She has no children (go figure...lol). Or Santa? or the Easter Bunny? We had parents (and teachers) dress up as fabulous people for our creative reading and writing month (with names like Aunt Jaq Tiv).
I'm not sure I conveyed what I meant, but it was my best try.
For parents/volunteers who can't come to the school:
1. Offer to cut stuff out for various classrooms.
2. Sewing costumes, book bags, whatever...
3. Phone work... These volunteers are my favorite because it really takes the pressure off of scheduling events.
4. Dream Team-Home Division- This is a group of about 4 stay-at-home Moms who, because of smaller children still at home, handicaps, etc. cannot be at the school, but are able to coordinate on a moments notice (i.e.: Someone doesn't show up for their shift at the Santa Shop - one call to a DT-HD Mom and she contacts a replacement for RIGHT NOW! This team also works very close, hand in hand, with the
5. Dream Team-School Division, who are also stay at home parents, only they have more mobility and can drop everything and come to the school to fill in with a moments notice. These parents usually have a family member who they can drop a toddler off to, or an older, preschool age child who can accompany them without too much trouble.
Help with the playground building day.
Do playground clean-up one Saturday morning.
Lunch duty or recess monitor once or once a week.
Attend the school fair.
Collect ttickets for the fair.
Cook something for the fair.
