MUSHI-BRUNT RECOMMENDS ALL PARENTS DETERMINE HOW THEY CAN SUPPORT SCHOOLS AND
Suggestions include: • Make photocopies of assignments for teachers • Shelve library books for the librarian • Send snacks or dollar store trinkets as class prizes • Participate in fundraising activities as your budget allows • Sign up to chaperone a field trip or class activity Wood adds parents don’t need to wait for a personal invitation to volunteer. “Even if you never heard a plea for volunteers, ask how you can help,” said Wood. “It may look from the outside like everything is under control and you aren’t needed, but I have never heard a school complain about having too many volunteers.” From me, a former PTA leader, to you — a parent who wants the best for your child, their teachers and their school — consider this your official invitation to serve in some capacity at your school.
TEACHERS THIS YEAR, WHETHER THAT BE ADVOCATING AT THE STATE CAPITOL,
VOLUNTEERING AT YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL, SERVING ON PTA OR SENDING CLASSROOM SUPPLIES.
What school districts need Be a part of the education conversations at the local, state and federal levels. Consider the following ideas: • Attend your local school board meetings. They may feel long and drawn out, but they are a great opportunity to become aware of decisions being made that may impact your student and their school. • Get to know your legislators who serve on the state education committee. • Write letters to your school board members and legislators to share the good things happening at your school. • Invite your school board members and legislators to speak at a PTA meeting. • Seek opportunities to improve your school through programs like national PTA’s Schools of Excellence. Editor’s note: Christina Mushi-Brunt is a former professor turned freelance writer and public health research consultant. Christina, her husband and their three kids reside in Moore, where she is active in the education community.
We all know teachers don’t have the time or budget to meet the individual needs of every student, especially with ever-growing class sizes and expectations from administration. Our students need everyone working together as a team to make sure they can reach their potential. Kaytie Wood, parent and vice president of Moore Council of PTAs
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2024 35
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