Got Aloha for a Teacher?
I am a parent of 2 girls at our public elementary school and decided about 2 years ago that I needed to get more involved in the school after being frustrated with the school furloughs. I was tentative because I didn't exactly have free time---working full time, commuting and having active kids---but I decided that it was time to stop complaining or being concerned and that I needed to act. It was then that I joined the School Community Council (SCC). Now, I just completed a second year of involvement and also served as the school's SCC chair this past year.
As a member of the SCC, I was lucky to recently have a tour of our own elementary school. Education is not my field so it has been difficult to understand some of the SCC discussions with all the acronyms and DOE lingo. Witnessing what was in place in the school really helped me...I left with a much clearer picture of the academic rigor, the transition teachers are making to meet common core standards and the amazing work that's being done by our teachers! In short, it only increased my confidence in public education.
Why am I sharing all this with you? Our schools are not getting a lot of support right now: budgets remain tight, teachers are still suffering from leave without pay and school bus transportation is on the line! We, as parents and community members, need to show our support, commitment and interest in ensuring our children receive a quality education. It is critical to the success of our school and our children for all of us to get more involved. Please consider how you can also be a part of this.
Aloha
Energy
Comments posted prior to adopting Facebook comments.
Alright, I have considered it. Now how do I become involved? What steps do I need to take? Who do I need to contact?
Excellent! The best way to get involved is to contact the school's prinicipal or PCNC (Parent Community Networking Center) Coordinator and let her know you are interested in volunteering on the SCC. You can either participate as a member of the council or as a guest. It is worth first participating in an SCC meeting to see if this is a good fit for you before you commit.
Every SCC is run a little differently and it is important, as a parent or community member, to make sure it is effective so don't be afraid to speak up and use the school data as your backup.
There is also the PTSA and at our school they help support the school and teachers by fundraising, bringing in supplemental programs and other resources to the school. This is another option for involvement.
One last thing I should share. I really wasn't sure where I fit in at first , especially since this is working with people who live and breathe this stuff (school, education lingo, etc.). Don't get discouraged. More often than not, the school is desperate to have more parent or community involvement.