Volunteers

I just saw this article on KSL and thought it was very appropriate. It is very important that we volunteer and help out in our children's or even local elementary schools. The kids need us.

Due to the fact that more and more parents are being forced to work outside the home due to financial strain schools are shouldering the burden of raising the kids in many situations. This puts teachers in difficult positions as they try to mass raise children who will be able to contribute to society. We need to help more. I do not currently have children in school but I help out where I can. I can't go in because I come with little ones and from a teacher's stand point that generally is not a good thing. It's too much of a distraction to the kids who need to be learning. I have however told the teachers at the local school that I am willing to help them from home by cutting and preparing things for them so they will have more time to work with and teach the kids.

My local school has even asked for grandparents to come and read with the kids. You don't have to have a child in the schools to help out. Remember it's your community and you make it what you want it to be. The more you help and contribute the better off it will be.

Local PTA asks for more help

October 20th, 2010 @ 9:15am

By Mary Richards

DAVIS COUNTY -- A Davis County PTA is begging parents to step up. It says it's in danger of losing valuable programs for schools.

The Davis Central Council PTA has eight schools in the Layton and Kaysville area. But the dues are down considerably because there isn't a high enough percentage of PTA membership at some of those schools. That means it may lose its standing with the national PTA organization.

Those dues go to great programs like Red and Green Ribbon weeks, Battle of the Bands, and Reflections, says Nicole Miller, the president of the Central Council PTA.

"I know our Legislature often can't find enough money for arts and education, and I think it's great that the PTA can bring this to children," says Miller about Reflections.

She says Red Ribbon Week teaches valuable information about drugs.

"Sometimes we as a society leave it up to others to teach the dangers of drugs and alcohol. What a wonderful thing to come to the school and discuss it for a whole week," she says.

That's why she's worried about the situation. Miller says she knows it's hard for many families to pay even just $5 in dues right now, so it is asking for volunteers too.

"If that's all parents can afford right now is time, we'd love the gift of time," she says. "Sometimes that's even more precious than the money."

It is asking for three hours over a school year, which could mean 15 minutes here and there helping with a booth or reading in a classroom.

She hopes this is also a call for parents and grandparents anywhere in Utah to help out at their schools too.

"I would love for you to come out in swarms, and even if you've already paid dues maybe you can pay an extra $5 to sponsor a family that can't afford it. If you can't do that, then give of your time," says Miller.