As school is due to go back in session in just a few weeks we all can play a role in helping schools during the school year — from donating supplies for teachers, signing up as a volunteer, attending and supporting student events and functions and attending the monthly School Board Meetings. Staff, such as Ms. Sampson and Nurse Trudy are great advocates for our youth and spend a great deal of time at the school, even on their off hours. They have active children in Calhoun Schools and their smiling faces are a reminder that everyone needs a little encouragement in their day.
Here are some easy ways you can help schools in your community:
Join the Boosters! Athletics and band organizations have boosters that oversee fundraising and providing necessary support for those organizations. While most of those participating in the boosters are parents with children involved, that doesn’t have to be the case. Alumn or concerned community members would be welcome to join in as a support for the students of Calhoun Middle High School.l.
Volunteer as often as possible. Volunteering your time is money in the bank for the school system and a great way to show the students a little extra love. Contact your school directly to see what volunteer opportunities are available.
Donate school supplies for other children. When you are purchasing school supplies for your family, reach out to your school or your child’s teacher and ask if there are supplies you can buy for them, too. Many students come to school without basic supplies like backpacks and pencils, and teachers often spend money from their own paychecks to provide supplies for their classrooms. By donating supplies, you will help your child’s school and classroom run more smoothly while ensuring all students have what they need to succeed.
Go to Back-to-School Night. This is an important opportunity to meet the teacher, make sure that you understand his or her rules and expectations for the class, and get information about the best ways to communicate with him or her. Whether your child is an academic all-star or needs a little extra TLC to make it through the school year, making the effort to go to Back-to-School night shows both your child and the teacher that you are engaged and ready to support them.
Attend Sporting, Music and Extracurricular Events. There’s nothing like a band booster hot dog and Friday night lights to remind you of your own days attending school. Supporting our young people, while it takes time from our own busy lives, is so important to the school spirit. They need to know that their community loves and supports their efforts. A packed stand not only helps the finances of the events, but can go a long way for the morale of coaches, players and the student body. Make sure you’re up to date on the latest events going on in the county. –
Attend school board meetings. While meetings may not be everyone’s favorite way to spend time, school board meetings can be extremely informative. You will learn about decisions, policies and budgets that affect your child and his or her school, while also having an opportunity to share your thoughts on the need in your area. If you can’t attend, follow the coverage on the Ridgeview News and encourage them through comments.
