Have you volunteered before with BSD Vibes, WATCH DOGS at many of our Elementary schools, or Chaperoning field trips?  For many of us who can afford the time, volunteering at our schools is an enriching personal experience, a great help to the students, and supports school teachers and other staff.

 

Late last school year we started implementing a program that Tyee Middle School had been using called Walkabout.  What is it? It is volunteering to help safety at school drop off in the mornings and school pick ups in the afternoon.  And it is helping teaching staff, custodial staff and the students at lunch times by walking about and spotting issues that could use friendly adult help.  This lunchtime activity can include everything from helping permanently disabled or temporarily disabled students carry their lunch, dealing with the discipline of appropriate behavior, trash clean up and identifying and helping with student conflict or bullying.

 

What is it:  establishing yourself as a kind and helpful friend to students and staff.  Humor helps a lot with students this age.  Hopefully gaining the trust of students so they have an extra helpful adult available if needed.

 

What is it not:  being stern and domineering with student issues.  Discipline needs normally should be referred to staff.  The exception is behavior that could pose an immediate danger to others.  Then intervention should be swift, firm, but still friendly and supportive.

 

What is in it for you as a volunteer.  Amazing respectful friendships built up with students, teaching and custodial staff.  Especially if you can volunteer several days.  You cannot believe the appreciation many students have for this.

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please create an account on this website.  While signed in to your account, go to the "PTA" link on the left hand of the page.  Under PTA, click on "volunteer".  Once there, you can choose the specific area that you are interested in in the "in-school volunteer support" section.  For more information, please contact Jeremy Martin at jeremymartin3@me.com.