We Need Volunteers

Many years ago I had a teaching partner who said, “If you want something done ask a busy person.”  I think any one of us can look at some of the people around us who are busy working, raising a family, and yet always make time to help out wherever they are needed. While the majority of us lead busy lives there are unfortunately far fewer who are willing to take the time to help-out to volunteer. To be the best school we can be we need every family to make a time commitment to volunteer and help.

There is an abundance of research that supports that great schools, effective schools are those with parent and grandparent involvement. In a nurturing community parent involvement is high and families are involved in volunteer projects. Volunteers enrich the entire school community. By giving of their time they are not only helping the students, but they are setting an example of service. It is a win-win situation and anyone can find an avenue to help by giving of their time and their talents.

In a spirit of shared service and with a desire to have full family involvement at Notre Dame we are creating an expectation for the 2011-12 school year for every family to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours during the year, for a single parent 10 hours. There will be many areas where you can volunteer; perhaps you will have additional thoughts on how you can help by sharing your talents. You will be asked to submit your volunteer hours to the office each quarter. This can be done electronically or by hardcopy, (forms will be provided). An example is to volunteer once a month in the lunchroom, 11:30-1:30 and you will have reached your families’ commitment. The opportunities are endless and the positive outcome of everyone doing their fair share will create an atmosphere at Notre Dame Catholic School of trust and collaboration. The true winners will be the children.

To all of the people who already generously volunteer their time, thank you! You truly are appreciated and while we want you to continue we also want you to know there will be more people available to help in many areas throughout the school next year. This is what defines a nurturing community.