Inspired by another thread--How do you feel about parents volunteering in the classro

[tiggger1]

I volunteered in my dd classroom at least once a week when she was in kindergarten. This year I only volunteered twice both field trips. But I also volunteered for 2 1/2 hours a week in her old room because I was there anyways while my son was in therapy there. I did whatever was needed, copies, cutting, stapling books, working in centers with the kids, gave them test..Her old teacher loved it because she had 25 kids and no aid...so whatever needed to get done either got done during her 40 min prep time ( once a week) or before or after school.

I also helped out with the newsletters that got sent home. At my dd's school you are not allowed to volunteer in the office because of HYPPA

 

[pigletgirl]

When I was in elementary school we had 'Home Room Moms'. Those were the ones who organized all the class parties, designated other parents to help with the parties, field trips, ect. The teacher got to choose who that mother would be. It seemed to work well.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I don't think parents belong in the classrooms unless it is a party or they are reading a story to the class etc. I do not want parents "tutoring" my kids or giving them tests. Sorry but that is what the teacher is for. If I wanted Joe or Mary's Mom involved in my child's education I would ask them. It is nobody's business who is having trouble or who is not. Parents are gossipy and even if they aren't it is simply none of their business. I volunteer a lot at school but either for the above mentioned parties or reading or for PTA stuff. We do not have classroom volunteers at all. I can only imagine how mad people would be if it was even suggested. Parents need to stay out of the classrooms. That is why we have teachers. YMMV.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Our elementary school is very much into having volunteers in the classroom in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades.

It's discouraged in Kindergarten except for the couple of parties they do because it's felt that parents disrupt too much.

I used to be a regular classroom volunteer twice a week during the school year(now that my youngest is in 5th grade, the teachers don't ask for volunteers much).

I put away things that were used so the teacher could do the next lesson faster (spelling flash cards, math games), organized books, and did the displays that were put in the hallway by the classroom. I did photocopying and even sharpened pencils. Sometimes the teacher had me go in the hall with a child who needed extra reading help and had them read to me for practice.

It was a nice change from working full time because I felt like I was really needed and appreciated.

I noticed this year they are looking for a volunteer to help in the science classroom and lots of volunteers for the media center but I'm not able to help this year.

There is no open door policy at our school. You are allowed to "audit" the classroom or talk to the teacher but an appointment must be made for each.

 

[descovy]

As a parent, I come when I'm called

Teacher needs volunteers for a certain lab experiment, etc... I'll come. I also like teaching Junior Acheivement. It is a 5 week course in the classroom. The volunteer teaches the course, in lieu of the teacher. Of course, I try to sign up for my own kids classes, but I've been known to swap when another teacher had no volunteers and our class had two.

Beyond that, I really don't like working in the gossipy PTA workroom. Just too toxic, and I have a life, thankyouverymuch. I really don't care that the PTA board has too many from one neighborhood, and so-and-so is trying to abuse her power on the spring fling committee, etc... Plus as I posted this spring, my PTA gave themselves all Tiffany pendants in appreciation of their volunteering So I am *over* PTA fundraising too.

 

[golfgal]

I just got back from registering my son for school. There are 21 students in the classroom, the regular teacher, a student teacher and a permanent volunteer. Which leads me to why I no longer volunteer at my son's school. It's very clique-y (real word?).

We're not from here, we're transplants. It's a small town, the kind that everybody went to school with everybody, the same doctor delivered everybody, everybody shops at the same stores, goes to the same hair salon, etc. We don't go to a local church. I don't drive the right vehicle either.

The parents that are "in" get assigned the permanent volunteer spots. Those are nice. You get a desk in the classroom even. The parents not in get the lesser positions - cafeteria clean-up and the like.

That's not to say volunteers aren't needed at schools. I just choose not to participate with our school's volunteer program based on how I know it to be.

There are a lot of preconceived notions about what goes on in schools and circles like this from outsiders that often end up not being true. You say this is true but how do you know if you don't help? I had a parent come up and complain about the "clique" that did are big fundraiser and how only certain people could help out. I found that very interesting since I was the chair of that and anyone that signed up got put on the list to help. The same people did sign up year after year so I am sure it looked that way but in all the years that I chaired it I only told one person that she didn't need to help and she was our Home and School President who already spend a million hours doing stuff for school and we had plenty of help if she didn't want to come in.

 

[Belle0101]

There are a lot of preconceived notions about what goes on in schools and circles like this from outsiders that often end up not being true. You say this is true but how do you know if you don't help? I had a parent come up and complain about the "clique" that did are big fundraiser and how only certain people could help out. I found that very interesting since I was the chair of that and anyone that signed up got put on the list to help. The same people did sign up year after year so I am sure it looked that way but in all the years that I chaired it I only told one person that she didn't need to help and she was our Home and School President who already spend a million hours doing stuff for school and we had plenty of help if she didn't want to come in.

I know it to be true because I experienced it firsthand on occassions. Hence my having posted "I no longer". I used to volunteer, help out with fundraisers, sent in snacks for parties, etc. I'm just done now. I won't be signing up this year. I found a different organization to give my time and money to instead. It's in the next town over (greyhound rescue).

This is a really small town. Everyone knows everyone's business. We actually got a "talking to" from one of our neighbors because we didn't use the town's mechanic for our car repairs.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

There are a lot of preconceived notions about what goes on in schools and circles like this from outsiders that often end up not being true. You say this is true but how do you know if you don't help? I had a parent come up and complain about the "clique" that did are big fundraiser and how only certain people could help out. I found that very interesting since I was the chair of that and anyone that signed up got put on the list to help. The same people did sign up year after year so I am sure it looked that way but in all the years that I chaired it I only told one person that she didn't need to help and she was our Home and School President who already spend a million hours doing stuff for school and we had plenty of help if she didn't want to come in.

Not to go off topic but do you wonder why the same people volunteer every year? Maybe it is because when you are the new person the "regulars" aren't very welcoming. I have seen it many times.

 

[shortbun]

I think parents who volunteer encourage their children to excel in the classroom. They see that their parents are involved and care about school so they stay connected. In the school my son attended k-8, parents were all over the place. Teachers had their children, grandchildren and friends' kids enrolled. It was a big family and ANYONE could be in that circle. No cliques that I saw.

 

[Skywalker]

I know two moms that volunteer a lot, and I have heard them talk, a lot, about what goes on in the classroom.

Bobby's mom gave him a jelly sandwich and too many sugary snacks. Susie's having trouble with reading. Sam's got some real behavioural issues. Jane wore the same socks two days in a row!

Just crap like that, and it drives me nuts. I don't see why parents need to be in the classroom.

 

[golfgal]

Not to go off topic but do you wonder why the same people volunteer every year? Maybe it is because when you are the new person the "regulars" aren't very welcoming. I have seen it many times.

I know this happens in some cases but this certainly was not our case. Everyone was treated the same-there was a lot of work to get done and the more hands to do it the better. Some days we were there for 8 hours counting money so ANYONE that wanted to help was more than welcome. Some people just like to use that as an excuse not to help too.

 

[Happy Mom2]

DH's hours have been cut at work so his hours are pretty flexible. He basically works whatever hours he wants as long as he works about 20 hours and gets his job done. Somehow this came up in a conversation DH had with DD's teacher. Well, today DH went to the school to help with lunch (it's was DD's first day of kindergarten). When he was done, DD's teacher asked when he'd be back. DH said he wasn't sure. Teacher said, "Well, just email me your schedule, and I'll let you know when is a good time for me." LOL. It's going to be an interesting year! I hear this teacher is the strictest teacher at the school, but she is also the best.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I know this happens in some cases but this certainly was not our case. Everyone was treated the same-there was a lot of work to get done and the more hands to do it the better. Some days we were there for 8 hours counting money so ANYONE that wanted to help was more than welcome. Some people just like to use that as an excuse not to help too.

I understand what you are saying but I think that even though newcomers are treated nicely there is always a "group" that doesn't really let new parents in so to speak. They let you help and are polite but you feel like an outsider. I do agree though that some people use it as an excuse not to help but I can understand why.

 

[descovy]

I understand what you are saying but I think that even though newcomers are treated nicely there is always a "group" that doesn't really let new parents in so to speak. They let you help and are polite but you feel like an outsider. I do agree though that some people use it as an excuse not to help but I can understand why.

Mouse House Momma speaks the truth. Been there, done that, never wanted to go back...

 

[aprilgail2]

I had a teacher friend that this subject came up once with. Her opinion was that parents shouldn't be in the classroom but rather be placed as volunteers in the library, cafeteria or school office.

I agree!

It's not allowed here, probably because of the bad seeds. You can't even go to your child's classroom to bring him or her something.

You can't go to the classrooms here unless you are class mom and its a party day. You enter the building and go into the office--you can't get past there unless there is a reason for you to be there.

I don't think parents belong in the classrooms unless it is a party or they are reading a story to the class etc. I do not want parents "tutoring" my kids or giving them tests. Sorry but that is what the teacher is for. If I wanted Joe or Mary's Mom involved in my child's education I would ask them. It is nobody's business who is having trouble or who is not. Parents are gossipy and even if they aren't it is simply none of their business. I volunteer a lot at school but either for the above mentioned parties or reading or for PTA stuff. We do not have classroom volunteers at all. I can only imagine how mad people would be if it was even suggested. Parents need to stay out of the classrooms. That is why we have teachers. YMMV.

I agree- I don't want another kids parent involved in my childs education. There are paid office workers to make copies for teachers and put folders together etc--they don't need nosey parents in the classrooms for that.

I know two moms that volunteer a lot, and I have heard them talk, a lot, about what goes on in the classroom.

Bobby's mom gave him a jelly sandwich and too many sugary snacks. Susie's having trouble with reading. Sam's got some real behavioural issues. Jane wore the same socks two days in a row!

Just crap like that, and it drives me nuts. I don't see why parents need to be in the classroom.

Exactly!!!!

 

[penn19]

I just got back from registering my son for school. There are 21 students in the classroom, the regular teacher, a student teacher and a permanent volunteer. Which leads me to why I no longer volunteer at my son's school. It's very clique-y (real word?).

We're not from here, we're transplants. It's a small town, the kind that everybody went to school with everybody, the same doctor delivered everybody, everybody shops at the same stores, goes to the same hair salon, etc. We don't go to a local church. I don't drive the right vehicle either.

The parents that are "in" get assigned the permanent volunteer spots. Those are nice. You get a desk in the classroom even. The parents not in get the lesser positions - cafeteria clean-up and the like.

That's not to say volunteers aren't needed at schools. I just choose not to participate with our school's volunteer program based on how I know it to be.

Oh, you must live in Texas.......

 

[penn19]

Not to go off topic but do you wonder why the same people volunteer every year? Maybe it is because when you are the new person the "regulars" aren't very welcoming. I have seen it many times.

This. I used to volunteer. I really got tired of the same old, same old. Power tripping moms who really do need to find a job to keep themselves busy. I am not saying that you can't be a SAHM and be busy and happy, but SOME (and I stress SOME) moms really get into the power trip thing. And that is a fact.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I don't think parents belong in the classroom. They are completely unnecessary and a distraction at best.

 

[FireDancer]

My grandma volunteered at the school my aunt went to all 8 years she was there. She never volunteered in the same room (and often not even in the same grade) as my aunt though so unless she was filling in for a project in my aunt's class there was no "only paying attention to their own kid" conflict. She didn't do any actual teaching, she would help courier things to and from the office, help in the cafeteria, help in some of the classrooms on art or music day with the younger kids (school was 1-8 grade), grade papers that were not subjective (math as opposed to an essay) and watch the room if a teacher had to leave for a short time for any reason. My aunt is only 10 years older then me and 11 years younger then my next youngest uncle so my grandma had all of her other kids either in high school or married and out of the house when she did it. She said she had the time and it was a private school that needed the volunteers so why not.

My first couple of years there she would come in and help out from time to time but never in my class. It was nice having grandma bring you some home made lasagna for lunch on those days though.

 

[grafxgirl]

This. I used to volunteer. I really got tired of the same old, same old. Power tripping moms who really do need to find a job to keep themselves busy. I am not saying that you can't be a SAHM and be busy and happy, but SOME (and I stress SOME) moms really get into the power trip thing. And that is a fact.

We have SAHM's like that in our neighborhood. Many of us refer to them as the Stay At Home Mafia.