Non Parents Can Support Schools Too

It's often thought that only parents of the children who attend a local school can be supportive, but non parents can also play an important role as well.

There are many adults in a community ,who have the knowledge ,skills and resources to help students in and out of the school system.

Business owners,for example,can lend their much- needed financial support, since public schools all over the country are experiencing cut backs and teacher reductions.

A donation of school supplies,such as pencils,pens,paper,notebooks,small equipment and in some cases,computers ,are in dire need.

I've seen local companies donate playgrounds and play equipment to local schools also. A nearby playground was torched recently by vandals and the children were ,of course,devastated.

The PTA and others raised funds for new equipment. many of these people were not parents of any the children but they felt that they could have a positive effect by making a contribution..

Local restaurants, and grocers may be able to help by donating workers or food to the local schools for financially needy students .Breakfast ,morning snacks and after school snacks are always welcomed.

Today,with the gas prices soaring and putting strains on schools systems and individual households, Gas companies or individual gas stations may be able to help by reducing prices one day a week. Also parents can form "taxis" to save on gas ,transporting the children to and from school.

Volunteers can also come into the school system to help before school officially starts in the morning, and after school ends, to watch, the children, whose parents have jobs and responsibilities and cannot get to the school or be home when school lets out. Many volunteers,such as Foster Grandparents, work one on one with children who need more attention in academic as well as social needs.Older students can read stories to younger children, and student teachers often need to get experience,so schools will utilize their skills.

Individuals who have talents can come to the schools and teach a classes for free.I worked for a public charter school and parents and non parents would teach different classes to help fill the curriculum.The students loved it and they got a chance to learn something not normally taught.

High schools often have local business people come in for "Career Day". Now,with tighter budgets,local business people could "teach" a class once a week and also have students "try out" a future career after school,in their shop or vocations.

So,you see, non parents can have just as much an impact on the local schools and their students,as well as parents. Just becuase you don't have children or any old enough to attend school, doesn't mean you don't have a role to play.

There are many talented, generous people in the community that can help amke their own neighborhood school a little better. Join a PTA, volunteer in a classroom or playground or donate some supplies.

Don't hesitate to help!