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School to Community Connection |
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Issue 73 School Volunteers Really Make A Difference As every HUSD family knows, the new school year is already in full swing. Faculty and staff have been hard at work gearing up for the coming year, and despite the stress of meager budgets and new transitions, they’re doing a fantastic job. Every family in the district should be proud of the dedication, hard work, and commitment to our kids that the faculty and staff at the schools display every day. As wonderful as the school staffs are, they can’t do it alone. The success of our schools depends on the support and involvement of many volunteers. The good news? The district is full of parents, family members, and friends who give their time, energy and money to help. Volunteers working in the classrooms provide valuable assistance to teachers, particularly to provide one-on-one work with students who need extra attention. Volunteers also make special school events possible, to provide fun and diverse educational opportunities for students and to enhance the school community. The contributions of volunteers to our schools is astounding. In Healdsburg schools, the efforts of volunteers have made the following possible: * Music classes for elementary grades * New “Big Toy” structures and other playground equipment * Elementary art instruction from a specialized art teacher * Field trip transportation * Scholarship fees for student attendance on field trips * Stipends to teachers and staff to help them buy badly-needed classroom supplies * Books and materials for school libraries and classrooms * Academic achievement awards * Dances and student incentive activities * Funds for Challenge Days * Graduation activities * Band uniforms and instruments * Funds to support athletic teams * Assistance with student publications The not-so-good news? The schools need more help. With the district budget being stretched even tighter, the only way our schools can continue to provide many of the “extras” that are so important to our children’s education is through volunteer participation and fund-raising. Whether or not you have a child in a Healdsburg school, your participation is needed, and welcome. Contact any Healdsburg school and ask about volunteer opportunities; join the school’s Parent and Teacher organization; stop by the school or the district office and find out how you can contribute. And, if you like knowing that you’re making a difference in the education of our community’s children, you’ll be richly rewarded by your efforts. |
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