Moms make a difference in schools

You're a mom, so it's a given that you're on the go 24/7. Volunteering at your children's school takes precious time and energy, so sometimes you might wonder if it's really worth it. In fact, parent volunteers are the backbone of a vibrant school community. They enrich the school environment in a mulitude of ways by providing opportunities for more personalized instruction, offering support to teachers, raising funds for important school projects, planning community service and organizing special events.

Check out these exciting options to learn how you, too, can make a difference in your children's school:

Join the PTA.

If you are a concerned and involved parent, you will love serving on the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA provides parents and families with a powerful voice to advocate for the needs of their children. Mom of four Hannah West says, "I really enjoy serving on the PTA. We've done everything from raising money for new playground equipment and organizing school assemblies to planning family nights and community service events. Even though it is hard work, it feels good to know that we are truly making a difference in the lives of our children by improving the quality of their education."

Help out in the classroom.

The student-teacher ratio in many schools is very high. By helping in the classroom, you can give students the personalized one-on-one attention they need. Depending on grade level, you might be asked to read to students, listen to them read, help them do math drills, supervise special projects or organize games at recess.

Work in the school office.

If you're a computer whiz or possess other outstanding office skills, sign up to volunteer in the school office. You will stay busy making copies, answering phones, designing flyers, updating school calendars and more.

Be a school chaperone.

Chances are, your children will be taking some interesting field trips in the upcoming year. By signing up to be a school chaperone, not only will you be helping the school, but you also will be staying involved in your children's day-to-day lives. Win-win!

Seek fundraising opportunities.

With national budget cuts, many schools are having trouble keeping up with even basic supplies for the classroom, much less major capital expenditures. Your help in securing corporate sponsorships, organizing fundraisers or participating in other fundraising opportunities can allow schools to add after-school programs, replace broken playground equipment, build new computer labs or respond to other pressing campus needs.

Offer a special talent.

If you design websites, paint murals, teach salsa dancing or can offer some other special skill, don't hold back. Chances are, your offer will be snapped up before you can say cha-cha-cha!

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