It’s the beginning of a new school year. You’ve got your child’s backpack, books, school supplies and everything else they’ll need. So, your child is ready to start the year, but is your child’s school? Schools all over the U.S. are suffering from a lack of proper supplies, text books, sports equipment, and even teachers.
When teachers don’t have proper supplies they aren’t able to teach their lessons or provide students with an enhanced education.
Students who start school without necessary clothes, tools, books, etc. find difficulty participating and concentrating in class. They are less focused on what they should be learning and more focused on what they don’t have.
Whether you have the funds to donate money, or extra time that you can spend helping out, it is all needed. There are several ways you can help your child’s school and in return, help not only your child, but all the other students as well.
If you want to help but don’t know how, here are various ways you can support your child’s school:
1. Volunteer your time and your vehicle.
Schools are often looking for help with field trips, sports events and other school activities. This depends on the schools’ traveling regulations, but if parents are allowed to drive, you should volunteer your time and your vehicle to help out.
2. Join the PTA.
The PTA is a way for parents to make sure they are involved and in-the-know when it comes to their child’s school and the education they are receiving. Through the PTA, you can organize fundraisers, find out what teachers need, and do many other things that will help the school and the students. There are also boards and committees you can join to help with the preparation, organization and follow-through of activities and organizations.
3. Suggest a workplace tour.
If the company you work for would be a good location for a field trip, suggest it to the principal. If the principal agrees, do everything you can to help organize it. Educational field trips are fun for the kids and give them a chance to learn outside of school in the real world.
4. Make donations.
Donations can come in all different ways, not just money. Schools are always needing new books, whiteboard markers, paper, computers and accessories, and several other things. Talk to your child’s teachers and the principal and find out what the school needs. You could also talk to the school’s librarian and find out what books they could use in the library or donate funds for any books that need to be rebound.
Many teachers have to use their own money to buy extra supplies for their classroom. Talk to them and find out what you can do to help.
5. Donate backpacks, shoes, coats, etc.
Without asking for names and particulars, you can talk to the principal about the needs of specific students. Some families might be going through a hard time and can’t afford the clothes or supplies their child may need. By helping individuals who are in need, you are not only providing them the opportunity to have a better experience in school, but you are also helping them focus on their education and not on what they don’t have or what’s going on at home.
Whether you are donating money or supplies, make sure that you follow all the regulations and guidelines set by the school board.
There are several things you can do to support your child’s school. If you want to help but don’t know where to start, the best thing to do would be to talk to the principal or your child’s teacher. They will know what the school needs and will be grateful for anything you do to help.
