Volunteering > On-Going Volunteer Opportunities
Get involved and make a difference.
The McKinley School PTA has many volunteer opportunities for the 2009-2010 school year that are on-going. Even if you work, are short on time, and/or have young children at home, please consider giving a few hours during the year to help keep these worthwhile programs running smoothly. We're sure you'll find an activity that suits your talents and availability. For more information about volunteering contact our Volunteer Coordinators, Jill Kellerman or Tracey Rosato.
Archives
Interested in uncovering lost treasures? The PTA has many boxes filled with McKinley School memorabilia from 1928 to the present. Many of these items are report cards, trophies and class photos, which were generously donated by former McKinley students and staff. We need parent volunteers to organize these items and display them in the glass display cases in the main lobby.
Beautify McKinley
If you have a green thumb and love to garden, please help keep the gardens planted and landscaping free of weeds and overgrown plants. Bulbs are planted in the fall and annuals are planted in the late spring. Please help keep McKinley beautiful! For more info, contact Sheila Sullivan.
C.A.N.E. (CT Audubon Nature Explorers)
The C.A.N.E. program is part of the science curriculum for grades K-2 and is run solely by parent volunteers who are trained by the Audubon Society Staff. Volunteers perform puppet shows in the classroom to teach children about area wildlife, and also act as guides on class trips to the Birdcraft Sanctuary and Southport Beach. This is a great opportunity to be directly involved in your child’s classroom.
External Communications/Publicity
Like to write? Why not work with event chairpersons, teachers, and the principal to obtain information on upcoming school programs/events. Write press releases and send your story to newspapers, other schools, radio, etc. For more information, please contact Wes Greenop or Illya Berecz.
Friday Folders
Have fun chatting and getting to know other parents while collating flyers to be sent home. Volunteers are needed one to two hours each Friday morning in the McKinley cafeteria. Young children are welcome. If you would like more information, please contact Maggie Andrade.
School News Scrapbook
Please help us keep a complete record of our events in pictures and prose by creating a 2009-2010 McKinley School scrapbook. Filled with newspaper articles and photos, this "book" documents the school year and is kept in the main office for everyone to see.
Internal Communications
Help promote schools events by creating and arranging displays in the main display cases, the PTA Bulletin Board and throughout the school.
Library
Love books and kids? Help our children get the most out of our library by volunteering some time. Jobs include filing, shelving, mending books, and helping the children find what they need. Our librarian provides training. Volunteers are needed one to two hours every other week.
Mill River
As part of the Fairfield elementary schools curriculum, this program relies heavily on parent volunteers to lead the students on trails in Fairfield open space land, teaching them about environmental issues. Training is provided. If you have a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader, your child will be going on these area trips. We're sure he/she would love to have you along, especially as a leader. The time commitment is only six mornings for the entire year, three for training and three to lead trips.
Would you like to become a Mill River Parent Guide? Contact our Volunteer Coordinators, Jill Kellerman or Tracey Rosato.
Newsletter: The McKinley Messenger
Help our McKinley Messenger editors collect information, edit articles, and design the layout for the seven newsletter issues that are published each year. If you would like to help, please contact Shannon Goodchild or Tracey Rosatom.
Room Parents
Do you like to throw parties? Head Room Parents assist teachers in preparing for class parties and holiday celebrations, arrange for field trip chaperones, and act as liaisons between PTA and class families. Assistant Room Parents also help with the activities listed above. Even if you work or have young children, you can help with planning, baking, phoning, or gathering supplies. Grandparents are welcome. If you would like to help, please contact the Room Parent Coordinator Jill Kellerman.
Tools For Schools Committee
This important committee oversees safety issues that may affect the school building and our children. As part of this committee, you will attend meetings along with the principal, custodian, and the school nurse. A two-part training course is required. Part one is an indoor classroom course and part two is a walk-through. Some of the topics that the committee has previously discussed include, lock down procedures, playground safety, food allergies, and emergency protocol.
Welcome Wagon Committee
Help welcome new families into the McKinley community. Volunteers are needed to phone new families, greet them at school and PTA events, help them obtain school and community information, and make them feel welcome at McKinley School.
Yearbook Committee
Throughout the year help collect photographs and memorabilia featuring school events for inclusion in our annual school yearbook. A volunteer is also needed to help sell this wonderful keepsake to all our McKinley families.
For more information about volunteering, contact Tracey Rosato.
