Parents as Partners
Volunteer
Volunteer Today!
We believe that parents are the primary teachers of their children.
Parents are encouraged to take an active role volunteering in many aspects of the school, and are key to the success of many of our programs and educational enrichment activities. Research shows that parental involvement in a child’s education is the number one determinant of student success. Parents find a welcoming community at Odyssey, and enjoy participating in the education of their child.
Families are encouraged to volunteer as much as they are able each year. We would hope you would consider volunteering 40 hours a year for two-parent families or 20 hours a year for one-parent families. We have no “PTA”. Instead, structure is provided by specialized parent committees. We have many parent committees such as Curriculum Enhancement Teams, Room Parents, School Events, After School Programs and Office Support. Committee structure allows parents to focus on specific interests and ensures volunteer opportunities for everyone.
01
Student Achievement
Research shows that the #1 indicator of children’s success in school is not family income or money allotted per pupil or class size. The surest way to help your child succeed is . . . for them to see you involved at their school.
02
Improvement of Educational Content
When parents donate their positive energy and unique skills at our school, every child is strengthened. Do you paint with watercolors or know a state representative or work as a helicopter pilot? From your participation, our children’s mutual educational experience can be exponentially enhanced.
03
More Efficient Use of Funds:
We receive the same amount of money per child as do other public schools. However, our chosen goals and curricula demand extra resources! The only ways we have to make up this difference are through fundraising and parent volunteers performing tasks or providing services that we would otherwise have to pay for.
Volunteer Opportunities: The Adventure Begins
Since the desire for more meaningful participation is a primary reason that many parents seek out charter schools, OCS will foster positive relationships with families and help their volunteer experiences be worthwhile and enjoyable.
Parents are encouraged to volunteer for committees according to their interests. Volunteer committees are as follows:
Teams present FUN academic events to celebrate the children completing major areas of study.
Assist the teacher in organizing the volunteer needs for parents in the classroom: class projects/parties, work with grade-level CET, etc.
Carnival
Help provide service opportunities in our community as well as advertising.
Assist our school librarian. This includes the book fair, home reading program, class shifts, shelving and processing Library books.
This includes Uniform Exchange, Spelling Bee, Science Fair, Halloween History Assembly, Field Day, Dance Festival and more.
Be a resource for the Business Manager to help with IT-related issues. These may range from virus and spyware protection updates, website and data base administration and VOIP.
How to Report Volunteer Hours
Having an accurate account of family volunteer hours is important:
(1) as an indicator of the school’s success toward fulfilling our philosophy and
(2) as a qualifying factor for certain monetary grants.
We are continuing our electronic system. This system allows you to clock in and out right at the school without trying to keep track of your own hours. This system is also our student check in and out forms. You will also be able to enter your hours worked from home on the program at school. For those of you that would rather enter your hours at home you may visit this website: www.helpcounter.net/volunteer
Every month families will receive a e-mail listing the hours that have been reported. This is the time for you to correct any mistakes or update your record. Please email volunteer@odysseycharter.net with any corrections.