Connect With Your Kids: 9 Ways to Volunteer at School

The Apple Valley educators we talked to agree: A meaningful way to volunteer with your child’s school is to help with something your child is passionate about.

“Always support your [student] with their academics, activities and athletics,” said principal Steve Degenaar.

Most Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan public schools have lists of volunteer opportunities on their websites; visit the district's website for a link to your child’s school. Here are just a few of the variety of opportunities available:

• Coach a team. Is your ninth-grader soccer-mad? Call the coach and see if she needs help around the field, Degenaar suggests. Or, there may be an opportunity for assistant coaching. Maybe you can provide snacks, or coordinate a swim meet.

• Hang out in the halls. Back-to-school events rely on parent volunteers to hand out materials. Some can use help directing bewildered new students. Does your child's school need hall monitors? It’s a great way to see what’s happening outside the classroom.

• Use that red pen. We all know a teacher’s work is never done. You can make his day a little shorter by volunteering to correct papers, a job that often can be done at home.

• (Wo)man the punch bowl. Every student social event needs parents to volunteer. Chaperoning is a great way to check in with your kids’ friends—and get a peek at the side of life of your elementary school kids, tweens and teens that you don't get to see as often.

• Party hearty. Have a great idea for a second-grade Valentine’s Day party? Want to make the eighth-grade bash one to remember? These events are always in need of leadership. Check your school website’s volunteer section to find out how you can make it happen.

• Stuff it! Someone has to prepare those ubiquitous “Friday Folders." An hour or two of your time can be a big help, whether you do it weekly or just on occasion.

• All the world’s a stage. Whether your child likes being under the lights or prefers painting scenery, can you help with school productions by collecting props, sewing costumes or even photocopying scripts?

• Extracurricular fun. principal Lynn Hernandez says that after-school activities often need volunteer help. How about getting involved with Destination Imagination? Or maybe you and your child share an interest in chess, or like to go on long bike rides together. Could you help start a chess club or a cycling team?

• Make it a better place. Whether your school calls it a site council, PTO or something else, you can bet they need your help, both ongoing and with special projects. This type of volunteering is also a great way to meet other parents and get the inside scoop about what's going on in the building.