Volunteer Information

Dear Columbus Parents;

Did you know that several studies and surveys have concluded that the more involved a parent stays with a child's education, the better that child will do both academically and emotionally. What better reason is there to volunteer?

At Columbus School we not only welcome parent volunteers, we consider it a crucial part of our program. Each family is asked to participate in three activities during the school year. We offer all types of opportunities from one-time activities such as baking for the Holiday Fair to ongoing activities such as volunteering in the classroom or the library.

Can't come in during the day? We also suggest many ways to help in the evenings or on weekends. The following text offers a detailed list as well as a brief description. Please read this information over carefully and let us know how you are planning to help.

All first-time volunteers who will be working with children on a regular basis are required to have a TB test or show proof of a negative test or chest x-ray within the past year. Our school nurse will administer the TB screenings free of charge. The PTO picks up the cost of the test kits. Sign up information will be sent home with your child. We will contact you regarding dates. You will also need to fill out a volunteer registration form to be kept on file.

Please feel free to call me at 899-2840 if you have any questions. Better yet, why not stop in the family room and say "hello." The family room is located down the "number" hallway (between numbers 5 and 6) which goes from the kindergarten wing to the kitchen. It is a place where parents and staff gather for coffee or tea, informal gatherings, and meetings. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you.

Sincerely,

Terry Lakin, Parent Coordinator

Email Terry or call (203) 899-2840.

Volunteer Activities we've offered in the past

Special Events

Book Fairs. Volunteers are needed to help set up, take down, straighten, keep inventory, and cashier.

Family Picnic. Volunteers are needed to organize, shop, take reservations, solicit donations, cook, set up, plan activities, clean up, etc., etc.

Festival of Lights. December. A sharing of the many holidays and celebrations that use light as the central theme. Stations representing the celebrations will be set up in front of All School Meeting and volunteers will make brief presentations sharing the history, traditions, and artifacts. Terry Lakin 899-2840.

Gift Wrap Distribution. Volunteers are needed to help sort and deliver giftwrap orders to classrooms. We expect delivery in late October. Must be available during the school day.

Holiday Fair. A family day including a children's carnival, bake sale, cake walk, lunch, and other fun activities.

Movie Nights. Columbus' own version of the drive-in. We project movies on the large screen in the auditorium using the LCD projector. Families bring chairs and blankets and enjoy the show. Committee needed to choose movies, prepare flyers, and plan refreshments. Dates to be determined. .

Torch Run. Thursday, June 3. Tom Kretsch plans this memorable event every four years to coincide with the Olympic Torch Run. Columbus fourth and fifth graders will proudly carry an Olympic torch as they run along the sidewalks of Norwalk. Mr. Kretsch plots a 25-mile course taking our runners past every school in Norwalk. Volunteers needed to assist with planning, coordinate runners, and help the day run smoothly.

Poinsettia Sale. Volunteers are needed to take advance orders, pick up plants, and distribute the evening of our Holiday Concert. All proceeds from this sale are used to purchase used stringed instruments for needy students.

Silent Auction. Committee needed to organize this profitable and fun adult-only evening. Volunteers will solicit prizes, prepare program booklet, plan refreshments, and tabulate sales.

Long-Term Activities

Adventures in Art. A new and exciting art appreciation program created by Columbus parents. This program is for all students in grades K-5. It is taught by volunteers during regularly scheduled art class, four per year, starting in November. Each class will spotlight the work of a famous artist and include a related art activity.

Art Room Volunteer. Mrs. Garber is always looking for volunteers to assist in the art room by distributing materials, helping students, clean up, and hang bulletin boards.

Classroom Volunteer. Volunteers are needed to work in the classrooms with individual students or small groups; and helping with special class projects either on a weekly basis or when requested by classroom teacher.