Try volunteering at school in fall

Most of you have heard that the state has cut funds to most school districts throughout the state. Due to these cutbacks, essential staffing will no longer be available to assist in the education of students who need it the most. There is little that we can do to make up for the loss of funds but there is a way that every one of us can help the school staff to meet many of the needs of their students.

Have you thought of volunteering your time to your local school? After getting the necessary background check, you could be of great help to the school by spending a few hours a week assisting the staff in many ways.

You could help students to read, work on basic math skills, or other ways as needed. You could organize or cut out classroom supplies, or decorate a bulletin board or two. You could help the PTA with the many tasks that they perform throughout the year. The list is endless as to how you can be of benefit to your local school.

This may not make up 100 percent of the loss that the school will feel without those important staff members. It will at least give the students and teachers some of the extra support they will need to make their school year successful.

So please think about this over the summer and try to make a commitment in the fall to give back to your local school. This will help ensure that the quality education that teachers are dedicated to give will not suffer as severely due to the loss of those essential staff members.

Carol Whitney
Marysville