Letter: School department thanks volunteers (May 30, 2008)
Posted by Sentry Editor at 5/29/2008 3:19 PM 
Categories: Letters to the editor, Thank you, So Po Schools, Give
Categories: Letters to the editor, Thank you, So Po Schools, Give
Editor:
In a society that is overbooked, under deadline, and unilaterally rushed, it is truly amazing that so many people find a way to give so much when it seems that most days are chronically lacking enough hours with which to answer life’s endless demands.
And yet in South Portland, more than 1,000 people this year have found that time as school volunteers – and even though many are naturally reticent to record their hours or accept any recognition for their contribution, the fact is that more than 10,000 hours are donated and hundreds more are never documented.
The range of volunteers and their activities is astounding. There are students of all grades helping their peers and performing community service projects. Local businesses provide resources, professional expertise, and opportunities for collaboration to enhance students’ educational experiences. Foster Grandparents and RSVP volunteers assist students and create a unique climate of love and support. Partnerships with municipal staff allow for a wonderful integration between city and school.
Parents are the foundation of the school’s volunteer system as they run PTA’s and booster groups, chaperone, mentor, tutor, raise funds to enrich existing programs, organize building volunteer efforts, and serve on a wide range of school committees. And many of these same parents also contribute generously to causes throughout greater Portland and the state.
In these hectic and scattered times, when world discord and personal challenges threaten to weaken the fabric of our community, it is the unqualified, spirited, and creative commitment that these volunteers make to the students of South Portland that generates a caring network of support. Imagine how affirming and reassuring that must feel to the children as they put their best efforts into their education, their world, and their life.
There is no better way for that precious commodity of time to be invested. The value of the return is incalculable and will last a lifetime.
We welcome all South Portland school volunteers to join us for a cup of coffee and a snack from 7 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, at J. P. Thornton’s
Molly Aldrich,
School Department Volunteer Services
Jane Eberle,
School Department Business Partnerships
In a society that is overbooked, under deadline, and unilaterally rushed, it is truly amazing that so many people find a way to give so much when it seems that most days are chronically lacking enough hours with which to answer life’s endless demands.
And yet in South Portland, more than 1,000 people this year have found that time as school volunteers – and even though many are naturally reticent to record their hours or accept any recognition for their contribution, the fact is that more than 10,000 hours are donated and hundreds more are never documented.
The range of volunteers and their activities is astounding. There are students of all grades helping their peers and performing community service projects. Local businesses provide resources, professional expertise, and opportunities for collaboration to enhance students’ educational experiences. Foster Grandparents and RSVP volunteers assist students and create a unique climate of love and support. Partnerships with municipal staff allow for a wonderful integration between city and school.
Parents are the foundation of the school’s volunteer system as they run PTA’s and booster groups, chaperone, mentor, tutor, raise funds to enrich existing programs, organize building volunteer efforts, and serve on a wide range of school committees. And many of these same parents also contribute generously to causes throughout greater Portland and the state.
In these hectic and scattered times, when world discord and personal challenges threaten to weaken the fabric of our community, it is the unqualified, spirited, and creative commitment that these volunteers make to the students of South Portland that generates a caring network of support. Imagine how affirming and reassuring that must feel to the children as they put their best efforts into their education, their world, and their life.
There is no better way for that precious commodity of time to be invested. The value of the return is incalculable and will last a lifetime.
We welcome all South Portland school volunteers to join us for a cup of coffee and a snack from 7 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, at J. P. Thornton’s
Molly Aldrich,
School Department Volunteer Services
Jane Eberle,
School Department Business Partnerships
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