Community Volunteers Needed for Local Schools
Local nonprofit, Pacifica School Volunteers (PSV) is currently recruiting community members willing to give their time and energy to help students succeed in school. In many classrooms across Pacifica there are students who would flourish with the additional help of a classroom volunteer. Ellie Cundiff, Principal of Sunset Ridge Elementary feels fortunate to have the support of community volunteers and recognizes their impact in the classroom, “Through their regular attendance, volunteers create safe and nurturing relationships with our students, one-to-one or in small groups. They truly help our children love learning and be successful.”
Volunteers typically work in the same classroom for an hour or two a week. Under the direction of the teacher, volunteers work with children individually or in small groups to practice reading and math skills. Volunteers can also bring a special talent or interest to the school, such as art, music, drama, and physical education. Volunteers fluent in Spanish, Cantonese or other foreign languages are always required. Currently volunteers are also needed to assist with after school tutoring and homework centers at both the elementary and high school levels. In addition to working with individual students or in small groups, many teachers need general classroom assistance such as helping with class projects or preparation.
Volunteer Coordinator, Bernadette Chursin, explains the need for new volunteers, “Each year we have many wonderful folks who return to volunteer in the classroom, but we always have more requests than we can fill. Although we placed over 100 volunteers in classrooms across Pacifica last year, there were still students and teachers that we couldn’t help. It only takes an hour or two a week from someone to make a real difference for a child.”
The impact of a community volunteer is not limited to the students and teachers. It is often equally rewarding for the volunteer him/herself. Volunteer Tim Fredenburg started volunteering at Ortega Elementary and now assists in the Math Department at Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School. “I continue to volunteer because it feels so good to help. It’s the highlight of my week.” If you would like to volunteer, or find out more information on PSV and its programs, visit pacificaschoolvolunteers.org, or contact the PSV office at 650-355-9432 or psv@pacificasd.org.
“There is no better reward than seeing a child succeed and knowing you made a positive impact.” – Volunteer Annie Gibson.
