The district is fortunate to have access to an extensive network of community volunteers who assist in myriad ways. It is not possible to list all the individuals, organizations, and businesses that contribute to our schools, nor is it possible to place a dollar value on the services they perform. All of the volunteers come under the broad umbrella of the district’s Partners in Education Program.
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Included are hundreds of parents who serve through the Parent Teacher Organizations, also called Home and School Associations, in our schools. The PTOs and HSAs fund special projects and help with the purchase of classroom materials that enrich the educational program. They provide chaperones for school trips and may assist in arranging the transportation. They volunteer their time on a regular basis in the schools and help organize special school-wide assemblies and activities.
An umbrella organization, the Parent Teacher Organization Council (PTOC) has representation from every school and meets monthly to discuss matters of general concern. The Central Administration updates and seeks input from parents on educational and programmatic issues at those meetings.
In addition to the PTOs and HSAs, parent booster clubs support specific organizations and athletic or academic teams on the secondary school level.
District parents are also involved with the Communities That Care (CTC) initiative. The CTC recognizes the potential for all children to be at risk. Through the CTC, human service professionals, other concerned adults working with children, and civic organizations coordinate their efforts to reduce that risk. The CTC provides prevention and intervention resources, promotes positive parenting, and helps educate families to ensure a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.
The business community is another important source of support to the school district. We are especially fortunate to have an excellent working relationship with the West Chester Area Chamber of Commerce, which makes the expertise of the business community available in myriad ways. A Business Advisory Board works with the business and marketing department in the high schools while business volunteers work with elementary schools on the Junior Achievement Program. This program enhances the third grade social studies curriculum by teaching children the basics of capitalism through cooperative learning activities.
Other business partnerships provide funding and equipment or supplies for special district programs. Individual members of the business and professional community visit our classrooms for career days and enrich the curriculum by sharing their specialized knowledge.
Another valuable partnership enjoyed by the district is with West Chester University, which makes its resources available in a variety of ways.
The district also has
a substantial number of senior citizen volunteers. Many
of these
senior
citizens
are working through
our district’s RSVP
(Retiree Substitute Volunteer) Program, which provides up to $560
in a property tax rebate
in return for volunteer service. RSVP volunteers
can be found in offices and classrooms throughout
the district.
