Volunteering

Denali Montessori is a partnership including the students, teachers, and parents. All family members are strongly encouraged to volunteer at Denali. Our school and program only grow better when all parents and families actively participate. You are making a valuable contribution to Denali and to your child’s education whether you are volunteering inside or outside of the classroom.

There are numerous opportunities to volunteer at Denali. Talking to your child’s teacher and attending Montessori Advisory Committee/PTA meetings, held the first Tuesday of every month, will help you find your volunteer niche. Some parents feel shy about volunteering. However, once you get started, you will realize that it is fun and that it is a great way to get to know the teachers and become friends with other Denali families.

Working in your child’s class, or in another class, gives you a chance to work with children and watch the Montessori method in action. Most classrooms have a volunteer sheet on the bulletin board outside the door. Some teachers also enjoy having parents “drop in” to volunteer. If a teacher does not have any work at a particular time for a parent, there will be other teachers who will be thrilled to have you volunteer in their classroom. Some children love their parents to work in their class. Other children prefer their parents to volunteer in other classes. Teachers are more than happy to work with parents to find the fit that works best for them.

Most work does not require training or specialized skills. Training for the copier and laminating machine will be offered at various times. Reading tutors are needed for some children. Volunteers are always needed to work in the library. If you are available on a regular basis, let your child’s teacher know so she/he can assign you a particular task every week at the same time. As a classroom volunteer, you must remember that information you learn about individual students must be kept confidential.

Many parents cannot volunteer in the classroom because of work schedules or because they have small children at home. There are still many ways to volunteer, however. Volunteers are always needed to be room parents, correct work papers, make materials, raise funds, process monthly book orders, and help at PTA and MAC sponsored community events such as the Fall Carnival, Holiday Night, etc. Some families have more money than time and contribute to Denali by buying Montessori materials and other supplies as needed. Some families choose to give a combination of their time and money. All types of contributions are needed and appreciated.

Forward to Homework

Back to Parent Directory Index