For many cities, the public school system serves as an unofficial community center, fostering stronger connections between neighbors, families, and school faculty. But ever since schools reopened after the 2020 pandemic, schools have faced enormous challenges in supporting students’ intellectual, emotional, and social development.
Schools thrive when they have the support of the community. But what can you do to support your local school? Here are eight simple ways you can support the public schools in your community.
1. Donate Supplies
According to the National Education Association, 90% of teachers pay for classroom supplies out of their own pockets. Any donation you can make would be warmly received.
Before you donate, check to see what supplies are most needed. This list might include items for individual students, such as pencils, glue sticks, notebooks, and more. But it might also include classroom supplies, such as organizers, hand sanitizer, or cleaning supplies.
2. Volunteer for a School Event
Schools can always use reliable volunteers for community events. And it takes no special skills to volunteer for the concession stand or ticket booth at a local athletic event.
Call your local school to see what volunteer opportunities exist. They may have specific roles you can volunteer for to make a meaningful difference in your community.
3. Join the PTA
Most public schools have some form of Parent-Teacher Association/Organization (PTA or PTO). If you have children in school, consider joining this organization and attending their meetings.
Some PTA groups even have what they call a “room parent.” This individual facilitates communication between teachers and parents and even the school administration. You could volunteer for this role or even become a room parent coordinator to further smooth communication between your school and the families it represents.
4. Become a Mentor
Not every school will offer a mentorship program directly but may partner with other local organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club or the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America.
These organizations are always looking for volunteers who can spend time with a student or even a group of students. You don’t have to have any specific credentials. Simply sharing your own life experiences can have a powerful influence on the development of a young person.
5. Become a Tutor
Across the United States, the average student-teacher ratio is around 16:1. But there are many settings in which teachers are overwhelmed with large class sizes, or simply lack the resources to spend time with every student.
If you have a background in a particular subject, consider volunteering as a tutor. Students who are struggling with math, science, or even basic reading can benefit from one-on-one instruction and the accountability that comes with it.
6. Volunteering for Career Day
Does your local school system have a “career day”? Many communities offer this event to all grade levels, giving them a glimpse of what life is like outside the classroom.
As a volunteer, you may have the opportunity to speak to the entire classroom about what you do for a living and the education and training it took you to get where you are today.
7. Attend a Local School Board Meeting
Every voting citizen can have a voice in the vision and direction of their local schools, even if they don’t have children within the school.
Attending a school board meeting is a great way to learn more about the issues facing your community and its students, and you can even contribute to the conversation once you have a better grasp of what’s going on.
If you’re particularly passionate about your local schools, you might even consider running for the school board. While this position comes with a great deal of responsibility, you’ll have a direct opportunity to influence the direction of your local school system.
8. Thank a Teacher
Teaching is a hard job. And in some settings, teachers face growing mistrust and even hostility from members of their own community.
Sometimes, a simple “thank you” can go a long way. Send a thank you card or note to a local teacher. If you know them personally, you might even include a small gift of appreciation. You might brighten their day and remind them that there are many members of the community who support them.
It Takes a Village
Pardon the cliche, but it really does take a village to nurture the development of its students. By supporting public schools, you’ll contribute to stronger community ties and rebuild trust between neighbors, teachers, and parents. Public schools need all the support they can get. Where will you choose to start?
