why do parents NEED to volunteer at recess and lunch

[Anonymous]

This week's principal's newsletter had yet another request for parent volunteers at lunch and recess. I volunteer at school when I can and support the teachers whenever possible, but I just do not understand why parents should be RELIED UPON to provide adequate coverage for lunch and recess.

Isn't it a requirement that the school provide the necessary supervision for the students? Shouldn't parent volunteers be something additional, not a way to make sure there is enough supervision.

For example, during one recess period, there is ONE staff member to supervise well over 100 children. This doesn't seem safe or acceptable. Many of us work and aren't able to show up at school around noon every day to help. I don't think it is ok to expect this of parents and to rely on parents to meet these basic responsibilities? Am I missing something or do others agree? By the way, I don't see the principal or the teachers supervising recess.

[Anonymous]

The teachers and principal cannot be expected to do everything. The principal is constantly busy putting out fires, talking to parents on the phone, answering emails, and dealing with other school matters. The teachers use that small time to plan, grade papers, and eat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This week's principal's newsletter had yet another request for parent volunteers at lunch and recess. I volunteer at school when I can and support the teachers whenever possible, but I just do not understand why parents should be RELIED UPON to provide adequate coverage for lunch and recess.

Isn't it a requirement that the school provide the necessary supervision for the students? Shouldn't parent volunteers be something additional, not a way to make sure there is enough supervision.

For example, during one recess period, there is ONE staff member to supervise well over 100 children. This doesn't seem safe or acceptable. Many of us work and aren't able to show up at school around noon every day to help. I don't think it is ok to expect this of parents and to rely on parents to meet these basic responsibilities? Am I missing something or do others agree? By the way, I don't see the principal or the teachers supervising recess.

Raise taxes and use the money to pay for aides.

[Anonymous]

Teachers cannot supervise lunch or recess because that is their contracted lunch (30 minutes) and planning (30 minutes) time.

Not sure where you've been for the last few years, but the school system has been under tighter and tighter budgets and the paraeducator/recess aide hours have been on the chopping block each year. The PP is right, taxes would have to go up, or the County Council will have to be pressured to meet the needs of the school system, for there to be money again for more lunch/recess aides.

[Anonymous]

They don't NEED to do anything. I think many schools put out that request in hopes that someone will volunteer. If you don't want to, then don't. Simple, I hardly think it warrants an argument.

[Anonymous]

What do you think happens when funds are cut?! Next time vote better

[Anonymous]

Because schools only have so much money for staff and choose to use it where it does the most good, and they are making a determination that the kids will probably all make it through recess alive with only one staffer so they can use other staff money for a librarian, other teachers, etc. If parents can come volunteer, all the better. You don't NEED to do anything.

[Anonymous]

OP,

You're a clueless wonder. My friend, a teacher, pulled her child from his local elementary b/c he had gotten hurt more than once on the playground during recess. Imagine being asked to pick up your son during your work hours when you're on the other side of the county. There were two adults on duty.

budget cuts, as other PPs have said

I hope you're not one complaining about having to pay too many taxes b/c taxes are what WE use to pay aides for support. So either quit complaining and hope your kids doesn't end up with a broken arm, or put your money where your mouth is.

[Anonymous]

edit

Anonymous wrote:OP,

You're a clueless wonder. My friend, a teacher, pulled her child from his local elementary b/c he had gotten hurt more than once on the playground during recess. Imagine being asked to pick up your son during your work hours when you're on the other side of the county. There were two adults on duty.

budget cuts, as other PPs have said

I hope you're not one complaining about having to pay too many taxes b/c taxes are what WE use to pay aides for support. So either quit complaining and hope your kid doesn't end up with a broken arm, or put your money where your mouth is.

[Anonymous]

Because the county is short on resources and money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This week's principal's newsletter had yet another request for parent volunteers at lunch and recess. I volunteer at school when I can and support the teachers whenever possible, but I just do not understand why parents should be RELIED UPON to provide adequate coverage for lunch and recess.

Isn't it a requirement that the school provide the necessary supervision for the students? Shouldn't parent volunteers be something additional, not a way to make sure there is enough supervision.

For example, during one recess period, there is ONE staff member to supervise well over 100 children. This doesn't seem safe or acceptable. Many of us work and aren't able to show up at school around noon every day to help. I don't think it is ok to expect this of parents and to rely on parents to meet these basic responsibilities? Am I missing something or do others agree? By the way, I don't see the principal or the teachers supervising recess.

The teachers' contract stipulates that this is outside the scope of their duties (which IMO is reasonable).

[Anonymous]

Volunteers are not equipped to deal with kids, mostly are there to get to the ear of the teachers and gossip later about the behavior of each and every kid.

I would easily pay more taxes to keep these women away from my kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Volunteers are not equipped to deal with kids, mostly are there to get to the ear of the teachers and gossip later about the behavior of each and every kid.

I would easily pay more taxes to keep these women away from my kids.

The New Adventures of Old Christine. 8)

[Anonymous]

You pretty much answered your own question. 1 aide and 100 kids. Why to they NEED volunteers at recess and lunch? HELLO, extra, eyes and ears on the playground and at lunch would help a lot. Teacher's are required 30 minutes lunch and prep time. Aids are harder and harder to come by.

[Anonymous]

They are asking for help b/c how many adults want to work for minimum wage as a recess/lunch aide? Maybe a bored SAHM might do it or someone else who doesn't need the money.