How many people use their paid time off to help out in the classroom?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I often hear people use the reasoning that they work full time so they can't help out or volunteer at the school. At my place of employment, I get paid time off as a benefit. I initially got 3 weeks, and now I get 4 weeks, but is it crazy that I use some of my vacation time to help out at the school? I enjoy helping out, and the kids love to see parents coming in and showing interest. It is enjoyable, but it is also sad for those kids who really wish their mom or dad would come in and participate. Even if you come in for 2 hours every month or couple months, it makes all the difference to the teacher, students and even more so, your child. I hear people at work bragging about how they are going to carry over 40 or 80 hours and I just wonder what it all means if you drop dead tomorrow. If you have kids, those are precious hours that you could've spent time with them. What is the point of hoarding? Are one week vacations to Disney the only reason to use the precious vacations hours? Anyways, I figured I would throw this out because I really don't get it when people say they wish they could help but they work full-time. Unless you are solving world peace or are solving national affairs, then I don't understand why you couldn't take a couple hours off here and there to help out. Also, if every parent took turns helping out, then it wouldn't be so much on the one to two parents who are the regular volunteers in the classroom that also work full-time. I don't want to start an all out ugly thread here, but I just wanted to give some perspective on how we could collectively make a difference if we work as a team. That is all.

I'm with you on this OP. I agree completely. DH and I both WOHM but find time to be involved in the school. Luckily, our MCPS actively seeks out volunteers. There is ALWAYS something to do. And, if more people helped out even for just 2 hours a month, it'd make such a huge difference.

[Anonymous]

"I see many ftwohp taking a half day or full day here and there to be volunteering/chaperoning/attending a concert..... For many, to volunteer one or two hours means taking 4 hours of leave because of commute and/or company rules. They also take time off when we have a snow day, delayed opening, thier child is sick, at any time during the 13 weeks our chldren have for vacation during the year. "

+1
I think if you volunteer because it's nice to see what's up in your kid's class that's fine. But the idea that volunteers are the scotch tape holding our schools together is just horrifying - although perhaps true. What a way to run a developed country school system...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I often hear people use the reasoning that they work full time so they can't help out or volunteer at the school. At my place of employment, I get paid time off as a benefit. I initially got 3 weeks, and now I get 4 weeks, but is it crazy that I use some of my vacation time to help out at the school? I enjoy helping out, and the kids love to see parents coming in and showing interest. It is enjoyable, but it is also sad for those kids who really wish their mom or dad would come in and participate. Even if you come in for 2 hours every month or couple months, it makes all the difference to the teacher, students and even more so, your child. I hear people at work bragging about how they are going to carry over 40 or 80 hours and I just wonder what it all means if you drop dead tomorrow. If you have kids, those are precious hours that you could've spent time with them. What is the point of hoarding? Are one week vacations to Disney the only reason to use the precious vacations hours? Anyways, I figured I would throw this out because I really don't get it when people say they wish they could help but they work full-time. Unless you are solving world peace or are solving national affairs, then I don't understand why you couldn't take a couple hours off here and there to help out. Also, if every parent took turns helping out, then it wouldn't be so much on the one to two parents who are the regular volunteers in the classroom that also work full-time. I don't want to start an all out ugly thread here, but I just wanted to give some perspective on how we could collectively make a difference if we work as a team. That is all.

I'm with you on this OP. I agree completely. DH and I both WOHM but find time to be involved in the school. Luckily, our MCPS actively seeks out volunteers. There is ALWAYS something to do. And, if more people helped out even for just 2 hours a month, it'd make such a huge difference.

No I wouldn't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I just want to say thanks to all the people who help out. Every hour you contribute makes a difference. It is nice to read about people who are not jaded and have not given up on our educational system. I know that nothing is perfect but that doing nothing does nothing to make things better so know that your time and efforts are appreciated.

Please, come back when your kids are older and you have a clue. You are not "making a difference".

[Anonymous]

OP - you are so, so smug.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I just want to say thanks to all the people who help out. Every hour you contribute makes a difference. It is nice to read about people who are not jaded and have not given up on our educational system. I know that nothing is perfect but that doing nothing does nothing to make things better so know that your time and efforts are appreciated.

Please, come back when your kids are older and you have a clue. You are not "making a difference".

Wow! Way to go, Debbie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - you are so, so smug.

Huh? How is OP being smug? By thanking those who give a damn? When did being helpful or thankful mean being smug? Ha. Please make sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - you are so, so smug.

Not the OP, but why would you say she is being smug?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Teachers don't want you there. They bitch and moan about no parental involvement but when offered, they hem and haw then turn the offer down. No teacher wants you to see what's really going on in that classroom.

I was a SAHM of 5 kids. I volunteered regularly for years, no one ever took me up on my offer. They want your money, your supplies but never want you there.

Go find out for yourself.

I call bullshit.

I have only been in MCPS for 2 years, but volunteers are solicited, welcomed and embraced. Our particular school asks each parent to volunteer at least once per quarter, if possible. And, many parents do. I volunteer for every possible field trip and by doing things at home that the teacher needs help with - putting together books/cutting out papers. They need volunteers to help out with 'special' events.

Not sure what district you're in, but if you're that down on the school system, why didn't you go private? I think you're full of crap.