West Perry School District

Schools thrive when communities come together in support of them. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, family member, retiree, college student, or simply someone who values education, volunteering offers meaningful ways to make a direct impact on students' lives while strengthening your community connections.

Why Your Involvement Makes a Difference

Every hour you contribute helps stretch limited resources, provides students with additional support and mentorship, and demonstrates that the broader community values their education. Teachers and administrators consistently report that volunteer assistance allows them to focus more energy on instruction while giving students exposure to diverse perspectives and skills from the community.

For families, your involvement creates a powerful support system that directly benefits your child while strengthening the entire school environment. When you volunteer at your child's school, you're showing them that their education is a priority for your entire family. Your presence demonstrates that learning extends beyond the classroom and that the whole family values academic success.

Students whose families are involved in school activities typically show increased motivation, better attendance, and stronger relationships with teachers. Your presence at school events, volunteer activities, or meetings sends a clear message that your family prioritizes education and community involvement.

Ways to Get Involved

• In the Classroom – Our schools welcome volunteers in classrooms, libraries, and special programs. Many teachers welcome family volunteers and community members to help with academic work, assist students with projects, read with elementary students, or share expertise related to their profession or hobbies.
• Special Events and Field Trips – Schools regularly need chaperones for field trips, volunteers for school events, and helpers for special celebrations. These opportunities let families see their children in their school environment while supporting their classmates' experiences, and allow community volunteers to connect directly with students.
• Athletics and Arts Programs – Athletic programs frequently seek volunteer coaches, and if your student participates in sports, band, choir, or drama, these programs often need volunteers for everything from equipment management to costume creation. The music and drama departments often need help with costumes, set construction, and event coordination. Your involvement shows students that you value their extracurricular interests.
• Behind-the-Scenes Support – Many essential school functions happen away from students – organizing book fairs, preparing materials for teachers, helping with administrative tasks, or assisting in school libraries with shelving books. These roles are equally valuable and often fit better with work schedules.
• School-Affiliated Organizations
  • Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) – PTOs serve as vital bridges between families and schools, offering structured ways for families to work together supporting the school. These organizations plan fundraisers, coordinate volunteer efforts, advocate for resources that benefit all students, and organize community events. Joining your school's PTO connects you with other families who share your commitment to education.
  • Booster Clubs – If your student participates in specific programs like athletics, band, or drama, booster clubs provide focused support for these activities through fundraising and volunteer coordination. These groups often become close-knit communities of families working toward common goals.

Getting Started

You can begin by filling out a volunteer application and contacting the main office of the school you want to volunteer at to discuss volunteer opportunities, or by contacting the school-affiliated organization you wish to support. Start small – even an hour a month makes a difference. As you become more comfortable, you might find opportunities to take on larger roles or commit more time.

The Lasting Impact

Your involvement, regardless of its scale, contributes to creating an environment where students feel supported by their entire community, not just their teachers and families. This broader network of caring adults helps students develop confidence, explore new interests, and understand that their education matters to people beyond the classroom.

For families, your child sees that education is a family value, not just a school requirement. They witness their family building relationships with teachers and other families, which often makes them feel more connected to their school community. Your engagement today helps create the supportive environment that will benefit your child throughout their entire educational journey.

When communities come together in support of schools, students benefit in ways that extend far beyond the immediate help provided, creating a foundation for lifelong learning and community engagement.