Volunteer Opportunities
~ Anthony Worrall-Thompson
As a volunteer you are a priceless part of The New School of Lancaster community. We value your time, talents, wisdom, insights, creativity, and hard work. Volunteers have created – and continue to bring – fun-filled events and programs to the young and not-so-young members of our community, from Veggie Tasting and Sound Sampling to Fall-Fest and Maria’s Table. Volunteers also do so much “behind-the-scenes” work in the library, at the Spring Art Show, and elsewhere.
Volunteering is an easy way to meet other parents who have chosen The New School of Lancaster for their children’s education. Through shared experiences you’ll gain friendships and memories that will last far beyond your time at our school. Moreover, by spending time in the classroom or helping with one of our events, you’ll have the chance to more thoroughly understand all that a Montessori education offers. Get involved early!
We have a wide array of volunteer opportunities; choose one that meets your schedule and interests. As you complete your volunteer hours, please record them in the Volunteer Log Book, which is located at the front desk.
Volunteer Opportunities at The New School of Lancaster
Unless otherwise noted please contact the front desk staff if interested in any of the following volunteer opportunities.
Maria’s Table Auction
A group of dedicated volunteers plans, organizes, and runs our Maria’s Table Auction, the Spring fundraiser on April 6, 2012. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available. Live auction acquisitions, catalog, data entry, web pages, set-up and clean-up are just some of the many opportunities to help with our largest annual fundraising event. Volunteers are very much needed for this event.
Contact: Cynthia Charles Eder
Classroom Opportunities / Room Parents
Do you want to be active in your child’s classroom? Our room parents are individuals who support each classroom and build community within the families of children in each class. Room parents work closely with classroom teachers to determine what the teacher’s priorities are. Examples include class projects, family socials, coordinating gifts from parents, Teacher Appreciation week, and the classroom creation for Maria’s Table. Teachers may also ask for help with specific projects, such as cleaning the classroom shelves, listening to children read, or chaperoning a trip.
Development/Marketing
Do you like to host and plan parties or events? Be “in the know” by serving on a committee? Help behind the scenes with administrative work? Then volunteer to chair or co-chair an event; distribute promotional materials where you live, work and shop; help with bulk mailings; or serve on our marketing and development committee.
Contact: Cynthia Charles-Eder, Development Director
Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony
Volunteers are needed to help the Middle School class with our Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony in June. Specifically, we need assistance with refreshments, flowers, set-up, and tear-down.
Enrollment
Enjoy meeting and greeting people? Making goodies? Volunteers are needed for our School Day Open Houses, Fall and Winter Open Houses, and Grandparents Days.
Contact: Stacey Freedman, Admissions Director
Helping Hands
Sometimes - when a new baby arrives or if there’s extended illness in the family - a family needs some comfort from their community. Helping Hands, run under the umbrella of NSPA, supports New School families in times of transition by providing meals for the family. Throughout the year, you may receive an email or phone call asking you to provide a meal for a family. Simply prepare the meal and drop it off at school; it’s an easy way to earn some volunteer hours.
Library
Volunteers are needed to help sort, catalog, and shelve books in the library. A regular commitment is appreciated.
Montessori Services Group Order
The Montessori Services Group Order is conducted throughout the autumn. Families are able to purchase Montessori-inspired merchandise for home and school use. Proceeds from the sale benefit the classrooms.
New Family Mentors and Liaison
The New Family Mentor Program, co-coordinated by the Admissions Director and NSPA, extends a special welcome and support to all new families through the fall and into the spring. The Liaison helps to organize and oversee the year-long New Family Mentoring Program. Mentors support new families with information regarding such school issues as car line, registration, conferences, etc.
Contact: Stacey Freedman, Admissions Director
NSPA Social Events (Fall Fest, Safety Patrol Breakfast, Ice Cream Social)
Help build community by helping out at one of our two major family-fun events. Fall Fest, a great way to meet new families, is an outdoor fall-themed afternoon family social with crafts, games, and entertainment for all. The Ice Cream Social, held in late May, is a delicious way to wrap up the school year. The Safety Patrol Breakfast is our way of thanking the older children for all of their help with the younger children during car line.
Outdoor Environment Maintenance
The spaces outside our school -the gardens, picnic area, playground, fitness trail, and even the carline benches - are an extension of our classrooms; learning happens everywhere. Volunteers who can help maintain and improve these areas are very appreciated! Duties vary throughout the year and include weeding, sanding and staining, spreading mulch, fixing, and other tasks. Often these tasks can be done on weekends or during non-school hours.
Contact: Phyllis Heller, Business Director
Music Program Volunteers
Once a month, musicians from the Lancaster community share their talents and instruments with our students in The Sound Sampler program; volunteers are needed to coordinate and manage this program. Volunteers are also needed to set up and tear down for the musical concerts throughout the year.
Spring Art Show
Volunteers are needed to prepare student artwork, set up, and tear down the Spring Art Show.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
All families are invited to participate in the Thanksgiving Food Drive! Volunteers are needed to box and deliver meals to SouthEast Lancaster Health Services (SELHS).
Veggie Tasting
Do you have a passion for interesting vegetables and fruits? Do you want to encourage children to eat well and try new foods? Veggie Tasting is the program for you. Volunteers are needed one morning per month to showcase and share vegetables to all classes in the school.
