Sep 30th, 2010

BABSON PARK – Veteran school volunteers and new recruits joined forces last week to help support the PTO programs at Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary School.

Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Parr conducted an orientation on the ins and outs of being a school volunteer. Long-time volunteers met new volunteers while eating a scrumptious breakfast, which was provided by PTO board members Denise Hinds, Rachel Pooley and Parr.  Topics included upcoming volunteer needs, school events, and opportunities for parents to get involved.

Assistant Principal Elizabeth Tyler spoke to the group about the initial steps required to become an approved school volunteer. Any parent who wishes to serve as a homeroom parent, assist in the classroom or attend a field trip must be approved.

About 20 volunteers attended the Sept. 21 orientation breakfast. Last year, the school benefited from the service of nearly 290 registered volunteers.

Tyler explained the importance of recording all volunteer hours. “Keeping track of these hours is important to our school because volunteer hours is one of the categories for Babson Park Elementary to be rated a 5 Star School.”

The 5 Star School Award was created 14 years ago by the State of Florida. Schools are judged on five categories: Community and Business Partners, Family Involvement, Volunteers, Students’ Community Service and School Advisory Council Activity. DRF Babson Park Elementary has earned the prestigious 5 Star School Award for 13 consecutive years.

PHOTO: Pictured at the Babson Park volunteer breakfast are (l-r): Jennifer Parr, volunteer coordinator;  Denise Hinds, homeroom parent coordinator; Rachel Pooley, PTO president; Christina Updike; Fall Fundraiser coordinator; Jackie Edwards, second vice president of PTO; Shawn Ricketts, third grade volunteer coordinator; and Michele Moses,  first vice president of PTO.