A Community, Engaged

     If you have been in education for anytime at all, you are keenly aware of the ever present need for funding. Projects in the classroom, supplies, lab equipment, sports uniforms, etc. must be paid for from somewhere. Teachers may be encouraged to help bring in such support by participating in annual fundraising events. We have all sold the chocolate, gift wrap, cookie dough, pizza, doughnuts, and more to do our part. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we did not need to try so hard because the donations just come? Such a volunteer provision would shock us for sure!

    When we think of our school community, we must think beyond just our school families and consider businesses in the immediate area of our school, neighbors affected by our traffic pattern, churches and community centers, and more. Each of these groups is a potential helper for our school. As I think of my school, I am aware of three gas stations, nearly a dozen fast food options, grocery stores, restaurants, numerous places of worship, three veterinarians, florists, barbers, chiropractors, mechanics, and multiple camps within just fifteen minutes of our campus. Each of these locations has value and potential to be engaged with our school.

    Perhaps businesses could sponsor a banner to be displayed in the gym with proceeds supporting the sports program, or they might purchase advertising in the school yearbook to offset its cost for students. Our school has a scholarship program to fund our students who wish to participate in dual enrollment at a local community college or an online Christian university, Businesses can sponsor a table to provide a less expensive meal ticket to guests of the fundraising dinner. Advertising space could be purchased for the end-of-year play's program to support the drama program. Sponsorships might fund materials for a class garden or long term project. Businesses may even welcome a quick visit as a field trip. One example, I made contact in a grocery store parking lot, a number of years ago, with the local meteorologist from our town's weather station. I greeted him and asked my random question about whether school children would be welcome to visit the studio and see him in action. He was thrilled and welcomed them for a full tour! Other businesses might not be able to host an entire class, but they may be willing to attend a virtual meeting with the students and answer questions in that format.

    Beyond donations, such businesses might welcome students as interns or as a service group. Students might beautify the grounds around a place of business, remove trash from roadways, read to shut ins at the local assisted living facility, or bag groceries at the supermarket as a volunteer. Perhaps the local chiropractor or doctor's office might be willing to visit the school to conduct sports physicals at a reduced cost for the athletes. 

    We need to look for opportunities to invite the community to see special events at our school. A 2001 survey stated that 75% of a community do not have school aged children living at home. While these individuals might not be directly involved with a school at this time, they might still enjoy the opportunity to attend events. We should do our best to make known that they are welcome on our campus. Such individuals who have experienced a positive relationship with our school become part of the word-of-mouth advertising that we need to continue to grow. Let us look for more ways to impact our communities and to invite them to partner with us as we endeavor to Teach for the Master this year.