You can help make a difference in our schools

Education is an ever-changing industry. Schools are always assisting students in engaging in and owning their learning and pursuits while also increasing professional development opportunities for our employees. Adhering to federal, state and local laws and policies is paramount as is regularly incorporating industry best practices to further a positive school culture. All of this is done to support students and families in their success within our district.

While we all know that our children are our future, the quality of our schools reverberates into the quality of our community! Continuing and improving upon our public schools is important for each member of our community. We all have an opportunity to be involved in educating and supporting our schools. And there are so many ways to do that.

• Be a school volunteer: Schools always need volunteers! Consider administrative help, testing proctors, event assistance, lunchroom activities — the list is long and varied. Call the schools in your area to volunteer or volunteer in an area within the district that has less support.
• Be a classroom volunteer: For academic practice, assistance with resource time (art, music, library, STEM activities, etc.), teacher support.
• Be a student volunteer: Be a mentor for as little as an hour a week or provide one-on-one academic support.
• Serve as a judge: For different contests and competitions, on a committee, on an advisory board, focus group or district business partner.
• Support our educators: Sponsor a new or seasoned educator or staff member on a yearly basis, host a lunch or breakfast for the faculty and staff, use your social media to spread the good work they do, send a thank-you note, email or just tell them what a positive difference they make.
• Support weekend food bags and snack programs: Partner with a school that has this need where purchasing, packing and delivery to the school can be included. Financial support can also be provided. This can be implemented any time during the school year.

As we continue to grow, with 51,000 students in our schools, our efforts are focused on attracting and retaining the very best employees to serve our students. Volunteers augment the work our personnel do in the classroom and the school and are so very important. Please consider joining us! Our children are our future, our public schools are the bedrock of our community and the quality of our schools has a direct impact on the vitality of our community.

To become a volunteer, complete the school access form online at https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/volunteer.

For businesses or organizations interested in partnering with a school, contact Kelly Thigpen, coordinator for character education and community partnerships at Kelly.thigpen@stjohns.k12.fl.us.