By Susan Helton

Throughout the school year, Douglas County schools offer various opportunities for volunteering and otherwise helping out. Opportunities exist for those with a lot of time to give, smaller bits of time now and then, or donations, monetary or otherwise.

For those who delight in coordinating fundraising or collection activities to support the school, staff and students, or responding to school-related questions and taking parent feedback, consider working with the schools’ parent organizations. Each school identifies its organization differently. Buffalo Ridge and Timber Trail each has its Educational Alliance (BREA and TTEA, respectively). American Academy (AA) at Castle Pines has both the Parent Teacher Organization and the Parent Advisory Board. DCS Montessori (DCSM) has the Montessori Educational Foundation (MEF). And Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) has its Parent Community Alliance. At Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) instead of a parent organization for fundraisers, individual clubs and student groups run their own fundraisers for their specific needs.

Anyone interested in planning and evaluating school programs and quality improvement processes might find the School Accountability Committee (SAC) a perfect fit. The SAC at each school is an advisory committee open to parents and community members to give input on such areas as budget priorities, school performance, and parental engagement. The committees provide feedback to the District Accountability Committee (DAC), which then advises the Board of Education on spending priorities.

If you prefer to volunteer now and then as time permits, other opportunities exist. The school might need help in the library or classroom or even the office, at morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, for field trips, for school social events and for other activities throughout the year. Schools also host various hospitality events that need volunteers, such as staff appreciation week and honor roll celebrations.

The schools also benefit from support other than volunteer work. School fundraisers rely on the community to succeed. Several schools have a way for community members to help with a portion of their regular shopping total. Many Castle Pines schools run donation drives during the year for such things as clothes, food or school supplies. Some schools have recycling programs with proceeds benefiting the school or they partner with local grocery stores for shopping cards.

With so many ways for parents and community members to help support Castle Pines schools, jump right in. You can start any time during the year, and you will be in great company!

To learn more about volunteering at Douglas County schools, visit www.dcsdk12.org/volunteers. For more information about specific opportunities, visit the school websites: AA at cp.aak8.org/; BRE at www.sites.google.com/a/dcsdk12.org/buffalo-ridge/; DCSM at dcsmontessori.org/; RCHS at rockcanyonjags.com; RHMS at sites.google.com/a/dcsdk12.org/rockyheights-middle-school; and TTE at www.sites.google.com/a/dcsdk12.org/timber-trail-elementary/home.