Volunteer Corner

Our MCS community includes and cannot function to our potential without the assistance of our hard-working volunteers.

I am relatively new to MCS. My oldest son began his journey last year as an MCS student in Mrs. Nichols kindergarten class. I was very interested in volunteering, partially because I was looking forward to working with others who were as focused on our children as I was, and partially so I could get a first-hand view of how my son was doing in his first year of “real” school. My first instinct was to ask my son’s teacher how I could help her. Like any of the teachers, Mrs. Nichols welcomed the extra help. And help she received in abundance. I think over the course of the year, I saw almost every parent help out at least once, any many multiple times. Needless to say, if you’re interested in volunteering, your child’s teacher is always a good place to start.

The Parent-Teacher Partnership (PTP) is another opportunity for volunteers to become involved with MCS. I admit, however, that last year I really didn’t have a good idea of what the PTP does or how I could help. I asked PTP President Diane Vernon to sit down with me and share more of what PTP is and how you can get involved. You can read Mrs. Vernon’s answers to my questions below.

At this point in the school year, I’m catching my breath. There are just so many exciting things for the 2009-2010 school year to talk about! I’ll have to cover other MCS activities, both on campus and off, in future blogs. Remember, I need your help to keep up with all that’s happening at our school. Please email me at esalek@comcast.net if you have an idea about a story or a student you think should be profiled. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing more about our school in the community.


Volunteering through the Parent-Teacher Partnership (PTP):
An Interview with PTP President Diane Vernon

Q: Describe what you think of when you think of an MCS volunteer.
A: I think of any and every parent of an MCS student, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even older siblings.

Q: What is PTP? What opportunities does it provide for parents to get involved?
A: We are the Parent-Teacher-Partnership. It's exactly as it sounds: parents partnering with teachers and staff of MCS to provide our children with the best education and educational experience that we possible can. It is the school working together with the families with a common goal of making MCS a great place for our kids to spend those five days a week.
Volunteering is a great way for parents to get involved in their kids' lives. It allows parents to get to know their children’s' classmates, the teachers and staff, and other parents. There are a lot of ways to get involved. The PTP organizes two major fundraisers a year, Turkey Fest and Auction. It takes many, many hands! Those are just two of our events. There are other ways to get involved on a smaller scale.

Q: If parents want to volunteer for PTP, who should they contact?
A: Karla Dyer at the front desk will always get a message to me. Better yet; come to one of our monthly meetings and tell the whole board! We will readily find a spot for whatever amount of time it is someone has to give. We value the 30 minute person as much as the one who can give more time. What we're really looking for are volunteers with a sincere interest in working for the good of the school.

Q: Why did you become a MCS volunteer?
A: I began volunteering at MCS because I am just crazy about my kids! I always want to be an involved parent. If something is important to my child, then it is immediately important to me. What's more important than the place our kids spend the bulk of their time? Volunteering at MCS is one way I can express my interest in my three children as well as be a part of improving their experiences. I also do this because I love the LORD. Volunteering at my children’s Christian school is a ministry for me. It's my part in making more and better disciples for Christ.

Q: Any other thoughts on volunteering at MCS?
A: Yes! We have a blast! Not all the time, not every second; but most of the time. I've made most of my best friends from serving with them on some committee or another. Sure, it's satisfying to see things come together, but it is joyful when you work toward something with a friend.

Thank you, Diane, for your time and all that you give to make MCS a wonderful place for our students.