Please consider the many opportunities to volunteer listed below and complete the form. Completing this form does not commit you to anything, it simply lets us know where your interests lie.

[contact-form 4 "Volunteer Interest Form"]

Her idea:
To begin a group called Heaven’s Gyrlz, Inc. It will provide mentoring and peer groups to girls 3rd thru 5th grade in Wichita, KS. While girls with a need for positive interaction will be targeted, all girls within this age group are encouraged to participate. Groups will focus on social skills, life skills, and future academic planning.This project will take place over the course of 12 by-weekly meetings that offer different focal points. Every month we will incorporate a guest speaker who will highlight positive community interactions and promote diverse career choices. The girls will also have the opportunity to participate in community service projects and events. Membership into Heaven’s Gyrlz is ongoing and those who complete the 12 week program are encouraged to stay active with our quarterly community service projects. Heaven’s Gyrlz will always strive to be a positive face in the community.

How to support this idea:
Vote for it everyday at http://www.refresheverything.com/heavensgyrlz.

In case you haven’t heard, cuts in state funding for public schools have caused USD 259 to face $25 million in budget reductions for the 2010-2011 school year. While the BOE was tasked with a similar situation for the 2009-2010 school year, they did their best to make cuts with as little impact to classroom and staff positions as possible. Unfortunately, this time, it’s going to really hurt…everyone.

So what can we do?

• Come to a Site Council meeting. There will be a special called meeting on Thursday, March 4 at 6:00pm in the library. Childcare will be available in the gym.
• Communicate directly with your personal state representative and state senator – https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org
• Frequent communication throughout the legislative session (January to early May) will be essential to help keep school funding concerns in front of lawmakers
• Stay informed! Join an advocacy group like http://www.fundourpublicschools.com

Many studies show that parental involvement is an essential element of successful schools. When parents work with their children’s schools, teachers have more support, and children learn by example that education matters!

This website is maintained by the Val Jackson Elementary Volunteer Site Contact. It is updated regularly, so check back frequently for new information! If you are looking for information and cannot find it, please send an e-mail to kschwerdtfeger@usd259.net.

PTSO welcomes you to attend any of the committee meetings (PTSO, ATP, Site Council, DAD). One of the most important benefits of attending these meetings is that involved parents understand the challenges schools face and become part of the solution. We hope to see you soon!