Please Stay Involved!


"We need to rediscover the spirit of an old-fashioned barn raising, with all hands, young and old, joined together."
                                                       --Donald Graves


Adolescence is confusing; consequently, middle-level students desperately need guidance from wise, patient adults, willing to let them experiment with the transition from being a child to being a young adult. Students entering middle school often want their parents to "back off." But your involvement with your child at this time is critical.

We believe that meaningful education for our students involves a team approach, including the student, his/her parents or guardians, teachers, business/community representatives, and other important adults in a child's life. We all want what's best for the child, and we all offer experience and expertise that are invaluable to the child's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth.

How does this translate to school? Here are some ideas that will keep you involved with your child and that will enhance his/her school experience:

• Attend as many of your child's extra-curricular activities as you can.
• Keep track of your child's academic progress through contact with teachers by phone or e-mail and by checking mid-quarter progress reports and official report cards.
• Read books with your child; discuss current events; read the newspaper and watch educational programming with your child; and offer homework help.
• Offer your child a wide range of outside-of-school activities: sports events, museums, plays, musicals, camping and hiking trips, etc.
• Make sure your child chooses healthy friendships and is involved in healthy activities.
• Volunteer in the classroom. We'd love your help! You can approach your child's teachers about volunteering or check with the Main Office about getting involved.
• Join us on field trips.
• Chaperone dances and other activities.
• Offer a workshop in one of your child's classes that covers one of your hobbies or areas of expertise. (Share your musical talent; show us some technology tricks; play with us in P.E.; etc.)
• Volunteer in the library or Main Office.
• Help with fund raising.
• Create a special video or newsletter for one of your child's classes.
• Help with before- or after-school tutoring.
• Send treats!
• Other?

There are so many ways to get involved!

The Orting School District asks that all classroom volunteeers fill out an information sheet about themselves and go through a background check. These forms are available in our Main Office. Please take the time to help out.

Your child and others will benefit from your involvement, and you'll have a great time!