Back to school night is the official end of summer. This time-honored night of getting to know your school and staff has been going on for years. You might be tempted to miss it, but don’t!

Every year, our schools are expected to provide more with less. Every school, whether public or private, greatly benefits from the help of parent volunteers. At Back to School Night, this is the time to sign-up to give 2-4 hours of your time to help out your school.

Represented at every Back to School night is the Parent Teacher Organization or Association (PTO/PTA). There is a small fee to officially join the PTO/PTA. This fee goes towards the national PTO/PTA organization which in turn usually provides insurance to your local group. I strongly recommend you join the PTO/PTA or similar parent group. This volunteer group of parents works hard to raise money just for your school for necessities outside the school budget or fun events for the kids. While you are fresh off of summer, also make it a goal to attend at least 3 PTO/PTA meetings. They usually meet once a month during the evenings. You do not need to officially join the PTO/PTA to attend. The meetings are also the best place to bring up new ideas or learn more about the way things are done.

Also at Back to School night, many parents that chair an event (teacher appreciation or a school fundraiser) will be there to solicit volunteers. Although you may be weary of committing your time to help with a school event, please find one that you like and sign-up! Parents are much more likely to volunteer at the beginning of the year than during the year when school is in full swing. The benefits of volunteering, such as making new friends and learning more about your child’s school, are very rewarding.

Lastly, you will have a chance to talk with your child’s teachers. This is the best time to ask about volunteering for the classroom. Don’t worry if you work full-time, there may be some volunteer work you can do at home that does not require you to come into the school. This can include anything from cutting paper for an elementary to running off mailing labels for a high school.

This year, make a commitment to volunteer some of your time to your child’s school, whether attending a meeting or helping with an event. The best time to cash in on that commitment is at Back to School night, when school momentum is at its peak.

- Denver Educational Volunteer Examiner Lori Hampton