EDITOR’S NOTE: Again this year, local volunteer/community advocate Judy Pickens is talking with local schools about roles you can fill, if you can spare a little time to volunteer. Here’s her first compilation of the new school year.

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

The new school year brings new opportunities to make a difference in area schools by volunteering to do a one-time or ongoing task. Each school has its own personality but all have in common a culturally diverse student body, including many students new to English.

Because of increased enrollment in our public schools, they also have in common classrooms that are bursting at the seams. When class size goes up in an already culturally and academically diverse classroom, a teacher’s need for volunteer support becomes critical to each child’s having a successful year.

An e-mail to the address given will bring you more information about any of the following opportunities to lend a hand.

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At White Center Heights Elementary (10015 6th SW)
Contact Angelica.Ponce@highlineschools.org

Ongoing: Adults for crossing guard before (8:40-9:10 AM) and after (3:44-4:00 PM) school. Pick your day/shift M-F.

Ongoing: Adults for playground supervision, 12:02-1:00 PM. Pick your day M-F.

Ongoing: Adults to help supervise students during lunch, 12:05-1:10 PM. Pick your day M-F.

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At Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton)
Contact stpaolone@seattleschools.org

Ongoing: Adults or older teens to support classroom teachers with tasks such as listening to students read or preparing materials; varies by teacher/grade. Pick any hours/days M-F, 9 AM-4 PM, and grade.

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At West Seattle Elementary (6760 34th SW)
Contact smtaylor@seattleschools.org

Ongoing: Adult to help with the composting program during lunchtime, 11:15-12:45. Pick your day, M-F.

Ongoing: Adult to help monitor students during breakfast,, 8:10-8:35 AM. Pick your day, M-F.

Ongoing: Adults or older teens to support classroom teachers with tasks such as tutoring students one-on-one or preparing materials; varies by teacher/grade. Pick any hours/days 9 AM-3 PM, and grade.

One-time: Adults to help escort students during picture day, Oct. 15, 9 AM-2:30. Shift or all day.

One-time: Adult or older teen to clear and till the school garden. At your convenience.