2023-24 Initiatives Requiring Volunteers
Principal Tarance Hart has set out several volunteer-driven initiatives to be implemented in 2023-24. He described them, as well as some other volunteer needs, in an email on Oct. 3, 2023 (excerpted below).
Specific volunteer sign-ups will be publicized separately by GHS and/or the PTSA.
Volunteer Opportunities at Garfield High School: Immediate Needs and Future Pilots
We have immediate volunteer opportunities to support our students and improve our educational environment. We urgently need volunteers for Testing Support and Campus Volunteers this quarter, with additional roles in Academic Coaching, Career Exploration, and Mentoring to be piloted next semester.
Testing Support (Immediate Need)
- Role: Assist in the efficient and fair administration of standardized tests, including SAT, PSAT, AP Exams, and SBAC.
- Detailed Description: Testing Support Volunteers ensure that the testing environment is optimal for students to perform to the best of their abilities. This includes checking student identification, distributing test materials, monitoring hallways, and maintaining a quiet testing atmosphere.
- Examples:
- Test Administrator: Oversee the test-taking environment, distribute and collect test materials, and read out instructions.
- Test Room Monitor: Assist the test administrator by monitoring the room to ensure a distraction-free environment.
- Hallway Monitor: Ensure that hallways adjacent to testing rooms remain quiet and orderly to prevent distractions.
- Student Check-In: Verify student identities, direct them to designated rooms, and distribute necessary materials like pencils and answer sheets.
Campus Volunteers (Immediate Need)
- Role: Assist in maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive campus environment throughout the school day, including morning arrivals, lunchtime, and after-school activities.
- Detailed Description: Campus Volunteers work to create a holistic environment where safety and support are integral. They are present during critical times, including mornings, lunch periods, and after-school events.
- Examples:
- Morning Greeter: Welcome students, helping them navigate to their classrooms.
- Lunchtime Assistant: Oversee cafeteria and open spaces, ensuring a peaceful lunch break for students.
- After-School Support: Assist in organizing after-school programs helping with transitions to buses or parent pick-ups.
Academic Support/Tutoring (Piloting 2nd Semester)
- Role: Provide individual or group academic support.
- Examples:
- Math Tutor: Weekly one-on-one algebra sessions.
- Group Science Study: Host regular group study sessions for biology exams.
- Essay Writing Clinic: Offer guidance on essay structure and proofreading.
Career Exploration (Piloting 2nd Semester)
- Role: Help students explore various career paths.
- Examples:
- Tech Company Field Trip: Organize visits to local tech firms.
- Career Day: Host professionals from diverse fields to discuss their careers.
- Job-shadowing: Set up job-shadowing opportunities with local businesses.
Mentoring (Piloting 2nd Semester)
- Role: Serve as a mentor to provide a safe space for students.
- Examples:
- Weekly Check-ins: Regular meetings to discuss academic progress.
- Life-skills Workshops: Monthly sessions on essential life skills.
- Community Service Outings: Organize service activities for mentors and mentees.
After-School Enrichment (Piloting 2nd Semester)
- Role: Community members can design and lead specialized after-school classes that allow students to develop unique skills or explore various interests.
- Detailed Description: Volunteers in this role have the creative freedom to develop unique courses that aren’t typically offered in the standard curriculum. The goal is to enrich students’ lives by teaching them special skills or encouraging them to explore their interests further.
- Examples:
- Photography Class: Teach the basics of camera operation and the principles of composition.
- Financial Literacy: Offer a course where students learn about budgeting, saving, and responsible spending.
- Cooking Workshop: Lead a cooking class that explores different cuisines, helping students learn basic cooking skills.