[oxfordnative]

I know this may seem like a silly request, but I cannot imagine a better place to do it, so here goes!

I have been volunteering at the Lake Panasofkee Elementary School once per week for the last school year and boy, do I love it! I am hoping that a club in this forum would like to take this school on as it's "project'!

The school is only about 20 minutes from TV, and it could use our help in so many ways!

I have been blessed to be able to see the students and it has done my heart good! I hope that one of you can call the school and see what else can be done to help. I know they are always needing volunteers of all sorts. Most of the children thre really are under priviledged.

There is a PTO program in place but it receives very little funds, and they are depleted quickly.

Anything we could do would help!

[Emery Eaton]

How about some sort of "Adopt a Classroom" program? People, clubs, and businesses Adopt roads all the time. Why not "Adopt a Classroom". Clean streets are nice to have, but kids are more important.
I have heard it said "it is better to build boys/girls than to mend men/women"

Wonder if there would be a beaurocratic mess to get that to happen in Sumter County?

[quirky3]

It may be helpful if you can supply more info - what grades? What type of assistance (examples - tutoring - what subjects? Teaching assistant, buy supplies....??) What do you do when you go there?

[mfp509]

I would also like to know what you do there and how many hours is the once a week? It sounds like a good idea.

[oxfordnative]

Just logged on and SO happy to have some interest! There is a PTO set up and no, it shouldn't be much trouble to volunteer. You can request a volunteer packet that will do a background check, but that's it. Once approved, you are in!

The school needs all types of help. From help selling candy grams during student's lunches to tutoring, filing or office help, and of course they can ALWAYS use donations.

Here's an eye opener- the PE department's yearly budget for this school year was a mere $100 dollars. Just think 500 kids a day playing with all of the same school PE equipment means it gets worm out quickly. And I am sure the music and lab or library had similar budgets...They can always use monetary or supply donations I am sure.

I know a church in TV donated A TON of school supplies to Wildwood Elem and the risidual was then sent to Lake Panasoffkee. That was a huige help so I think they are set for the year on that.

But, I had no idea that student's parents CAN NOT be asked to pay for field trips in any way- apparently a state reg. That is where fundraisers come in. It takes a lot to pay for the field trips and buses/gas for such field trips. Even is they find a field trip to a local park for free, the gas for the bus and paying the driver will cost quite a bit.

I have learned all of this in my last few months of volunteering and asking questions. I just think that we can help, and boy do I think we would feel good about it!! I know that right now they are working on the PTO fundraiser, Chili Bingo and are looking for donations of prizes. Large and small... If we can find things- new things- that could be used as prizes. Maybe board games or bicycles? A tv would be a great prize I feel like?

Not sure what we can do to help, just feel like they need it. I am sure they would love to see some smiling volunteers or donations! Thanks for the interest. BTW, the school number is 352-793-1093 if you have questions that I haven't answered.

[oxfordnative]

Forgot to say a few things, got a little ahead of myself! First- that the Adopt a Class/School idea sounds great! Investing in our future means investing in our children. Not to mention those of you who have grandchildren who aren't near can get your "fix" !! HAHA!

And, the principal, Mr Shirley is awesome and very accomodating!

Grades are Pre K- 5th grade. I have volunteered on many levels, but mostly with things helping out the PTO. They needed help with their Jingle Bell shop, so I donated items and my time to sell the things. The school made no profit, but the kiddos enjoyed buying thinhs for their loved ones. Also, helped with a holiday lunch that the parents were invited to. Donated toys for some of the needy kids to the guidance office to delegate for Christmas. Helped stock books in the library one day. And, I have baked goods for the teachers lounge and delivered them.

Hope this helps!