Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I want to share with you a call I received this week from an 80-year-old Somerville woman. Olga is a retired math teacher who is recovering from hip replacement surgery. After hearing President Obama’s Inaugural Address and his call to service, she picked up the phone, saying she was moved to “give back any way I can.” Olga will be tutoring math at Somerville High School three hours a week. I know that there are many more Olgas in Somerville and beyond who are searching for meaningful ways to connect with and give back to their community.

As you may know, Somerville hired a part-time Volunteer Coordinator (me!) to help recruit, train and coordinate volunteers in our public schools.I wanted to share with you some updates and needs around volunteering with Somerville Public Schools. Since September 2008, 59 new volunteers have been recruited. This number does not include the many parents, guardians, PTA members, community residents, local businesses, and local college and university students already volunteering. With a minimum requirement of 1 hour a week, new volunteers have contributed at least 550 hours of service to our schools.

There is still tremendous opportunity for qualified volunteers in all of our schools. With the state budget shortfall, volunteers can help address some of the goals set out for Somerville’s students. Volunteer tutors are sought at all schools-at any time between 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM.Volunteers are also needed to provide fun and engaging after-school learning opportunities that help students learn through play.

If you have one hour a week, you can make a significant difference in the life of a student. If you’re unable to volunteer during the school day, there are after school and Saturday volunteer opportunities. If you’re already over committed, I invite you to talk with your neighbors and friends about volunteering in one of our schools. Not sure you can make a sustained commitment to work with students? You can get your exercise and learn about your local businesses by joining the “Volunteer Circulation Corps” who periodically post flyers around their neighborhoods. There are also one-time volunteer opportunities such as performing at a lunchtime concert, reading in a classroom on Dr. Seuss Day, guest speaking, assisting with translation and interpretation, and helping art teachers prepare students’ works for the annual art show.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, please give me a call: 617.625.6600 x6023 or email: jcapuano@k12.somerville.ma.us . To download a Volunteer Application, go to: www.somerville.k12.ma.us/about us and click on ‘Volunteering.’

Thank you for the work you do to make a difference in the lives of students. I look forward to your ideas for engaging our community through expanded volunteerism in our public schools.

All the best,
Jen Capuano

Volunteer Coordinator

Somerville Public Schools

181 Washington Street

Somerville, MA 02143-3106

Tel. 617.625.6600 x6023

E-mail: jcapuano@k12.somerville.ma.us

Somerville Public Schools:

Education – Inspiration – Excellence