Since this was the first year that all 4 kids were in school, I felt it was time to extend myself and volunteer in the school. As all the sign-ups for the school year went around during the initial parent meetings, I cautiously put my name on 2 lists: “Lower School Librarian Volunteer” and “8th Grade Promotion Volunteer.” Both seemed low-key, where I could be a ‘worker’ and not a ‘leader’ as I got familiar with this new chapter of life.
I thoroughly enjoyed helping out in the library whenever Mrs. Travers needed some extra help. It was a fun way to be involved in a low-stress way, getting to know Mrs. Travers better as well as other parent volunteers.
Then, I got the email from the 8th Grade Liaisons that it was time to form our committee for the 8th Grade Promotion Luncheon. As all the moms that had volunteered for this event communicated back and forth about when to meet up, what to do first, etc., somehow they started turning to me to make decisions. At our first meeting, I took an outline of what we needed to talk about so we could stay on track and made printouts for anyone else that wanted to take notes. Inadvertently, I had solidified my role as the group leader.
Thankfully, my church callings had prepared me for this – I delegated each responsibility (meal / decorations / t-shirt design / finances / cakes / etc.) to each of the moms and became the liaison between the group and the school as well as within the 8th grade parents. As hiccups came and went with each responsibility, the women turned to me to bounce off ideas or to gather suggestions. At one point I had to chuckle as when I originally signed up, I thought I’d be a quiet contributor.
After months of planning and wondering if it would all come together, financially and logistically, the day came. As we started to set up the room and things started to take shape, we were all amazed. Somehow with all our separate planning, it all came together – the room took on a ‘sweet’ theme with all the fun colours, sweets used for centrepieces, and class t-shirts rolled up in colourful tissue.
A ‘Sweet’ Luncheon
As the 8th graders came into the room, straight from their promotion rehearsal, they were greeted by a festive room. The school had put together a display of all the kids’ baby pictures, as they have traditionally done in the past. As it was completed before the luncheon, it also became a fun backdrop for our event.
Walking into the Red Room
When all the kids were seated and settled, Mr. Jed Petsinger gave a toast to a great year and encouraged them to follow their dreams and passions as they move on into high school next year. I was really grateful to be in attendance and see the dynamics of this group personally. It was fun for me to see Caleb within his peer group and how comfortable he is in it.
Mr. Petsinger’s Toast
Everything really did come together. The kids all seemed to enjoy the meal, dessert, and their t-shirts. Even with all our worry about not having enough food or trying to feed all the 8th grade teachers that came to congratulate the kids, we came away with more than enough. This group of women were amazing in pulling it all off . . . and we made a great team that became good friends.
Becca, Mary, Jennifer, Daya, Sabrina, Anita, & Claudia
So, will I be volunteering at the school next year? Definitely! They’ve already signed me up for the Middle School Liaison as part of the PTSA board. I hope I’m up for the challenge!
Leave a Comment