Getting my foot in the school door

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It has taken some adjusting to schools that are not used to much parent involvement. In the fall I kept offering my services to Nathan's teacher usually to be told, we've got it covered except for an occasional bulletin board she would have me make. In November, she told me if I wanted to help I had to have a police background check. Thus began the process of being 'cleared'. No one is allowed with students without the check which I have to agree in this day and age is a necessary protection. In January, I got a call from the headteacher (principal), Mr. Monaghan, to come in and discuss ways to be involved. His first assignment for me was to fill in for the receptionist out for surgery three afternoons a week for one month. Knowing I am a teacher, he apologized that it wasn't in a classroom but thought it would be a good way to meet the staff and get a feel for the school. I agreed as long as he knew I might have a hard time understanding people on the phone, didn't know my way around the school or the staff. He assured me that was fine. It was a good intro. Though I do have a few pointers on efficiency and cleanliness at the school, I was impressed with the upbeat and engaging atmosphere. Mr. Monaghan, seems to know something personal and positive to ask each one that walks past him. He's a sporty guy always dressed in a suit with a purple tie.(school colors) It was actually fun working there though I did frustrate a few people that phoned when I had to ask them several times to repeat their request. I kept saying, "I'm new, my apologies." The receptionist is back and I am now helping just once a week in the second and third grade rooms. I'm working with small groups, one on one, or constructing and putting up bulletin boards so far. It's fun.

At the girls' school, St. Bees, apparently I'm not the only parent who doesn't know other parents. We received a letter from their head introducing a new parent organization forming called Friends of St. Bees to allow parents to plan social events and assist the school with functions. Naturally, I jumped into that group while it was in its infancy. Our first school function was providing 'sweets' and coffee /tea after a music concert. One of the American wives, Marlene, helped me make over 200 hundred Snickerdoodles. I helped one of the British moms make pans of brownies. The support was much appreciated and warmly received. The music teacher told me that was the first time in 27 years he had ever had someone offer to help like that. We have our first social event tonight. My days at Westminster working with the parent's organization are coming back. Just like then, we are running into 'glitches' organizing events for the first time but it's still a great platform to get to know the families at the school. Still, it's good to get a foot in the door.