Middle Schoolers Still Need Mom and Dad

Lockers, walking home through town, maybe a cell phone: middle school's an adventure in independence for many South Orange kids. Likewise, parents who have been active in the elementary school classrooms ask if now is the time to step back, or wonder how to find a volunteer role in the middle school.

Co-presidents Lisa Nolet and Peggy Ledesma remind parents that, "the best way to volunteer in South Orange Middle School is to join the Home-School Association (HSA)." The HSA sends home a volunteer interest sheet on one of the first days of school, which allows parents to preview their options. Nolet noted that she seeks "library volunteers, volunteers for socials, special luncheons for teachers and fundraising activities." In addition, she says, "We are looking for volunteers to help organize our first International Night for students and families, to be held in January 2011. We also will need volunteers for the All School Volleyball Tournament in the spring and talented to individuals to entertain students at our monthly Lunchapaloozas." (Note: a copy of the volunteer interest form is attached to this story as a PDF.)

The all-school musical, which will be "Annie" this year, relies on parent help for everything from tickets sales to costumes. In profiling last year's parent helpers, several told Patch that the opportunity to see their children and friends "behind the scenes" was very rewarding.

To see children in action as they learn, SOMS librarian Elissa Malespina (emalespi@somsd.k12.nj.us) is actively seeking volunteers to help in the library. "All kinds of things to do," she promises, "and lots of time with the students."

Ledesma encourages parents to stay involved. "I do know that the kids are secretly very proud of seeing their parents helping out around the school." She sees another benefit, too. "It is a great way to get to know the teachers, which we all know is harder to do in the middle school because there are a lot of them."

Nolet encourages parents to reach out to board members with questions or offers of help. Their names are listed here and in the monthly newsletter. In addition, she reminds parents to  "attend Back-to-School night in the fall, Principal's Roundtable and School in Action night in the spring.  Parents are always welcome to attend monthly HSA meetings to find out more about what is going on."

Despite middle schoolers' protests, whether real or feigned, that they're too old to see their parents at school, Nolet notes that, "It is just as important during the middle school years for parents to be involved in their children's school as it was in elementary school. Despite that kids may say otherwise, they are more likely to be successful academically and make good decisions in their social life if parents are involved in their school life."