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If you are an educator, or involved with a SW Public School project and seeking Wish List funding for it, click this link for the online Wish List request form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddN8Xy9eAw1CjlTshLE-PokGWOha4AE0lN69GuKvpj-cGTYg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

Part-time K-9 Volunteer Coordinator

Help fund a Volunteer Coordinator for K-9

Amount Requested: $5,000 remaining to help continue funding the Volunteer Coordinator position at the Elementary School

Volunteers in schools make a difference. When volunteers commit to serving at a school, students receive more social/emotional support, achieve higher grades, have access to more opportunities, and gain community connections to help them thrive.

Research shows that:

Students who receive direct support from volunteer tutors achieve higher grades, test scores, and are more likely to graduate.
When adult volunteers are present, students see that adults take school and education seriously and respect learning. This promotes positive attitudes toward school.
When volunteers provide support to staff, educators have more time for instruction and individualized support for students.
Schools with large numbers of volunteers offer students more learning experiences through clubs, field trips, and other enrichment activities.

Unfortunately, volunteer support in the SWSD was severely impacted by the COVID epidemic – and this project is focused on bringing back a robust volunteer program in our schools. As school funding continues to diminish – class sizes grow and staffing shortages increase. In addition – the social/emotional needs of our children have been incredibly impacted as a result of the COVID epidemic – and those needs are having profound impacts on our schools and our ability to meet the needs of our students.

Number of Individuals Served: Approximately 1,100 SWSD students / over 50 SWSD staff

During the 2022-2023 and 2023–2024 school years, the SWSF has provided funding for a part-time Volunteer Coordinator for SW Elementary Schools – supporting grades Kindergarten through 6th grade. These two years have proved to be incredibly beneficial to our students, staff, school and community.

Unfortunately, based on statewide budget cuts, the South Whidbey School District (SWSD) is not able to provide funding for this important program. As a result, the SWSF is submitting this request, for 2024-25 SY, to continue the strong work that was started – and to continue to develop a strong and meaningful volunteer program with an established infrastructure, process and volunteer base.

Funds for this grant will be used to fund an 8-10 hour per week Volunteer Coordinator position that will expand this year to serve all four of our schools – South Whidbey Elementary, South Whidbey ALE Program, South Whidbey Middle School and South Whidbey High School. The Volunteer Coordinator will work closely with staff to identify specific volunteer needs – and then engage in the recruitment, management, tracking and ongoing support of our volunteers.

We have learned that without the specific support of a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator, it is not possible for us to develop and manage a strong and meaningful Community Resources program.

The Volunteer Coordinator will continue to:

Establish tools and processes to identify volunteer needs in the SWSD K-12 programs.
Work towards a 20% increase in consistent volunteers in the SWSD’s K-12 programs.
Development of an orientation and training program.
Develop and maintain volunteer schedules.
Coordinate appreciation event planning.
Manage the volunteer database.
Meet regularly with building administration for goal alignment/updates.
Meet with teachers to ensure support for the community resources.
Ensure transparent communication with volunteers.
Engage in outreach and engagement with local organizations regarding volunteer opportunities to support our schools.

Current fundraising efforts: $9,000 has been raised toward this year’s $18,000 goal through the SWSF Gala auction held in May, 2024. An additional $

Thank you.