Purpose
The purpose of Volunteers in Public Schools shall be to support and enrich the lives of school children and to stimulate an interested community to a more active support of public education.
What are the benefits of joining VIPS?
Many volunteers derive personal satisfaction in knowing that the hours they put in, no matter how great or small, are enabling the schools to do a better job. Volunteers strengthen our schools and our community. Student achievement is greater. Individualized instruction is increased. The curriculum is enriched. A partnership is established between the school and home. Tax dollars are extended. Everyone benefits: students, volunteers, staff and administrators.
Who can become a volunteer?
Anyone can become a volunteer who enjoys kids and wants to help them grow, who gets along with people, who understands the goals of the school and who is adaptable and dependable.
When can I start?
After you complete a volunteer application, sign a background release form, and attend an orientation you may begin volunteering. A volunteer will receive on-the-job training and special training, if needed.
Who do I contact?
If you are interested in volunteering or desire more information, contact any school or call the VIPS office at 334-7168.
Impact
The District celebrates the 545 VIPS who volunteered 52,673 hours during the 2009-10 school year at a value of $1,066,628 worth of academic and support services. ECISD students, faculty, and staff benefited from the hard work, support, and care provided by the Volunteers in Public Schools.
In the past 27 years, the VIPS program has had 15,492 VIPS who have given 1,561,756 hours of services for a total value of $21,638,015 -- what a positive impact and investment in the lives of generations of students!
Two centuries ago John Adams wrote, "The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and must be willing to bear the expense of it." The schools, which belong to all of us, are our best guide to the future. The expense of the schools are not just of dollars, but of concern, time and active care. We all share the responsibility for our country's future. We can all work together toward that future.
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