Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS)

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

An easy way to become involved in education is to be a part of the VIPS (Volunteers in Public Schools) program. No special skills are needed, although volunteers are encouraged to share any talents or interests they have. Last year volunteers contributed more than 92,000 hours of service to Newport News Public Schools.

After completing an application a volunteer can:

• Tutor a student

• Teach students about job skills

• Provide clerical help

• Collect lunch money, set up displays, get supplies, review papers, read stories, and play games

• Work in a school library and sort, shelve and collect materials for classroom projects

• Serve as a chaperone on a field trip.

Being involved in the public schools doesn't have to mean traveling to the school and working with students during the school day. There are plenty of things parents and community members can do to support schools. One important way is to make sure that you attend school athletic, cultural or academic events. Here's how:

• Be a part of a task force or advisory committee

• Tutor on Saturdays

• Help make costumes, scenery or props

• Take care of the classroom pets or plants during vacations

• Collect and send in materials for a classroom project

• Invite a class to your work site for a field trip

• Join the PTA.

For more information about volunteering for schools, contact the individual school or call 591-4545.