Volunteering

Why volunteering with the PTO will make your life better…and might even change the world

By: Laura Saylor, Hardy parent

Did you know that Volunteerism in the US is at a 30 year low? Forbes magazine reported this grim statistic last year, along with the opinion that this fact is driving some of the division we see in society. The converse is a happier thought—that rolling up one’s sleeves to pitch in and help has the potential to not only produce some of the positive changes we wish to see in the world, but also to bring us together to listen and learn from one another and find a place of unexpected respect.

In my 9 years as a Hardy parent, I have seen this to be true. When my oldest daughter started kindergarten, I was nervous about meeting other parents at Hardy who were so different than me. Would we fit in? I had grown up in public schools in CA and VA that were vibrant and well funded in the 1990s. When my kids started out in Arlington Public Schools, I saw many areas for growth. I decided to channel my concerns into joining the PTO efforts to try to make our school the best it could be. In doing so, I’ve made connections with people who are utterly different than me in a way that has expanded my understanding, changed the way I see the world and allowed me to build bridges in friendship across rivers of difference. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the PTO’s most dedicated volunteer and I don’t know all the parents at Hardy—not even close. I’m a parent of 3 with a staggering number of plates spinning in my personal and vocational life. (If lack of time is keeping you from volunteering with the PTO, you can borrow my marathon vs. sprint approach…to pick some small way to use your talents for 1-2 hours each month to make the school a better place. A little bit at a time over many years still reaps results!)

Mayo clinic reports that volunteering enhances mental and physical health by increasing positive feelings of meaning and appreciation. It gives one a sense of purpose to put one’s skills to work. Lastly, it’s a great way to make friends and can help build a sense of community and establish a local support system. Would you consider investing your time and talents into our community in 2025? Your kids will benefit and so will you!

Please check out volunteer opportunities for events linked on Hardy PTO's main webpage and/or reach out to PTO President Becky Gibree to see how you can get involved.

CORI Checks: Every person who volunteers in school needs to be CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) checked. Bring your ID/driver's license and the last six digits of your Social Security number to the Main Office. You will need to fill out a short form. Allow time for your CORI information to be submitted for processing, at least several days in advance of your volunteer commitments.

Once completed, your CORI check is valid for three years.

EVENTS

We always need volunteers at PTO events to help with set-up/clean-up and to help supervise games and activities. These are often short, half-hour shifts, and kids are almost always welcome to help their volunteering adult with their task.

If you are planning to attend an event and won't have your hands full with child supervision or other factors (we get it: sometimes you just can't!), please consider signing up for a shift!

Monthly Caregiver Coffee Volunteer Sign Up

Library Volunteers Needed. Email Becky: President@HardyPTO.com

Teacher appreciation week - activities Mon - Thurs May 4-8 - email teacherappreciation@hardypto.com

Field Day Friday June 6th - please email Becky: President@HardyPTO.com

FIELD TRIP COORDINATOR

Work closely with teachers to plan and schedule field trips. This opportunity can be done from home, usually over email and via phone calls. Email enrichment@hardypto.com or president@hardypto.com if you're interested!

Treat Train Volunteers and Donations

Please join the Hardy PTO Treat Train created to deliver snacks & smiles to all Hardy Staff during the first Friday of every month! Each grade level is assigned a different month between November - June.

How can you help? Many ways!

Help decorate our "Train" and make classroom deliveries between 12:50am - 2:15pm on Friday! Our train is made up of two carts on wheels, easily decorated with signs, balloons, streamers, etc.
Drop off sweet or savory snacks in the designated boxes in the Hardy Lobby.
Provide chilled water or seltzer waters the Friday of delivery.

Teacher Appreciation Week - May

Contact president@hardypto.com if you are interested in helping plan or execute.

Buddy Families Volunteers

Buddy Families pairs incoming and existing Hardy families who would like some guidance and orientation about our school with a "buddy family" to answer questions and be a point of contact in the Hardy community.

Learn more about being matched or volunteering, and contact Buddyfamilyprogram@hardypto.com to get involved.