Volunteer opportunities at Portola (updated 08-24-09)

Dear Parents,

Though there is much that is uncertain about this upcoming school year, one thing is for sure: Portola parents care! Nearly 500 of you have registered your students, many of you have joined PTSA already, and donation checks have been coming in for our Noontime Activities program. Thank you . . .

Looking for a few more ways to show you care? We have some volunteer opportunities in the next week, that will help get our school year started right.

For example:

Portola parents and other adults (including former Portola Teachers) are needed (Tuesday Aug 25th) to direct kids to their classrooms and generally provide support to school staff so that the first day runs smoothly. You will be given a map of the classrooms, so it doesn't matter if you are new to the school.
While it would be great if volunteers could stay from just before the start of school until the beginning of 7th period, but even part of the day would help. Please call Ms. Burrell in the main office (524-0405) to let her know if you can help. Or, if you only find out on Tuesday that you can help, just come by the main office (no need to call in advance) and office staff will tell you where you are most needed.
Ms.Burrell needs help sorting paperwork in the office. Please drop by the office ASAP and let her know you can help. Even 30 minutes can make a difference. (Office hours: 8:30 - 3:30.)
Our new day custodian, Mr. Collar, would like some help painting over graffiti, this Saturday, August 22, 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon. He'll have the paint, but bring your own roller and painting supplies, if you have them. If you hate going to meetings but like working outdoors, and are free for just a few hours this weekend, this is the job for you!

Your dedicated Registration parent volunteers are meeting this Friday to wrap up Registration and would like your feedback. Send me your brief comments on --

What went well
How to improve

We'll include those in the notes for next year's chairperson (whom I will start recruiting any minute now, since Nancy Gordon, Registration volunteer mainstay, is an 8th grade parent and won't be here next year!)

Finally, the most-asked question at Registration was: "Are we moving to the high school?" I've just learned that Portola is on this Wednesday night's School Board agenda and that the board is looking at rescinding its earlier decision to move us to ECHS! Watch or listen to the meeting, or join me there to learn the latest. I will keep you posted.

---Joanna Pace, PTSA President