Commentary; Posted: 4/19/06
Salute volunteers who make a difference
Lynn Steenblock
Guest Columnist
Every day across the Forest Lake Area School District a wide variety of volunteers help kids to learn, assist teachers as they teach and lend a hand in the behind-the-scenes operations of the school.
Volunteers raise money for school field trips or to purchase new computers or books.
Volunteers plan events or chaperone field trips.
Volunteers help struggling students by tutoring, and they reach out to kids by mentoring and building relationships.
This year, more than ever, our schools are benefiting from the extraordinary work of volunteers committed to education. More than 200 community members have volunteered in recent months to help set a course for the district as members of the strategic planning team.
These volunteers are donating their time, talents and ideas in order to make our schools even better.
The time commitment is extensive and they donít receive accolades for their efforts, but the job they are doing will have a significant impact on the students and residents of our community.
Whether working in the classroom, on the playing field or behind the scenes in an action team meeting, our school volunteers are committed to making a difference in the lives of students.
April 16-22 is Volunteer Recognition Week.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of volunteers working with the students of our district.
Parents, retirees, business people, teens, and the community people who make time in their busy schedules to reach out to others ó we salute you.
Please join with me in thanking our outstanding volunteers for all they do to make our schools and communities great.
Writer Lynn Steenblock is superintendent of schools in ISD 831.
Forest Lake Times
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Forest Lake, MN 55025
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