All of us have heard the ancient proverb, &uot;It takes a whole village to raise a child.&uot; It may be an old saying, but it has never been more true.

In an era of shrinking budgets and additional demands on everyone’s time and resources, it takes parents, grandparents, the community and the school working together to provide students with the best possible educational experience. Volunteers in the Albert Lea Area Schools play an important and valuable role in education as they help to individualize instruction, promote school/community interaction, support school activities and events, provide multi-generational experiences, and enrich curriculum for all learners.

Few schools can exist without the contributions of our volunteers, who represent generosity and sacrifice of both time and energy. Students, teachers, administrators, and the community benefit from the work of people who freely share their talents and resources with our youth. We in District 241 are grateful for the many volunteers who give of themselves to make a difference in the lives of our youth. In celebration of National Volunteer Recognition Week, the Albert Lea School Board would like to honor and show appreciation to our school volunteers in a special reception at Brookside Education Center on Monday, April 21

from 6-7 p.m. All school volunteers are encouraged to stop by, enjoy some refreshments and help us celebrate their contributions. At 7 p.m. volunteers are invited to stay for a regularly scheduled school board meeting in which each school will report on how volunteers are used in their schools. We want you to know, your contributions to our district schools are very important and you are appreciated!

Many volunteer opportunities exist in each of our schools. If you have one hour a week, or one hour a month the Albert Lea Area Schools can use your help. Call the office of any of our district schools to volunteer your services. Volunteers can make contributions in many areas at the school: in the school’s media centers, tutoring students, act as chaperones on school trips, lend a helping hand in the classrooms, serve as a resource speakers (to share specialized skills, talents, hobbies, etc.) serve on district committees and in many other areas as well. Volunteers truly make a difference in our schools! There is nothing more rewarding for a volunteer than seeing the excitement in children’s eyes when they know they have helped them succeed. The administration and school board would like to express our sincere appreciation to those who are currently serving and to those who will seek out volunteer opportunities in the future!

Jolinda Schreiber is a member of the School District 241 Board of Education.