It was great to see the list of over 375 volunteers in the Albert Lea Tribune last Sunday. All of these individuals have put time and energy into our schools. This was only a partial list of over 500 individuals who have given of their time this past year. The list includes not only parents; but also high school, middle school, and older elementary students. It also includes retired individuals in the community who like working with and being around our young people.

Research shows that parents who are active in their schools and provide a supportive academic environment at home will allow their children to reach higher levels of academic achievement. When parents get involved they are able to further promote positive educational experiences outside of the classroom. Parents spending time at home talking about expectations and education is a valuable tool for future child development. When parents get involved they are also able to gain new friendships formed from a common interest in volunteering to serve our children. This holds true for the community as a whole. When people get involved they can truly make a difference.

There are countless ways to volunteer in our school district. Some of these ways include being room parents, chaperoning trips, serving on committees, being a reading buddy, mentoring, test proctoring or helping with project Charlie. Still other ways to volunteer include judging at science fair, coaching math masters, working with spelling bees, assisting with academic competitions, assisting with concerts or helping with athletic events. These are just a few of the endless ways to volunteer and make a difference in the Albert Lea area schools. If you are not involved, get involved. Volunteers do make a difference.

Dave Vaagen, a special education teacher at Halverson Elementary School wrote words to a song that hit the nail on the head of how valuable volunteers are to Albert Lea area schools:

&uot;Thank heaven for volunteers, for what would happen if they didn’t care. Thank heaven for volunteers, for what would happen if they weren’t there. The parties wouldn’t happen; field trips would be a bust. Forget about having PTO, and yearbook would be crushed. Thank heaven for volunteers, whatever else could kids and teachers do.&uot;

&uot;Thank heaven for volunteers, for what would happen if nobody showed. Thank heaven for volunteers; no one alone could carry the entire load. We couldn’t go to the nursing home; fun night would be no fun. Book fairs would be off the list, and Santa would be missed. Thank heaven for volunteers, whatever else could kids and teachers do.&uot;

&uot;Thank heaven for volunteers, their hearts and hands we do appreciate. Thank heaven for volunteers, they saw a need and didn’t stand and wait. We need them for zoo trips. We need them for DARE. They’re here to help with reading, testing, Project Charlie and much more. Thank heaven for volunteers, whatever else could kids and teachers do.&uot;

TEAM’s philosophy is that together education can achieve more. Volunteers working side-by-side in our education system enable our students to become the best that they can be. TEAM wants to keep the community informed about how education is doing in our community. Again, it is volunteers who make up this group. Without the volunteers much of the information gathering and sharing would not be possible.

For more information on how to get involved or for questions and concerns do not hesitate to contact TEAM or the school district. You can reach TEAM members at these email addresses or phone numbers: Dennis Dieser, dadieser@myclearwave. net, 373-7451; Terri Wichman, hickory@smig.net, 373-3530; Becky Johnson, sajohnso@ deskmedia.com, 377-3812; or Tom Ehrhardt, wedge@deskmedia.com, 377-2409.

Dennis Dieser is a member of the Together Education Achieves More (TEAM) committee.