DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN….
BRING IN SNACK
When: Need 1 EW and 1 WW person to accommodate 30kids (per wing) every day – except Fridays
Why: On your snack day, your child writes the menu, determines the portions and announces snack time! big confidence booster!
How: Signup sheets are in the hallway. See Deirdre Gibson, Snack Chair, with any questions
Note: Suggestions are fresh fruit and veggies, hummus, yogurt, banana chips etc.
*please see blog for suggestions and info about food allergies. We are a nut free school.
CHAPERONE A FIELD TRIP TO THE VENICE FARMER’S MARKET
When: Approx 6 kids, 1 parent and 1 teacher Fridays via the Venice Bus ($1 ea. adult)
Why: Kids talk to the vendors, taste the samples and sometimes the volunteer offers to bring back goodies to share with the school.
How: See Marike Bartlett. signup sheets are in the hallway.
Note: Please, no siblings.
VOLUNTEER FOR EXPRESS DROP OFF
When: 2 volunteers every Wednesday and Thursday morning 8:30am-9:05am
Why: Parking is difficult due to street cleaning. Helps our good standing with the community
How: See Kris, Nicole Onufrey or Sean Maher on Hospitality Team. Signup sheets are in the hallway
Note: This is a great way to meet families!
BRING FRESH FLOWERS
When: One volunteer per wing 1x week
Why: Serves to create a beautiful environment for the children and provides artistic and seasonal inspiration
How: Signup sheets are in the hallway. you may borrow a school vase. vases are located in the kitchen above the fridge
Note: These can be picked from your garden, bought from the farmers market or out of the bucket at ralphs. can be plants, single flowers or bunches
COOK WITH THE CHILDREN
When: Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday during one of the appointments
Why: The kids get really excited about the prep/cooking/sharing process. Work with 4 children and create food to be offered at lunch or afternoon snack.
How: See Nicole Onufrey for time and details. Signup sheets are in the hallway
Note: Parent volunteers to bring the ingredients for that day. please avoid pork products and see blog for food allergies.
HELP OUT AT NSW EVENTS
When: Any NSW scheduled event at school or elsewhere
Why: We need volunteers to set-up or clean-up around the school and in the kitchen
How: See Nicole Onufrey or Karrie Dvorchak. or we welcome you to spontaneously come early or stay a bit late. signup sheet is in the hallway and the front door
Note: It’s always fun for the adults to schmooze in the kitchen after hours 🙂
BRING REFRESHMENTS/BEVERAGES/OR DONATE $ FOR EVENT SUPPLIES
When: Any NSW scheduled event at school or elsewhere
Why: so we can gather together while eating yummy food and sipping some wine/water
How: see Nicole Onufrey or Karrie Dvorchak. the hospitality folder is in the office and welcomes donations (please mark with your name)
Note: if you cannot bring food, drinks or supplies to an event, but would like to participate, you may also consider a donation of $5
VOLUNTEER FOR NAP ROOM
When: approx 12:45-2:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
Why: Really aids teachers so that they can continue their work, meet with other teachers and/or take a well deserved break or eat!
How: See Kris or Sean Maher On Teacher Appreciation Team for details
Note: Parent volunteer will be placed on the opposite wing of their child, or somewhere their child cannot see them. avoids excitement and disruption.
SUBMIT RECIPES FOR THE NSW COOKBOOK:
When: ASAP
Why: We are gearing up for the 2nd year of the annual Cookbook and it is a fundraiser for the Culinary Appreciation Team (ingredients, farmers market field trips)
How: Email your favorite, easy, family friendly recipes to Maya Davis or Maya Tauber, Culinary Team Chairs
Note: The kids love seeing their home made meals included in the cookbook! it is an amazing way to promote the connection of “Farm to Table” and the importance of eating whole foods as part of the curriculum.
HOST A PARENT PARTY:
When: For the annual Spring Fundraiser
Why: It is a great way to engage with other parents/families and a wonderful way to raise money for the school
How: See Frances Mazur for more information or if you have items for the Silent Auction
Note: This is a party of your design
WATER • DUST • TRIM PLANTS
When: 2x month – alley plants / 1x a week outside plants / 1x a week inside plants
Why: Let’s keep them alive and thriving for our space and the enjoyment of the children
How: See Daniel Lerner, Gardening Team chair
FEED THE WW TURTLES
When: 1x per week
Why: The kids get excited when it’s their day to feed them!
How: Signup sheet in the west wing
Note: Food is provided in the WW classroom
BORROW A CAR SEAT
When: 2 car seats available any day you need them
Why: When you realize your spouse/partner drove away for the day with your only one, if you need someone else to be able to do pick up or for carpooling
How: See Kris. she will let you know which seat and how many are available at the time of your call
Note: Please bring back to school ASAP so that it is available for the next family in need
**MORE HELPFUL HINTS**
GENERAL VOLUNTEERING:
Try to volunteer for something that is weekly or monthly with a date/time you can easily remember. volunteering does not have to coincide with events only. NSW always needs runners…people who can do the one-off trip to the post office, bank, market, home depot. let us know when you are free or headed somewhere of interest!
JOINING A TEAM:
It’s not too late!! go to the NSW blog and look under tag, “TEAMS.” contact team chair for more info.
GET INSIGHT INTO YOUR CHILDS DAY:
The BLOG is a hub of information!
See folders, located near the door inside each wing, to know where your child had their appointments!
Check the nap chart, located on the inside wall near the door inside each wing). “S” means slept. “R” means rested.
PARENT BOARD
Please see and make use of the parent board in the alley. this is another way to share and receive information within the community.
NSW YAHOO GROUP
This yahoo forum is for families, teachers and staff of nsw. post or be in the know of items for sale/free, services needed or offered etc! nsw event info is often posted here as well. See Kris to get yourself signed up.
**GOOD NEWS**
NSW & ECOLOGICALLY RESPONSIBLE PRACTICES
NSW is further educating the children about “what is recyclable and what is not, “what can be composted for the garden” and “how to conserve water and energy” etc. Parents will soon be asked to bring their own dishes, on occasion. the first event to implement this will be the halloween parade – when we’ll have people BYOCM (coffee mug). Bye-bye styrofoam! Please stay tuned for more tips on and requests as to how and where you, as parents, can contribute to a more eco-conscious environment at school and at home.
CONTACTS FOR ABOVE
Kristin Sherman <kris@newschoolwest.com> • Ivana <Ivana@newschoolwest.com> • Maya Davis <meohmaya@gmail.com> • Maya tauber <maya6928@yahoo.com> • Daniel Lerner <dan.lerner@mac.com> • Sean Maher <seanmaher@sbcglobal.net> • Nicole Onufrey <nicole.onufrey@gmail.com> • Karrie <karrieadvorchak@yahoo.com> • Deirdre Gibson <dshawgibson@gmail.com> • Marike Bartlett <mbartlett@msii.biz> • Frances Mazur <frances@mazurgroupla.com> • Jill Bryman <jill.bryman@gmail.com>