Cedar Rapids schools recognize volunteer contributions

The Cedar Rapids Community School District will recognize one volunteer from each school during the April 23 Board of Education meeting. The Outstanding Building Volunteers were selected by their school volunteer programs to represent the many excellent volunteers that contribute to the academic success of students at that school.

“The spirit of volunteerism continues to pulse through the Cedar Rapids Community Schools,” explained Marcia Hughes, Community Relations Supervisor. “The example set by our volunteers inspires others to share their own time and talents. These efforts enrich the learning environment for all students.”

Begun in 1973, the District Volunteer Services Program has grown from 626 volunteers contributing 11,000 hours to an amazing corps of 7,366 volunteers contributing a reported 145,248 hours during the 2010-11 school year! Parents continue to make up the bulk of the volunteer workforce, with non-parents, high school and college students, senior adults, and business and industry partiers greatly contributing as well. Last year, volunteers outnumbered staff at a ratio of more than 2 to 1. This is equivalent to 134 teacher associates, working six hours a day.

Members of the 2012 CRCSD Volunteer Hall of Fame are:

ARTHUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Gary Crosby

Gary has been described as being a knight in shining armor and a breath of fresh air as a classroom volunteer. When working with small groups of students on math instruction he succeeded in putting them at ease with complicated computations. As leader of the school's lunchtime Buddy Book Club, he met with students for literature discussions and made sure that each experience was fun and engaging. According to staff, Gary embodies the meaning of being a servant to the public, giving selflessly of his time, sharing his experiences, and imparting his vast knowledge to others.

CLEVELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Tara Bulman

Tara brings a friendly smile and genuine warmth to her volunteer work, making each student feel special. She has a knack for identifying needs at school and for jumping right in to help. Tara has served as a homeroom parent for three rooms at the same time, helped with the PE roller skating and gymnastics units, and chaperoned field trips. Because of her contributions the special units were made more productive, safer, great fun, and stress free for teachers.

COOLIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Anne Jahnke

Anne has volunteered with many Coolidge events, including classroom parties, book fair, sock hop, fun fair, Jump Rope for Heart, picture day, and hearing screenings. She has also served as a co-homeroom parent. Additionally, her skills were instrumental in the automation of school communications, helping to reduce the amount of paper being sent home while improving communication between teachers and parents. The school community benefits greatly from the plethora of Anne's volunteer contributions.

ERSKINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Ann Freeman

Ann has shared her time and talents through the Erskine Wiggle Worm Reader program, America Reads, Immigration Day, and by chaperoning school field trips. She also supports the school as a member and officer of the PTA and as the two-year chair of the Erskine Winter Party. She also provides clerical support to staff. Ann made it clear early on that she is ready and willing to jump in at the drop of a hat to be there for the school community and the staff doesn't hesitate to call on her.

GARFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Tammy Scott

Tammy mentors Garfield students in a variety of ways, working one-on-one on skill development and providing extra attention and support to those most in need. She makes it clear how much she truly cares by always giving her full attention to each person and bringing a positive attitude to every situation. Tammy takes time to greet students and staff members with a smile and goes out of her way to make newcomers to the school feel welcome.

GRANT EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Nancy Anderson

The characteristic that sets Nancy apart from other volunteers is the warmth she brings to her volunteer work. She makes sure that each child knows she cares, both by her words and her actions. She enjoys working in her granddaughter's classroom but can also be found sharing her time and talents in other classrooms. She steps up when needed – quick with an “I'll do it” response - and always goes above and beyond. Her efforts truly benefit the entire Grant community.

GRANT WOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Nicole Day

Nicole devotes two days each week to volunteering at school. She chaperones field trips, helps with parties, works with students on skills and special projects. She is willing to work with even the most challenging students and brings a calm demeanor to every contribution. She also does clerical work, shelves books, organizes teacher appreciation events, and greets students, parents, and staff members with kind words. The compilation of the little things she does each day make a big impact on the school community.

HARRISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Mary Stubblefield

Mary works one-on-one with a student in need of math support. Her work is part of a documented individualized plan for this student and she takes great care to provide excellent support and track the progress. The entire school benefits from her quality and confidential commitment to the learning needs of students. She also serves as PTA president.

HIAWATHA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Amanda Ayala

Amanda is at school each week helping in the IMC, shelving materials and helping to check materials in and out. She also volunteers with the Penguin Patch Holiday event, helping children to purchase inexpensive holiday gifts for family and friend; the Cougar Chase fundraiser, supporting school assemblies; and as a field trip chaperone. Additionally, she helps to provide meals for teachers during parent conferences. Whenever she is asked, she is willing and often seeks out more opportunities to support the Hiawatha community.

HOOVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Kathy Vande Zandschulp

Kathy works with individual students each week, listening to them read and helping with math learning expectations. A wonderful role model, students are always excited to work with her. Her individualized support sets a positive example with an outstanding attitude about helping others. By helping students with learning expectations, she helps them meet their individual goals while also helping the school meet grade level goals. Hoover is lucky to have Kathy.

JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Cindy Becker

Cindy is extremely child-focused in her volunteer efforts and works tirelessly to support students and staff in multiple ways. She volunteers in classrooms, helps to plan school events and organize classroom projects, coordinates conference lunches for teachers, and appears each week to help with building clerical needs. In addition she supports the entire Jackson community by serving on the PTA executive board and helping with the annual student fundraising event.

JOHNSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Scott Gay

Scott shares his academic talent and creative brilliance with the school each day, teaching after-school enrichment classes, helping first and second grade students with fluency skills, producing the student television show and posting online for school families to view. He also serves as a technical supervisor when help is needed. As a PTA member, Scott actively supports the success of each project. Through his initiatives and participation, the school's goal to develop a culture for learning is becoming a reality.

KENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Jill St. John

Jill is willing to help out anywhere at school. She started and organized a before and after school enrichment program, helps with the Harvest Hop, carnival and Bingo events, solicits donations for events, recruits new enrichment programming, and helps to make sure new parents feel welcome and included. Her tireless efforts and boundless energy bring PTA events to a high level of excellence. She sets an example for others by demonstrating that volunteering to support others is a positive action in life.

MADISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Kris Wright

Kris' dedication to Madison spurs her to sometimes volunteer from early in the morning to late at night. Her dedication is evident both by her contributions in the classroom and by her support and involvement as co-president of the PTA.  In the classroom she helps students with spelling skills, assists with class celebrations, and chaperones enrichment field trips. As a PTA leader, she has been instrumental in organizing school events including the Madison Night at the Ballpark, the Spring-A-Thon, and the Kids Against Hunger fundraising event.

MONROE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Jazz Parlet

Jazz volunteers both in the classroom and at school community events. She also serves as Monroe PTA president and leads the effort to organize staff appreciation events. She brings a positive attitude and a smile to each volunteer experience, setting an example for others to step forward and contribute and making a lasting impression on the young Monroe learners.

NIXON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Amanda Miller

When you watch Amanda work with students on reading and math fluency, you immediately recognize her dedication to students and her eagerness to help each succeed.  She also helps with classroom clerical duties and special learning activities. As a PTA member she prepares information to go home to families about school events and helps with such activities as Pastries for Parents, Winter Wonderland, book fair, and Friday popcorn days. If there is a need at Nixon, Amanda is always the first to step up.

PIERCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Helen Joens

Helen is a passionate crusader for Pierce. From identifying the need for simple locker hooks to additional teachers and classroom spaces, she never hesitates to step in and lobby on behalf of students and staff. She regularly volunteers in the classroom, with America Reads, on field trips, in the lunchroom, and with student activities. She is an active PTA member and helps with activities including book fair, fun fest, roller skating, and book cart. Helen understands and sees the ‘big picture' of building needs.

POLK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Jennifer Hill

Jen works primarily with first grade students, providing one-on-one and small group assistance with math and writing skills. She is also involved as a volunteer with numerous school activities and is willing to help when there is a need. She frequently brings lounge treats for staff and leaves day brightening messages that brighten the day. Jen is passionately dedicated to spreading the good news of the school.

TAYLOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Jason Schoulte

Jason spends two days each week on the playground with students, joining in with soccer, kickball and other games. This provides recess staff with an additional adult to help support safety of students outdoors. A caring role model that students can depend on, he is also someone they look forward to spending time with. He often recruits other Coe students to join him as volunteers at the school.

TRUMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Jeff Gard

After teaching for 34 years, retired-educator Jeff Gard is right at home working with students on math enrichment. He also volunteers in the Truman computer lab, monitors during assessments, regularly chaperones learning trips to the West Ridge Care Center, reads in classrooms on America Reads Day, and helps with field day. In addition, Jeff can often be found playing basketball with students during recess, emphasizing the need to stay active.  He is a recognized role model for the school community.

VAN BUREN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Jessica Gerst

Jessica relates well to young learners and makes them feel at ease working with her. Whether working on skill development in the classroom or handing out snow cones or popcorn for a school event, she is considered by all as a school hero. She assists with the Van Buren Business Partnership Committee, and helped students to coordinate a recognition of area Veterans and create and distribute appreciation gifts for GE Capital business partners. She also volunteers with America Reads, Family Night events, fundraisers, field trips, and classroom celebrations. Additionally, she serves as PTA secretary.

VIOLA GIBSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Laura Grams

Laura champions the Book Cart program, effectively providing literacy development opportunities for students in kindergarten, first and second grades. She compiles needed paperwork, maintains the books and cart, and coordinates with staff and other volunteers to make the program run smoothly. Her dedication to the program provides students with an additional opportunity to read and develop their skills and allows teachers to focus on classroom instruction.

WILSON SCHOOL (2-8)

Stacey Scott

We celebrate the volunteer contributions and memory of Stacey Scott, who recently passed away. Stacey assisted in the Wilson IMC, re-shelving books, processing new materials, and assisting students to locate items for check-out. She brought a cheerful and smiling attitude to each volunteer effort and was always ready to share a joke with students and staff members. She was the perfect example of an involved middle school parent.

WRIGHT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Jill Ozarowicz

Jill volunteers with kindergarten, first and second grade students, helping with the Head sprout Program. She assists students in developing reading skills and provides positive feedback that supports good self- esteem. She helps staff by setting up computers and hardware for the program and by taking care of necessary clerical work. Staff members describe Jill as reliable, patient, caring, and fabulous.

FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Susan Pohlman

Susan has volunteered in a variety of capacities, including one-on-one math mentor;  the BOLT and PBIS programs; the dance marathon, penny drive, bake sale, and magazine sale fund raising events; staff recognition programs; PTA debate dinners; and the Sound Body Sound Mind initiative. She was instrumental in the creation of the school fitness room, which is now used daily by students and staff. Her direct efforts also led to the recruitment and involvement of more parent volunteers at Franklin.

HARDING MIDDLE SCHOOL

Chandra Riley

Chandra has been a tremendous support to the Harding Book Buddies program, magazine sale, writer's workshop, cookie dough project, and Wendy's Night events – just to name a few of her volunteer projects. She is unselfish in supporting all staff members and students. Her weekly contributions of time and talent make it easier for teachers to teach and students to learn.

MCKINLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Suzanne Nichols

Suzanne coordinates and manages the McKinley school store and makes the experience a true learning experience. Students must apply for a job, and – if hired – student workers order and count inventory, communicate with customers, make change, and reconcile the money for the deposit. She personally invites students who might not otherwise get involved, working alongside to ensure a successful experience. She also helps with magazine sales, field trips, e-registration, event concessions, and office clerical needs.

ROOSEVELT MIDDLE SCHOOL

Pat Goodwin

Although Pat does not work directly with students, they interact with her regularly as she greets them with a smile and kind word in the hallways during passing periods. She actually spends most of her volunteer time working quietly behind the scenes to support learning. She copies papers, preps materials for bulletin boards, counts fliers, staples packet materials, and assists with fund raising and service programs. Her contributions of time and talent save staff members countless hours.

TAFT MIDDLE SCHOOL

John Bateman

Whether he is helping incoming sixth graders learn to open their lockers or selling cupcakes at a school bake sale, John is always visible as a dedicated member of the Taft school community. His hard-working and caring attitude resonates with staff and students as he pitches to help with projects including fund raising events, event concession sales, the annual carnival, and PTA events. He also helped to move library items out and back again to allow for a construction project – more than 200 boxes of materials.  His commitment is recognized and valued by all.

JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL

Lynn Hancock

As girl's costume co-chair for show choir, Lynn this year helped to design, procure materials for, and construct six different costumes for 52 girls for a total of 260 garments. She then attends competitions to be on hand for possible repair needs. Her efforts in researching fabrics and materials saved the program money and provided the directors time to focus on music education. Her creativity also helped to save hundreds of dollars for individual show choir members, making the cost of participating reasonable for students and families. As the District honoree, Lynn will be recognized this summer by Governor Branstad with a Governor's Volunteer Award.

Lynn is the District's 2012 Outstanding Volunteer.

KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL

Karen Halvorson

Karen has been an indispensable Kennedy performing arts volunteer for several years. Her dedication to student performers is remarkable. She provides a safety pin to a performer in a panic, a tissue to a student in meltdown, a hug to all for a job well done. She is always there to help, support, and encourage but never to interfere or over power. Karen is involved with both the instrumental and vocal programs, coordinating volunteers for trips, competitions, concerts, fund raising activities, and celebrations.

METRO HIGH SCHOOL

Lynn Ocken

Through her involvement with Rotary North, Lynn shares information about post-secondary education and careers, coordinating similar work readiness presentations by other volunteers as well. She also helps to raise funds to purchase clothing and food for student families in need and coordinates an annual staff recognition breakfast. Additionally, Lynn has engaged the Metro school community in a unique local mural project to be unveiled this spring.

WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

Karen Matthews

The role that Karen has played supporting students has primarily been through her leadership of fundraising efforts, specifically through her work with the Patrons of the Performing Arts group. She overhauled the MoShow scoring system, introduced an online volunteer sign up process, coordinated the state speech contest when it was held at WHS and also chaired the City Music Contest when it was hosted at the school. Karen enthusiastically sees to the periphery of volunteer tasks so that staff can focus directly on student needs.