2003 Year in Review

School Volunteer Program Headed by Schlueter

Student playing at Southside School need volunteers in the classroom.

Because of budget cuts this year, volunteers have become the arms and legs of Morrison School system. A "head" volunteer was needed to co-ordinate residents desire to help with the teachers’ needs. Dawn Schlueter was asked by the Morrison School Board to handle this task.

“I feel good about helping the school by getting people to volunteer. It’s important to help the schools. Adults with or without students can help out.” Mrs. Schlueter explained. Before school began this year, they sent out a form to all the residents asking for help. Mrs. Schlueter was given those forms, which she put into a database. Then she met with teacher at the elementary and asked them what they needed. They either chose volunteers off the list or told her what duties and days they needed someone. Her job was to find a volunteer to meet the teachers’ needs. She also added current volunteers to the database and came up with 175 possible volunteers. This also includes the high school, junior high, athletic departments, and even ticket takers at games.

Volunteers put on their form where they wanted to help, what grade, and whether they wanted to help with math, reading, or other subjects. Teachers requested volunteers for certain days or subjects.

When Mrs. Schlueter finds a volunteer for a job, she will contact the person; they have to sign a form and are given a list of rules, which include no touching or spanking. Before volunteers go into the classroom, they will check with law enforcement to see if the person has any criminal background. Then the teacher is responsible for training the volunteer. She still needs to work with the Junior High and High School to fill their needs.

Mrs. Schlueter moved here about a year ago from Sycamore, Illinois, when her husband became Plant Manager of GE, but she is no stranger to Morrison. Her husband and her originally moved here in 1987 and Mrs. Schlueter worked at Super Wash for 13 years until her family grew. She is now a stay-at-home mom for Josh (11) and Jessica (4).

If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, call Dawn Schlueter at 772-9095.

TheCity1.com and The City Rebar Detailing have implemented a volunteer program: employees, during working hours, can volunteer one-hour per week at the school for the duration of the school year. Owner, Bob Vaughn, challenges other companies to do the same.

by Barb Benson, theCity1.com
September 25, 2003