Spotlight on Volunteers
Q&A with Veronica P., Volunteer of the Year and Parent of Harmonious Humu Maria and Village alum Austin
Congratulations to Village School’s 2017-18 Volunteer of the Year, Veronica P. During her 9 years at Village, Veronica has done it all! She energetically and enthusiastically demonstrates a can-do spirit, exceptional organizational skills and follow-through while always advocating for students. Thank you, Veronica!
Tell us a bit about your family.
Jeremy and I have 2 kids, Austin (finishing 8th) and Maria (finishing 5th). I have 2 brothers both in their early 20s.
How long have you been at Village?
We are on the 9-year plan!
What was your favorite parent job and why?
I really enjoyed being a class coordinator. I like welcoming new families and doing fun things with the kids.
Are there 1 or 2 specific experiences that stand out from your years here? Please describe.
I had fun putting the teachers in mittens and having them race to unwrap a package for our Winter Celebration. Last year the students in Room 12 had fun creating super powers for their teacher on Staff Appreciation Week — It was hilarious and creative and just fun. This year’s Egg Drop was pretty EPIC.
What do you love most about Village?
How Village makes great kids. I love when the older kids help the younger kids learn to play kickball. Or when a little reading buddy is bursting at the seams with excitement just to be near their big reading buddy.
What is something you would like to see improved?
Training — There is a lot of experience out there and we don’t always do a great job of passing it on.
Any advice for parents?
Don’t do for the kids anything they can do for themselves. Aspire to be better and you will inspire others to do better.
What will you miss most about Village?
The crazy unexpected events that can only happen at an elementary school. Excited kids — sometimes it’s a lost tooth or being able to do the monkey bars. Sometimes it’s finally getting a math concept or landing a rocket on the roof in centers… I just love when the kids are excited.
Q&A with Alex R., Classified Employee of the Year and Parent of Harmonious Humu Julian and Village Alums Andrea and Isaac
Congratulations to Village School’s 2017-18 Classified Employee of the Year, Alex R. Alex, our Yard Duty Supervisor, works tirelessly to ensure that the social/emotional and physical health of all Village students are well served. He is always supportive of our students, staff and families. He consistently seeks solutions that are innovative, student-centered and of great benefit to our entire learning community. Thank you Alex for all you do!
I have been at Village for 13 years. My oldest daughter, Andrea, just finished high school a couple of weeks ago. My older son, Isaac, is a 7th grader at CMS. Next year the two boys will be at Monroe Middle School. This will be the first time in 16 years that I will only be at one school!
I have been working yard duty for the district for a few years, however I don’t remember for how long. I worked at Capri for a while, but I wanted to give more time at Village. The most valuable tools for yard duty came from the parenting classes through Village. I am always impressed with how well students can solve their problems although I do have to step in at times to guide them or when the situation grows beyond their skill level.
The kindergarteners are the most fun to work with because they have NO problem-solving skills – but they do learn. Watching them develop over the years makes one quite proud of their efforts.
Over the years I have served in many capacities. I was the Lower and Upper Grade Centers Coordinator for a couple of years and PTA vice president. I also served on the School Site Council (once I finally understood what it was and what they do). Of course, my favorite job has always been centers.
When (if?) I leave Village, I will miss the kids and the staff. The students are so much fun to learn with and I really do enjoy a good kickball game. I thank the teachers for allowing me numerous opportunities to participate in their classrooms and their support and advice for the centers I worked on.
It is a privilege for me to part of Village and I appreciate this recognition.