about Participating in Activities at your neighborhood schools
"It is a time to celebrate when you decide to give back to others and make a difference in your world"
I have heard about the needs in the public schools, how can I help?
It is vital that caring adults from neighborhoods surrounding the schools get involved in helping them reach academic goals. The "No Child Left Behind Initiative", has established academic goals that must be met in order for our schools to get the federal funds needed to help schools be successful. Sharing your life and job experiences and skills can encourage school children. You can help by scheduling some of your time to support a school near your home or near your job. BOWs staff will set up scheduled times for you and coordinate the activities with the schools. (Learn more about the Charleston County Public School)
I am not an educator, how can I help?
The schools are staffed with professional educators who appreciate the support of caring adults from their neighborhood. School children benefit academically when they know adults from their neighborhood support their success and the success of their schools.
What times are available?
The BOWs program activities in the schools will be scheduled as follows:
7:00 AM - 9:00 AMMeet 'n Greet Children and Their Parents As They Arrive & Assist with Breakfast
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM In School Activities (Good Neighbor Presentations, Classroom Visits and Curriculum Based Activities
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Meet 'n Greet Children and Their Parents As They Leave School for the Day
4:00 PM - 8:00 PMBOWs Sponsored Activities in the Neighborhoods (Scheduled Activities will be announced)
Our goal is to have teams of,parents, neighbors, high school leaders and community partners sacrifice 1/2 hour time spans that can collectively equal a huge contribution to our schools. Caring adutls committing to 2 hours weekly - split into 1/2 intervals can make a difference in the school environment. BOWs will set up activities with the school volunteer coordinator to make the most of the time available.
I have a full time job, a family and no time left . Can I help with the school?
Yes, you can help. Your help can be a 1/2 hour lunch time with a student at a school near your job. There are students who need an adult who would spend some special time with them. You will have the opportunity to work with a student or assist the teacher with her class and all the children would benefit from your visits.
I have been retired for years. How can I help?
Many children need the nurturing and attention of mature citizens in their neighborhood. Their level of respect for authority is enhanced with the presence of older people. The school environment would benefit from having you come to the school and let the kids know you care. You let us know when you are available and BOWs staff will coordinate activities with the schools.
My life is busy with a daily routine and I can't see how I have time to help at the schools.
It has been proven that busy people get things done with lots of energy and enthusiasm. Our kids need the influence of people like you. Perhaps, you can share some of your interests with a disadvantaged child. For example, you play tennis on a regular basis - you might play with a child on the school tennis court during school hours. We will make the arrangements with the schools so you can play with a student.
How can I become a certified BOWs Parent or Good Neighbor?
All BOWs parents and neighbors complete a contact information form. All information is confidential and parents and neighbors who are accepted into the BOWs Program are required to complete a criminal background check.
