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A Grand Idea at Ohio County Schools

Ohio County Schools Seek Grandparents as Volunteers

Photo Provided Bethlehem Elementary School student Liam Burkle, left, interacts with third-year school volunteer Marjorie Wolf. Ohio County Schools Student Service Director Raquel McLeod said the school system is seeking additional volunteers, and officials are now looking to recruit students’ grandparents to volunteer in the classroom.

WHEELING — Ohio County Schools officials believe every first grade classroom in the district can use guidance and direction from a grandparent.

Ohio County Schools is seeking grandparent volunteers to participate in its GPS program — which stands for “grandparents participation in schools.”

There are 21 first grade classrooms within Ohio County Schools, and the goal is to have a grandparent volunteer for each one, said Student Service Director Raquel McLeod. As more volunteers become available, they could be assigned to other grades.

“Grandparents are a great asset for us to work with,” she said. “They can help in the classroom with a wide range of activities, from tying shoes to sharpening pencils.”

They also can assist students with academics by working with groups of children to do enrichment activities, or by just giving a confused student a little encouragement.

“For those kids who are excelling — the grandparents can keep them interested,” McLeod said. “For those who are struggling, the grandparent can give them immediate feedback while they are receiving instruction from their teacher.”

The grandparent volunteer also might be called upon to share their experiences and background knowledge, and maybe even to talk about their past careers with the students.

“When children see their families getting involved with the schools, it shows them the importance of education,” McLeod said. “They see their grandparents are invested in them and their classrooms.”

Not all children have grandparents, and the grandparent volunteer can fill that void as well, McLeod said.

Those interested in being grandparent volunteers can fill out the application that is available on the Ohio County Schools web page, or they can stop by the board office at 2203 National Road in Elm Grove. Copies of the application also are available at the schools where the individuals wish to volunteer.

McLeod said spending time in the schools gives volunteers a sense that they are making a difference with today’s youth.

“They see the amazing things going on in the classroom, and they see the changes that have occurred since they were there,” she said. “There is nothing more exciting than seeing a student who is excited to see you, and you want to come in and volunteer because you are interested in establishing that reward with them.

“I hope grandparents embrace this opportunity and realize the changes they can make by volunteering each week.”

Volunteers do not have to commit to volunteering each week. They may spend time in the classroom as often as they can be available, according to McLeod.

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