Although the statement is often credited to former Secretary of State, Senator and First Lady Hillary Clinton, “It takes a village to raise a child” is actually an old African proverb. It means that an entire community of people must interact with children for those children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment. In many ways, that is what is happening here in Weston as parents, community leaders and local businesspeople actively volunteer in our schools.
Five Weston schools earned the 2018-2019 Golden School Award from the Florida Department of Education. It recognizes exemplary volunteer programs at schools which promote parent and community engagement in education.
Country Isles Elementary School received the Golden School Award for the 32nd year. Principal Mindy Morgan says volunteers are a vital part to her school’s success. “Our volunteers are committed to providing our students with extra support needed and extracurricular activities. They help in so many ways and we appreciate all they do for our school and students.”
For the past 29 years, Indian Trace Elementary School has earned the Golden School Award and Principal Amy Winder says it is an honor to receive it each time. “We have the most dedicated group of volunteers at our school. We come up with the ideas and our hardworking volunteers assist in any way they can to make them come alive to enhance the learning environment for our students. So many of our programs and initiatives were created as a result of this partnership.”
Eagle Point Elementary has received the Golden School Award for 25 years and Manatee Bay Elementary is a six-time recipient.
Falcon Cove Middle School was also recognized for its volunteerism. It has received the Golden School Award for the past 18 years. Principal Steven Carruth says student success at Falcon Cove is a result of its partnership with students, teachers and families. “Our volunteers help in so many ways from assisting us in the day to day operations of the school to helping with field trips and support for our students and staff. We could not be such an amazing school without the dedication of our parents and our amazing volunteers.”
He is quick to point out that the school is not the only one to benefit from this partnership. “Volunteering also helps the person doing the volunteering itself. When you give back and you’re able to have an impact on students and the school, it can provide a greater sense of purpose along with learning new skills and meeting new people.”
The Florida Department of Education’s Golden School Award recognizes elementary, secondary and adult schools with exemplary volunteer programs. Schools must meet the following criteria: 80% of the school staff trained in volunteerism; a school volunteer coordinator designated for recruitment, placement, training and supervision of volunteers; and the total number of hours of volunteer service equals at least twice the number of students enrolled in the school.