By Chom Sangarasri Greacen

Special to the Islands’ Weekly

When Donna Hasbrouck shared her love of wood-fired ovens through a movie with a group of students, everyone was inspired to make one. In the course of a “Choice Week,” (multi-day afternoon theme-based activities) the kids gathered materials from around school in wheelbarrows, stomped mud, worked hard and made a wood-fired cob oven.

“It was a very rewarding experience for me to see everyone work so well together, exceed expectations and feel empowered,” said Hasbrouck. “Volunteering at the school was a way for me to share what I love doing and stay connected with younger members of the community. Sharing what I love is what makes me feel like home here.”

Hasbrouck is an example among many in the community that have generously shared their time and passions with youths at the school. Such contributions are what make Lopez School and residents a healthy, spirited community.

“It is hard to imagine vibrant Lopez without a vibrant school,” said John Helding, a school board member. “And the school is so very dependent on the community’s continued support and involvement.”

For Lisa Shelby, the new K-12 principal, the school is “the heart of the community and its future.”

“Lopez is a small community, rich with so many talented people,” said Shelby. “We hope that with the school being more intentional about engaging the community, volunteers from the community will bring their talents, passions and unique interests into the classrooms to support and enrich the students’ educational experience.”

In the past, the school has tapped into the goodwill and rich experiences of community members to provide fun learning opportunities such as field trips to farms and Discovery Days (formerly known as “Choice Week”). During those special days, community members like Hasbrouck and students’ parents volunteered time to provide a wide array of activities from sheep sheering to creative writing workshops, to science toy making. Others have also engaged with students in classrooms as support or resource persons or served as mentors.

Now more than ever, the school is in need of support from the community.

Because of reduction in revenues for education, schools nation-wide are feeling the pinch. Lopez Island School District is no exception though it has been fortunate to maintain programmatic dollars.

“Lopez School is lucky it hasn’t lost any staff,” said Shelby. “The main cut has come from the top, reducing the position of superintendent to half-time several years ago.”

But the pinch is being felt, nonetheless. The budget reduction, combined with certain changes in state regulations, means that it is now more difficult to do certain things like extended learning opportunities outside of school.

“Field trips are more difficult, financially and logistically,” said Alex Nelli, an elementary teacher. “So it’s more important than ever to bring learning opportunities into the school. It makes sense environmentally as well to bring rich resources into the classroom. Ideally the relationship could work both ways. I’d love it if people feel like they can just walk in and feel welcomed at the school.”

Nelli wants the community to view the school and students as a resource. She’d also like to see a dialogue begin between the school and community members who have concerns. For instance, what can the school do to help with the community’s recycling issues?

“Volunteers have three important roles to play,” Nelli said. “First, by being an academic support to students in learning math, literacy or partner reading. Second, volunteers can help empower, build trust and long-term relationship with kids they work with. It is very rewarding to see how a child transforms and grows. Volunteers can also share their deep passion with kids and inspire them. It is very invigorating to see passions put into life work.”

In addition to academic support and sharing experiences, the school is also looking for help with administrative support, such as snack shopping and preparation, putting on book covers or helping students run a weekly radio show. Certain kinds of help would require regular presence at the school, said Nelli.

Superintendent Bill Evans added, “I am excited by this opportunity to continue to grow our school and its important role in making this such an amazing community. The benefits to our students will be huge!”

Volunteers will need to fill out some paperwork which is required by the state to ensure a safe environment for students. Speaking as a school board member, John Helding said, “We hope to be more proactive and thoughtful with working with regulations to facilitate community involvement as much as possible.”

Margaret Riddell, a parent of two elementary students, has volunteered to be the point of contact and to coordinate volunteers’ time and interests.

To express interest in supporting students or the school, you can send an email to lopezschoolhelp@gmail.com or visit http://tinyurl.com/3fuxnby.