Engage with your School

Engaging with your school can be a rewarding experience for parents and caregivers. You’ll get to know the staff and families, develop lifelong relationships, and become an active participant in your school community. But most importantly, you’ll be learning and working with diverse groups of parents and staff to create a better school environment for all the children at your school.

  • Volunteer Opportunities

  • Parent Groups

  • Leadership Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

PUSD welcomes volunteers, and ordinarily there are thousands of parents, caregivers, and community members volunteering at schools or behind the scenes to support students, teachers and staff.

The vast majority of volunteers have a “Level 1” clearance and work under the close supervision of a PUSD certificated staff member. For example: chaperoning a field trip, helping in a classroom or library, tutoring students in the back of the classroom or in the art, drama or science rooms. To work with students outside the supervision of Certificated Staff, volunteers must be authorized by school administrators for fingerprinting and receive a “Level 2” clearance. Learn more about volunteering in PUSD.

Parent groups at your school

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) - PTA is a national volunteer-based organization with state, regional, district-level governance as well as units at the school site. Its mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. (Some schools have a "PTSA", which included student members.)

School Site Council (SSC) - Parents and teacher/staff representatives work with their principal to develop and monitor their school’s comprehensive Single Plan for Student Achievement. This includes budget decisions and using input from other school advisory committees. (Check out PUSD’s 2023-24 SSC Training Webinars.)

English Learner Advisory Council (ELAC) - Required at schools with 20+ students classified as English Learners (ELs). Parents/guardians of ELs advise the principal and school staff on programs and services supporting their EL students.

African American Parent Council (AAPC) - Parents, teachers, admin, and community members support and advocate on behalf of African American students and families in order to ensure that all students can reach their full potential.

Fundraising and Event Planning - Fundraising is not the mission of PTA, but many PTAs do raise at least some funds to pay for programs and materials that support all students and teachers. Schools also have Annual Funds, which are accounts set up through the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) solely for the purpose of raising money for school programs, equipment, or extra staff. PTAs may plan school-wide events to build community, support learning, or provide enrichment, and some of these events may have a fundraising component to them. Here are a few resources for fundraising and event planning: Bidding For Good * School Carnivals * Fundraising Ideas

Stepping into Leadership Roles

PEN provides workshops and trainings to help parents get involved and develop their leadership skills through our Parents As Leaders program.

Dad volunteers in science class

Parent Projects

Every year, PUSD parents create new academic and enrichment programs that benefit our students. Below are just a few of the innovative projects that were founded and/or managed by parent volunteers. Take a look to get inspired and reach out to the parent contact to find out how you can replicate these ideas at your school.  One of PEN's strengths is our ability to connect parents with each other so please let us know if you’ve started something awesome at your school that might inspire parents at other schools.

visual & performing Arts

Don Benito Art Docents – Art Docent volunteers receive training and materials to lead art lessons in the classroom or the PTA-funded Art Studio.  Contact this year's Parent Coordinator

McKinley Visual and Performing Arts Committee – The VAPA committee provides expertise and support of the arts, working closely with the drama, music, and visual arts teachers to improve programs and increase student participation.

gardens

Community Pride Garden at Jackson STEM Dual Language Magnet Academy – Parents founded an extensive garden of more than 30 beds designed by students to reflect heritage, explore science, and grow edible plants. Contact Ruth Lorenzana

Before & After School Clubs

Hamilton GATE Club – Parents started a bi-weekly before-school club for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Gifted & Talented Education (GATE) students that includes hands-on STEAM activities and field trips.  Sessions are often taught by parents, but many feature local specialists who donate their time to fuel student curiosity. 

family engagement

Willard Special Education Subcommittee - Developed with the support of PTA leadership, school principal, and Special Ed (SpEd) parents, this PTA Subcommittee raises awareness, supports SPED families, students and staff, and helps ensure that schoolwide programming addresses the needs of all students. Contact: Heidi Neuroth or Benjamin Bigarré.

San Rafael Miner’s Day – Fourth grade students participate in a pancake breakfast and hands-on activities where they learn about California history during the Gold Rush era. The curriculum was developed jointly by teachers and parents, who also volunteer and support the half-day event. 

Don Benito Dads – This group of fathers meets regularly to socialize, share information, and volunteer to support the school.

Jackson Dads y Padres - Same as above, but at Jackson STEM DLIP Magnet Academy.  Contact Stephen Lehtonen or Jason Trapp