Although many high schools see a drop-off in parent involvement from elementary school, parents are a big part of the success of Campo Verde High School. Parents can meet with the principal monthly to find out how they can help.
At a recent site council meeting, about 25 parents joined Principal Jared Ryan in the library to talk about the southeast Gilbert school’s first graduation next May, senior letters and other campus issues.
Parents volunteer in classrooms, work in the school’s spirit store, make decorations for dances and this year are organizing the school’s first graduation “lock-in” for seniors the night before graduation. They also have helped unpack boxes of books in the library, hosted breakfasts for student clubs and raised money for needed items.
Parent Wendy Putler helped develop the website with Soer, and this year the site is fully automated. Before, Soer had to input all the information herself.
There is no other Gilbert high school that has the type of volunteerism that Campo Verde has.
The school’s office staff and teachers also support parent volunteers, which some schools don’t, and that makes it easier for parents to help.
Since most of the families chose to attend Campo Verde three years ago when it opened with freshmen and sophomores, Dwyer said parents are more apt to help out on campus because they are a “parent of choice.”
“It’s a privilege to be here,” said Dwyer, also executive director of the Gilbert Education Foundation. “I’m a guest so I want to make sure I’m contributing.”
The parents also said statistics show if parents are involved in the school, students do better in school.
The school also has many parent booster clubs associated with band, sports and other clubs, as is common in other high schools. The football booster club, for example, raises money for the football camp scholarships, runs the snack bar during games and helps with tailgate parties before the games. Many of the site council parent volunteers are also active in booster clubs.
Parents also donate items for upcoming plays, dances and the student council tailgate parties.
For the Project Graduation lock-in, planned for 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. the night before graduation, parents are busy planning fundraisers to raise money for the event, including restaurant nights, a Harkins movie screening and Pampered Chef parties.
Parents are also looking for sponsors and prizes to give to students who attend the lock-in, which is designed to be a fun night for students that is alcohol and drug free.
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