Volunteer
Volunteering at Challenge
One of the things that makes Challenge School so special is the commitment of our families to volunteer their time to the school. The school requires each family to volunteer a minimum of 25 hours per school year. This is a per family requirement, not per child. We have a very active PTCO but this is only possible through the generous volunteering efforts of our families.
We normally have numerous opportunities for you to volunteer – so many that most families end up volunteering well beyond the 25 hour minimum! Some ways you can earn volunteer hours are:
How Do I Get Started?
First, set up your HelpCounter account
We are using the HelpCounter system again this year to track volunteer hours.
Second, update your Volunteering Interest Form
Once your account is active, click on Update Your Volunteering Interest Form to indicate what events/activities might interest you. This does not obligate you to work on that activity, but it is the only way we will be able to reach out to you to see if you would like to help when we start planning for that activity.
Returning families should also review this form to ensure it reflects your current interests.
Logging Your Volunteer Hours
When you complete a volunteer activity, go into your HelpCounter account and record your hours. You will be asked for the date of activity, the number of hours you donated, and the name of activity. Don’t see your activity listed? Choose At Home Activity or At School Activity, or simply email the PTCO Volunteer Coordinator to ask that we add it. Hours recorded are based on your best judgement of actual hours spent on the activity. Record your hours as soon as you can while it is fresh in your mind. Families not on track to complete the 25 hour commitment will receive email reminders during the year.
How Do I Learn About Volunteer Needs?
The best way to learn about volunteer opportunities is to fill out your Volunteer Interest Form in HelpCounter. In addition, read your email. Volunteer needs will be outlined in PTCO newsletters and in the weekly Wolf Tracks emails from the school.
Questions about volunteering?
Our Volunteer Coordinator helps connect people who NEED volunteers with people who want TO volunteer. Email challengeschoolvolunteer@gmail.com with any questions.
Thanks in advance for volunteering!
View current volunteer opportunities here.
Update 11/19/2020
Given the extraordinary circumstances we are in right now, the 25 hour volunteer requirement is being changed from a requirement to a target for this school year. We do still need parent help and involvement and are grateful for any time that you are able to donate. A new activity called 'Remote Learning' has been added to HelpCounter where you can record the time you spend assisting your kids through the remote learning process.
One of the things that makes Challenge School so special is the commitment of our families to volunteer their time to the school. The school requires each family to volunteer a minimum of 25 hours per school year. This is a per family requirement, not per child. We have a very active PTCO but this is only possible through the generous volunteering efforts of our families.
We normally have numerous opportunities for you to volunteer – so many that most families end up volunteering well beyond the 25 hour minimum! Some ways you can earn volunteer hours are:
- Attend Check In, Back to School Night, Parent/Teacher Conferences and General PTCO Meetings (virtual attendance counts!)
- Drive for Immersion/Field trips
- Help out at events like Cultural Night, Fundraisers, and Bingo
- Chair or co-chair an event/activity
- Bake/cook for Staff Appreciation
How Do I Get Started?
First, set up your HelpCounter account
We are using the HelpCounter system again this year to track volunteer hours.
- If you have an account set up from last year, you are all set. These accounts have been rolled over to the new school year and you can begin recording hours.
- If you are a new family, the first step is to set up an account in HelpCounter. Go to Helpcounterweb.com/ci/volunteer and enter your information. The PTCO will receive an email to activate your account.
Second, update your Volunteering Interest Form
Once your account is active, click on Update Your Volunteering Interest Form to indicate what events/activities might interest you. This does not obligate you to work on that activity, but it is the only way we will be able to reach out to you to see if you would like to help when we start planning for that activity.
Returning families should also review this form to ensure it reflects your current interests.
Logging Your Volunteer Hours
When you complete a volunteer activity, go into your HelpCounter account and record your hours. You will be asked for the date of activity, the number of hours you donated, and the name of activity. Don’t see your activity listed? Choose At Home Activity or At School Activity, or simply email the PTCO Volunteer Coordinator to ask that we add it. Hours recorded are based on your best judgement of actual hours spent on the activity. Record your hours as soon as you can while it is fresh in your mind. Families not on track to complete the 25 hour commitment will receive email reminders during the year.
How Do I Learn About Volunteer Needs?
The best way to learn about volunteer opportunities is to fill out your Volunteer Interest Form in HelpCounter. In addition, read your email. Volunteer needs will be outlined in PTCO newsletters and in the weekly Wolf Tracks emails from the school.
Questions about volunteering?
Our Volunteer Coordinator helps connect people who NEED volunteers with people who want TO volunteer. Email challengeschoolvolunteer@gmail.com with any questions.
Thanks in advance for volunteering!
View current volunteer opportunities here.
Update 11/19/2020
Given the extraordinary circumstances we are in right now, the 25 hour volunteer requirement is being changed from a requirement to a target for this school year. We do still need parent help and involvement and are grateful for any time that you are able to donate. A new activity called 'Remote Learning' has been added to HelpCounter where you can record the time you spend assisting your kids through the remote learning process.
Available Positions
Traffic Directors
Challenge School needs volunteers to help with traffic once the school returns to full in-person learning on April 5, 2021. Six people are needed
each day to help direct traffic from 2:45pm - 3:15pm. This is a great way to get some volunteer hours for the year! Please use the following link to
sign up can be found here.
PTCO Board Nominations
The PTCO is accepting nominations for Board positions for the 2021-22 school year. Self-nominations are encouraged. The Board meets monthly to plan and organize community building events and fundraisers to support our staff, students and families. Open positions include President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Communications and Volunteer Coordinator. All positions can be filled by two people, so find a friend to do it with you or make a new friend! Contact ptcochallenge@gmail.com for more information or to make a nomination. The nominations are due by April 10th 11:59pm MT.
Traffic Directors
Challenge School needs volunteers to help with traffic once the school returns to full in-person learning on April 5, 2021. Six people are needed
each day to help direct traffic from 2:45pm - 3:15pm. This is a great way to get some volunteer hours for the year! Please use the following link to
sign up can be found here.
PTCO Board Nominations
The PTCO is accepting nominations for Board positions for the 2021-22 school year. Self-nominations are encouraged. The Board meets monthly to plan and organize community building events and fundraisers to support our staff, students and families. Open positions include President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Communications and Volunteer Coordinator. All positions can be filled by two people, so find a friend to do it with you or make a new friend! Contact ptcochallenge@gmail.com for more information or to make a nomination. The nominations are due by April 10th 11:59pm MT.
Thank you to the following families who have recorded 20 or more hours in HelpCounter as of the end of March. Your commitment to the school is greatly appreciated.
Amador
Appiah
Dykstra
Ellman
Fedorowicz
Gupta
Henry
Hultquist
Jackson
Kim
Kurup
Li
Martinez
Meech
Preston
Safiulla
Spaulding
Taylor
Torres-May
Tuley
Van de Sande
Witten
Amador
Appiah
Dykstra
Ellman
Fedorowicz
Gupta
Henry
Hultquist
Jackson
Kim
Kurup
Li
Martinez
Meech
Preston
Safiulla
Spaulding
Taylor
Torres-May
Tuley
Van de Sande
Witten
