The Power of One - orientation Tuesday

What can one hour do?

You might be surprised by the impact of what you can do in one hour once a week. Maybe it’s helping young students learn to read or playing math games with them, or perhaps it’s as simple as making copies for busy teachers.

For anyone with at least an hour to give on a regular basis, the Power of One Volunteer program wants you. We match people from the community with volunteer opportunities in Shoreline Public Schools.

As a Power of One volunteer, you support academic success, help with the development of social skills, and motivate students to become life long learners. Power of One volunteer Peg Kelley says, “I learn something new every day I come into this building … there are parts for everyone.”

Teachers appreciate the time and efforts our volunteers put in. First grade teacher Martha Nichols sees the value of community volunteers. Students get to know grown-ups, other than their teachers and parents, who care about them and their education. Research shows the more caring adults children have in their lives, the more success they have in life.  

Mr. T at Echo Lake
Photo by Martha Nichols

Who makes a good Power of One Volunteer? Someone who enjoys working with children in a school setting, is willing and able to take direction from teachers or staff, is reliable and able to commit to a regular schedule, and has a positive attitude. Our volunteers include former teachers, college students, grandparents; family friends, and neighbors who like to connect with kids and want to support education.

Benefits of joining Power of One include access to free training and resources, a school district badge, and support from volunteer coordinator Karen Kessinger, who will help you connect to the classroom / teacher / school that best fits your interests, schedule. and availability.

Becoming a Power of One Volunteer is easy—interested people simply need to fill out an application, attend an orientation and undergo a Washington State Patrol background check. More information is available online. To apply to the program, contact Karen Kessinger, 206-365-1169.  

Learn more at our fall orientation on Tuesday, September 1, 10:00am -12:00pm at the Shoreline-LFP Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE #1, Shoreline 98155. 

Begun in 1996, The Power of One Community Volunteer Program is a partnership of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center and the Shoreline school district and supported by The Shoreline Public Schools Foundation. During the 2014-15 school year, a core of about 50 Power of One Volunteers put in nearly 3,500 hours of time at Shoreline schools and programs.

The purpose of the Power of One Community Volunteer Program is to assist the Shoreline Schools to achieve excellent education for all students. We believe as caring adults we can assist all students to become successful learners.