Families are the thread that tie our educational community together. A family’s participation in their child’s school life plays an important role in that student's development. A family’s participation also fosters a rich and deep sense of community benefiting all students, while providing an enriching experience for the family members. Whether you have 15 minutes or 1 hour (or more!) we can use your help! 

Families who choose to place their children at Denali Montessori make a commitment to support the school by volunteering their time to keep the program strong. We expect families to participate a minimum of 36 hours per year, with an additional time commitment of 10 hours per year for each additional enrolled child in the family. We recognize that families have various schedules impacting how and when they help. There are many ways for family members to participate in the school both during and outside of school hours. 

Our educational and philosophical goals regarding learning necessitate family support in and out of the classroom. Having extra adults in the classroom lowers the student/adult ratio and allows teachers to differentiate instruction. Furthermore, Denali Montessori teachers often weave a common theme through the curriculum. Successful instruction of theme studies requires substantial family support both at home and in the classroom. When families help out, they also provide teachers time to develop creative experiences and learning opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. 

In short, our learning environment is dependent on a strong community of involved families. We encourage family members to seek out ways to get involved In Denali Montessori and to discover volunteer opportunities which match their skills, interests and schedule. 

Ways to Participate at Denali Montessori:

• Work in the Classroom: At all grade levels, there are opportunities to work directly with students in the classroom. Examples include providing a listening ear to budding readers or helping students practice math concepts. Other direct ways to support your student's family group include chaperoning field trips, planning class celebrations, and distributing mail. Some family members might help briefly in the classroom several times a week while other families might dedicate longer blocks of time but less frequently.

• Help Teachers in the Workroom: Volunteering “behind the scenes” in the workroom provides vital support to teachers. Tasks include sharpening pencils, cutting paper, photocopying materials, helping decorate classrooms for theme studies, displaying student work on classroom and hallway walls, and laminating art projects. Each completed task, small or large, supports the flow of daily learning activities.

• Complete At-Home Tasks: Some families find it easier to help out with tasks that can be completed at home. Examples include gathering materials for classroom projects, helping cut out materials, or creating digital flyers/graphics for the classroom. 

• Help with Schoolwide Events and Activities: There are a number of ways to get involved in efforts that benefit the entire school. Examples include organizing or participating in schoolwide events such as Art Night, Fall Carnival or Montessori Night; teaching a Mini Course; shelving library books; or supporting activities that take place after school such as tutoring, girls on the run etc. 

• Participate in PTSA: Participation in the Parent Teacher Student Association sends a strong message to our children about the importance of speaking up and being involved in collective decision-making to improve our school.

If you are not sure how to participate or where your time and skills can be used, the Office at denali_office@asdk12.org or the PTSA at denaliptsa@gmail.com