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Tons of FUN April Fools Day ideas are circling the web - we've collected some of our favorites here for you, check 'em out:
Meatloaf Cupcakes from MeetTheDubiens.com
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Spilled Nail Polish Gag from CutOutAndKeep.net
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Water Bottle Prank from AllForTheBoys.com
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Mashed Potato Sundaes from BakeAt350.Blogspot.com
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Frozen Cereal Prank from CoffeeBreakwithLizandKate.com
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Since 1984, the New Fairfield Free Public Library has run a Summer Reading Program for children up to 18 years of age in New Fairfield, CT. Through this program, the Library has endevoured to encourage reading during summer vacation so children can maintain the level of reading skills they achieved during the preceding school year.
Today, our Volunteer Spotlight shines on Janet Caiola, Program Coordinator, who uses VolunteerSpot's free online signup sheets to coordinate an annual volunteer program.
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Please tell us about your organization and your volunteer needs.
Each year, more than 50 student volunteers spend part of their summer to help sign up children for this program and maintain reading logs over the program’s six week duration. For the past two years, we have been using Volunteerspot to schedule our student volunteers, send them e-mail reminders of their shifts, and track their community service hours. (In New Fairfield, students are required to complete 15 community service hours a year for high school).
Explain how you use VolunteerSpot to coordinate these volunteers.
Previously, all volunteers were scheduled by hand, hours tallied by hand, and letters confirming volunteer hours generated individually. Volunteerspot has streamlined this process in so many ways. Now, students can pick their own hours, volunteer hours are easily tallied, and volunteer letters confirming student hours can be generated by simply doing a mail merge. What used to take two staff members a week to achieve, now takes only a few hours.
Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?
Prior to joining the New Fairfield Library, I had used volunteerspot to schedule library volunteers at my children’s elementary school. So, when I started as the Program Coordinator at New Fairfied Library, I knew I was going to use it to schedule our student volunteers.
Anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
I have been using Volunteerspot for over 4 years in one capacity or another, and have seen it evolve from a simple scheduling tool, to an invaluable resource. Volunteerspot continues to evolve, adding new features every year. I would encourage anyone using it to reach out with your feedback and suggestions as I have found Volunteerspot staff to be very flexible and responsive. Nothing but praise.
To learn more about the New Fairfield Free Public Library, visit http://www.newfairfieldlibrary.org
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We salute Janet and all the other volunteers out there - YOU make a difference. If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at [email protected].
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As a volunteer manager or school volunteer coordinator, clear communication is key to getting more helping hands involved and sticking around. Make sure these 6 phrases are part of your vocabulary when it comes to recruiting and retaining volunteers:
1. "Can you help with . . .?" Having specific tasks and jobs for volunteers is a proven way to bring them on board quicker and more definitively. Instead of asking folks to show up at a vague time to do "something," request volunteers show up at a set time to help set up for the fundraiser, weed the community garden flower beds, sort and pack food bags, etc. This also keeps you, the volunteer coordinators, more organized and prepared for an efficient and productive volunteer experience.
2. "Bring your friends." Encouraging volunteers and school parents to come with friends, families and other groups not only increases the number of helping hands your organization has to do GOOD work, but makes the volunteer experience an even more joyous and social one. Memories are made when folks are making a difference together and what better way to have your organization remembered by potential volunteers?
3. "Sign up online, it's easy!" Making it easier for a wider pool of potential volunteers to get involved is what VolunteerSpot's free online signup sheets are all about. Easy scheduling, mobile access and being able to post signups on social media and via email are the solution to coordinating volunteers in the modern day. Plus automated reminders? Doesn't get better than that! Check out Online Volunteer Calendars today
4. "Thank you for your time." Recognize a volunteer's time and commitment with a simple in-person thank you, handwritten card, or email. This simple act of appreciation helps volunteers know that their good work is noticed and encourages them to return in the future.
5. "Join us on social media!" In the digital age, it is vital for volunteer-based organizations to stamp out a social footprint that encourages volunteers and members to get involved in their social conversation. When you ask potential volunteers to follow you online (put social handles on your website and marketing materials), you ensure that you become part of their social feeds, staying in their "world" and reminding them time and again that your group is around and needs their help.
6. "See what we've done together?" Illustrating your organization's community impact is a great way to bring volunteers onboard. Find examples, stories and pictures to share with your volunteers and donors that show how and where their time and talents are affecting the community in a positive way. Keep volunteers updated on your website, via social media and in eNewsletters; and when possible, let them know individually how their contribution is making a difference.
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Buck up those Spring fundraising dollars and add new revenue streams to your school events to boost profits and do more GOOD:
Matching Funds: What is your school raising money for? Is there a sponsor or company that would be interested in matching the funds you raise to help you reach your goal? Do research and connect with community or national organizations that are interested in helping your fundraising dollars go further. The Build Your Dream Classroom campaign from PrometheanWorld, for example, is matching school's funds for up to $3,800 towards qualifying smart technology products. More info here
Add a Product Sale: Organizing a community event like a carnival, walkathon or school movie night? Add a product fundraiser booth to this family-fun event to raise more money! See's Candies is giving away free chocolate eggs this Spring to 4 deserving schools to raise $1,000 each in a flash, enter today for your chance to win > CLICK HERE. Ends 3/27/14.
Add Incentive/Rewards: What exactly is your school's principal willing to do to help raise more money? :) Get pied in the face? Dunked? How about shave their head? Fundraisers are most productive when whole families get involved; and what better way to encourage kids to stay on their parents to contribute than with super fun (and funny) incentives from school staff! Survey your school's administration and teachers to find out how they would like to get in on the fun; boost fundraising profits by setting goal dollar amounts for families to reach at which staff will do promise to do something funny.
Socialize, Socialize, Socialize: Introduce social media into the fundraising mix to increase turnout at your fundraising event - more people can easily mean more dollars raised! A strategic social strategy, engaging your fundraising parent community on twitter and pinterest, is key in the modern day to spreading the word and getting warm bodies to your big day. More info here
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Fair, festival and carnival food is a delicious addition to your fundraiser or community event this season. Forget the cotton candy and funnel cakes and opt for "stations" where carnival staples become their own "booth" for families to spend time and have fun!
Popcorn Station: Salt, parmesan, chili powder and other select seasonings give families the option to flavor their popcorn cups to their taste; add kettle and candy corn to the mix too OR chocolate drizzle to get really creative!
Hot Dog Station: Don't forget all the fixin' like ketchup, mustard, slaw, relish, onions, cheese, you name it! This is an all-time favorite families love!
Cupcake Station: Super sweet and fun, make sure you have lots of yummy toppings for mini cupcakes including colorful icing, chocolate chips, sprinkles, cinnamon, you name it!
Sundae Station: Great for your Spring outdoor event, a Sundae station is eazy peazy - don't forget the chocolate syrup, caramel, berries, nuts, and chocolate chips. Looking for less mess? Try a shaved ice or snow cone station where patrons add their own syrups and flavors.
Corn Station: Street corn is a novelty favorite that goes well at any event; grilled or boiled, corn on a stick with butter, salt, cheese powder and other seasonings makes a great food station people will line up for.
Fruit Station: Get creative (and healthy) with a fruit station! Think fruit in small cups, fruit kebabs, chocolate covered frozen bananas and more!
Trail Mix Station: Everyone loves trail mix! Mixed nuts, raisins, m & m's, dried fruit and more make this an easy peasy food option that's pretty healthy too.
*Image via http://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2011/10/styling-rustic-popcorn-bar.html
Also see:
Fall Carnival & Festival Game Ideas
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Does your fundraiser, gala or festival have a family fun zone or kid's corner? These special areas with kid friendly activities amidst a more adult event provide a fun, creative respite powered by volunteers. Check out 10 fun activities for yours:
1) Family Photo Opp: A colorful backdrop, some oversized props and large 'frame' cutouts make this little section of your family fun zone memorable! Have a volunteer handy to take pictures for folks with their own smartphones and cameras.
2) Toss Game: It's a fact, kids like to throw things! Set up small carnival type toss games with buckets, bins or even a makeshift "toilet", more ideas here
3) Kissing Booth: We love this idea for kids and families - set up your kissing booth and have kids write down and guess how many "kisses" are in the booth (see photo on right); the winner receives a small prize!
4) Dance Party: Near the edge or just outside of the kid's area, have some fun tunes on hand for kids to come and dance with their friends. Parents will appreciate the energy release and kids will have a blast!
5) Craft Corner: Think simple crafts that don't have lots of small pieces but can be made within 5 to 15 minutes and are easy for kids to take home - i.e. friendship bracelet making station, oragami folding station, bead or macaroni jewelry station, etc.
6) Game Walk: Think a cake walk but with donated board and card games instead! Ask volunteers to donate new or gently used board games, or scour local thrift and discount stores; set up like a cake walk or auction and gets excited about winning games they can play with their family.
7) Sand Art: This sit-down activity is a kid's favorite and gives them a keepsake to take home as well. Tip: Get more out of your sand by placing small plates underneath where kids fill their bottles and have volunteers refill the stock bottles with what's left behind.
8) Tattoo/Face Paint: This novelty booth is a must-have for the kid's corner at your big event! Bulk temporary tattoos are cost-effective and super fast and simple to apply, but face paint is also fun for kids (and volunteers). Have a variety of designs handy for kids to choose from.
9) Hula Hoop: Yep, it's that easy. Have 5 to 10 hula hoops handy and watch kids make a time of it!
10) Cupcake Booth: With inexpensive toppings like sprinkels, chocolate chips and icing, kids can decorate their own mini cupcakes for a quick, sweet treat!
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Tip: Coordinate family fun zone volunteers with free online sign up sheets! Easy online scheduling, 24/7 access from computers and smartphones plus automated reminders
*Kissing Booth photo via http://briananddanaewest.blogspot.com/2011/03/kids-parties.html
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Congrats to the 2013 New Jersey American Division Football State Champions!
The Hillsborough Jr. Raiders is an independent recreational youth organization serving the community of Hillsborough, NJ, since 1992. The Jr. Raiders offers organized youth activities in flag and tackle football, cheerleading and track & field for youth in grades Kindergarten through 8th. Children in the organization learn and apply the principals of sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline and dedication - all while playing in a fun and safe environment. The Jr. Raiders offers opportunities for boys and girls of all skill levels. Their philosophy is that all children need to get into the game. Everyone plays. They believe children do not learn, improve or have fun by only doing a set minimum playing time or watching from the sidelines. Junior Raiders emphasize the fundamentals and progression of skill development, which will prepare them to participate at higher levels of competition as they progress through the different levels within their sport of choice. The Hillsborough Jr. Raiders provides Hillsborough High School student athletes that are prepared for the next level of competition and education.
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Please tell us about your organization and your volunteer needs.
Our program is run by 7 board members who comprise a "Steering Committee" and a multitude of volunteers. Families can be reimbursed for fees thru our workbond program by completing four hours of volunteer service. Our volunteers may work chains during games, monitor parking, concessions and monitor the field. We also have volunteers to help hand out equipment and transfer equipment from one field to another. We give credits to coaches as well.
Explain how you use VolunteerSpot to coordinate these volunteers.
We've been using VolunteerSpot for three years now. There is a link on our website - people can go in and sign up for tasks they feel comfortable with or at their most convenient times.
What’s one piece of advice you have for volunteers or their leaders out there?
Create a spreadsheet and sign in sheet so that you can check off your volunteers as they come in. It is hugely important to get it right.
Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?
Our lacrosse team had used it and so it was already familiar to some of our families; plus it was easy to use!
To learn more about the Hillsborough Junior Raiders, visit http://jrraiders.org/
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We salute Tiffany and all the other volunteers out there - YOU make a difference. If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at [email protected].
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See's Candies is giving four lucky winners 180 signature, chocolate eggs each in their 3 most popular flavors - chocolate butter, bordeaux, and peanut butter, yum! Winners will receive the free product shipped straight from See's and can raise $1,000 quick with a flash fundraiser held by their school, team, or group.
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“Test.” Even the very word strikes a chord, leaving the hairs on the end of our necks prickling. It doesn’t have to be that way for kids though! Whether you’re giving your child a head start on end-of-year tests or simply being proactive in her success, test prep and practice is a significant way to start making a difference in your child’s education today!
1) Ask The Teacher: Ask your child’s teacher if they have any concerns about your child's readiness for upcoming tests. They may recommend your child get some extra practice in a particular area. Find out what resources your child’s school or your district offers to help with test preparation.
2) Spectrum® Test Prep Workbooks: Tennis great Arthur Ashe said, “One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” Spectrum® Test Prep and Test Practice Workbooks from our friend and sponsor, Carson-Dellosa Publishing, boost kids’ test-taking confidence through preparation. Spectrum® Test Prep Workbooks allow your child to practice real test questions so they become familiar and comfortable with standardized test material and question formats. Available for Grades 1–8, and in both print and ebook formats, Spectrum® Test Prep and Test Practice Workbooks are a smart way to achieve test success. Spectrum® books are aligned to the Common Core and your state standards.
3) Spring Training: Spring break is a perfect time for a little test-prep practice without the pressure of other schoolwork. Whether it’s in the car on the way to the beach, or for thirty minutes at the breakfast table, practicing skills daily will help keep kid’s skills sharp and prepare them for the rest of the school year. Make it a game! You can even have your child quiz you and tell you if your answers are correct. Show your child that learning is fun and rewarding.
4) Sleep & Nutrition: We all know super busy family schedules can leave little time for proper bedtimes and perfect sit-down breakfasts, but here’s a reason to make it a priority: Studies have found that children who get at least eight hours of sleep and have a nutritious breakfast are more alert, have longer attention spans, and even get better grades. If success with final exams and end of year assessments is a goal for your family, commit to a consistent bedtime routine and breakfast–even if it’s just a granola bar on the way out the door.
5) Talk With Your Child: All kids are different. Some keep school stress to themselves; others worry openly. Either way, talk with your child when it comes to test taking. Don't brush off their worries, even if they seem unfounded. Find out why they’re feeling stressed. Are they having trouble in math? Do they worry about completing the test in time? To boost their confidence, give your child specific examples of their academic progress this year. For example, you could say: “You've gotten all As on your spelling tests" or "You brought your math grade up to a B!” If your child is truly struggling, work together and with their teacher on a plan to practice the skills they need to succeed. And above all, stay positive! Remind your child that what they believe, they can achieve!
Thanks to our sponsor:
Carson-Dellosa Publishing makes learning fun! With unique educational product lines including Spectrum® Test Prep & Practice Workbooks, Summer Bridge Activities® books, Common Core teaching materials as well as classroom décor, stickers, flashcards and more, school has never been more colorful or effective!
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The entire month of March serves as a great time to celebrate reading and find new and creative ways to get kids excited about books! Check out Levar Burton of Reading Rainbow reading to a group of elementary students, poems about books and reading, for national Read Across America Day.
"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild,
to pick up a book and read with a child."
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