This post is a continuation of my series on volunteering in local schools. If you haven’t had a chance to read the first one in the series, it’s located here.
On the fourth day of my week at Twin Lakes–the home of the Timberwolves, I had decided not to go back and help with testing. After all, that fourth day was set aside for makeup testing. And, quite frankly, I didn’t think they’d need any help for that.
As a result, I was working on a new page for Daily Teaching Tools when Ms. Flynn, the principal of Twin Lakes, called me on the telephone.
She explained that she had tried to catch me before I had left on the two previous testing days, but was unable to do so. She continued by saying that she had “something” for me and asked if I could come in for a bit.
I agreed, but I mentioned that I wouldn’t be able to come in until Friday (the day after she called me).
She said that that would be fine and that I wouldn’t need an appointment or anything as she would be readily available.
To tell you the truth, I almost didn’t go in at all–I hadn’t done this with any expectation of being compensated in any way. But, I guess my curiosity got the best of me.
When I arrived the principal’s secretary informed me that Ms. Flynn was conducting a classroom observation and would be unavailable until the end of the class period. I said that that was all right because that meant I wouldn’t have to wait more than about 20 minutes.
About 35 to 40 minutes later (principals always seem to me to run a little late), she greeted me with a grin and asked me to step into her office.
She explained that she was grateful for my assistance during the week and suggested that I become a mentor at Twin Lakes. I mentioned in reply that I would be interested in doing so ONLY if I could find a school located closer to my home.
Although she understood, she seemed to sincerely hope that I would reconsider becoming a mentor at her school.
Then, she presented me with an envelope and a Twin Lakes coffee cup stuffed with candies and chocolate. Although I didn’t open the envelope in her presence, I later found it to contain a thank you card and a Starbucks complementary drink token.
I know her heart was in the right place, but a 22 mile round trip to Twin Lakes for a coffee cup, candy, and a complementary drink?
I’m not complaining; don’t get me wrong. As I said earlier, I didn’t enter into this thing expecting any sort of compensation.
In spite of the time of year, as we hurtle through the month of May, I’m strongly considering going back into Mandarin Middle School to inquire why they didn’t take me up on becoming a volunteer in their school.
After all, Mandarin Middle is only about a 4 mile round-trip from my home.
Still, you shouldn’t have to beg to become a volunteer!
And I assure you, I will NOT beg. I just simply want to know why they haven’t taken advantage of my offer.
Coming Tuesday: My Third Visit to Mandarin Middle School
Recent Comments