Volunteer

Parent volunteerism has always been strong at Renaissance. In addition to strong parent representation on all of its governing boards, over the years parents have served on many committees: its playground was designed with parent input; the Arts and Spanish Language program have been strengthened by parent collaboration; and every hiring committee includes parents. Parents share their skills to improve communication and the school’s publications, help out in the office, assist with art for exhibitions—and sometimes bring their skills into the classroom.

Renaissance also values its relationship with the community outside its doors. Strong curricular partnerships have developed from neighborhood people coming to the school with something of interest to offer. The culinary arts partnership with B.R.Guest Restaurants began because one of the restaurant’s executives walks past the school on his way to work every day. Business leaders of the Jackson Heights Business Improvement District have reached out to the school in various ways. Also several of the schools Board members are active and socially conscious members of the Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona neighborhoods.

Want to get involved? Renaissance launched a mentoring program associated with the National Mentoring Partnership that brings targeted middle school children together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement.

According to Greek myth and in the writings of Homer, when Ulysses was leaving his family to fight in the Trojan War, he asked his great friend, Mentor, to help his son, Telemachus, grow up during his absence.

A Mentor is an adult who, along with parents, provides a young person with support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and constructive example. Mentors are good listeners, people who care and want to help young people bring out strengths that are already there. A mentor is not a foster parent, therapist, parole officer or cool peer.

If you are interested in becoming a TEAM UP Mentor, please download the following documents that outline the program philosophy and expectations. Forward the completed application to Suzanne Arnold, Mentoring Coordinator, at The Renaissance Charter School, 35-59 81 Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372.

Questions? Contact Suzanne at jsuzannea@gmail.com.