Chorus members and student soloists performed at Mill Creek’s volunteer appreciation breakfast. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – This year, volunteers at Mill Creek Elementary School have improved technology, the library and outdoor classroom, to name a few. The Mill Creek staff recently showed its appreciation.

Mill Creek teachers and staff served a volunteer breakfast to about 40 mothers, fathers and a few grandmothers. Counselor Cindy Davis spearheaded the effort by preparing invitations and collecting donations from teachers for gifts.

The Mill Creek cafeteria staff catered the meal.

“Parent volunteers offer a huge resource and support base for the Mill Creek community,” Mill Creek Principal Melanie Barkley said. “Not only do students, faculty and staff reap the benefits but the volunteers benefit by interacting with teachers, administrators and other parents” regularly and better understanding their child’s daily activities.

“Our volunteers are amazing,” assistant principal Kacy McKay said. “They’re always willing to assist us in any capacity and make such a positive difference in our school. We love our volunteers.”

The breakfast’s program, “Thank You for Filling Our Buckets,” was based on the book “How Full Is Your Bucket.” Each attendee received a small bucket full of chocolate hugs and kisses. After Barkley welcomed the volunteers, Davis explained the ‘bucket’ theme.

Sixth-grader Eric Lee played “Fixing Plates” on piano. The Mill Creek Sixth-Grade Honors Chorus sang “Firefly.” Violinist Connor Wing, a third-grader, performed “Gavotte” by Bach.

Second-graders sang the “Bucket Filler Song,” while the sixth-grade chorus sang “For Good.” Pianist Eric Lee performed as the event closed.

“Our volunteers are essential to making the amazing school it is,” Barkley said. “Just this past year, they have provided resources for technology, the media center and outdoor classroom. We are very grateful for all that they do.”

This year, Mill Creek volunteers have helped with Field Day, duty-free lunches for the teachers, Maverick Mile fundraiser, teacher appreciation and staff support weeks, bus safety and Red Ribbon weeks, communication with parents, PTA meetings, restaurant nights, Box Tops for Education and Team of the Month.

Academically, volunteers assist with tutoring and in the classroom and library.