MADISON – The volunteer spirit in Madison is one aspect that distinguishes the city, and that helpful attitude carries strong importance on campuses of Madison City Schools.

Like all MCS campuses, Horizon Elementary School will welcome volunteers this upcoming school year. Horizon’s volunteer openings are very similar to all other campuses.

Each school’s PTA is critical in assisting in daily operations and activities, along with fundraising efforts. For structure and delegation, Horizon PTA is looking for PTA members (general members and teachers) to fill standing committee spots for the 2019-2020 school year, which opens to students on Aug. 7. 

The Family Spirit Committee keeps familiar with national PTA standards involving diversity and inclusion, immigrant families, and military families. Members interact with local businesses to schedule School Spirit nights and organize family activities.

The Spirit Wear Committee designs and orders clothing and items with Horizon images. These volunteers sell and later distribute spirit wear at open house and at some general meetings.

The Fundraising Committee plans and implements the Horizon Run, the school’s largest fundraising event. They act as liaisons for funding with business partners, like Publix, Kroger, Amazon Smile, Box Tops and others.

By joining the Hospitality Committee, a volunteer helps plan the Horizon Teacher Breakfast and distributes getting-to-know-you forms for faculty and staff. This committee organizes birthday treats for all school employees and handles special treats, like Teacher Appreciation Week.

Volunteers also coordinate Reflections, a national PTA-sponsored fine arts contest; advises room parents on their responsibilities; and can join a special committee, like special education activities or Watch D.O.G.S. or Dads of Great Students.

For information about Horizon volunteers, email hrzn.pta@gmail.com.

Madison Council of PTAs has a representative from each school’s PTA. The council encourages students’ parents and other relatives to grow partnerships among other parents and school staff. For more information, email madisoncitypta@gmail.com.

MCS leaders place safety as paramount for students and require background screens for volunteers by the Background Investigation Bureau. After completing registration, a volunteer will consent to a background check that requires personal information, like address, date of birth, Social Security number and driver’s license number.

These reports can contain criminal history, motor vehicle records or other background checks. BIB’s background check costs $15.50.

For more information, visit madisoncity.k12.al.us and scroll to the link “I Want to Volunteer.”