Parent Volunteers “Speak Students’ Language” When It Comes to Showing They Care

It’s often the little things that make a big difference in how people feel about their day. This week, our high school students are feeling the extra pressure and fatigue that come with final exams. Many stay up late reviewing test materials and come to school with a little extra anxiety about how they’ll do.

Parent volunteers at King’s High School decided to show in a very tangible way that they care about our students’ success: They’ve been providing healthy snacks and water in the student lounge every day of finals week for the past few years. Between grueling, 2-hour exams, students gather in the lounge to relax, encourage their friends, compare thoughts and fuel their minds and bodies.

“We always try to provide a variety of healthy options that we know students like,” said parents Krissie Smith and Julie Collins who were setting up snacks on Thursday morning. “Sure, they could bring their own snacks, but we want them to know that we care about their success. Having snacks in the student lounge is also nice because it provides a place for students to meet and share their experiences.”

Parent volunteers also provide snacks to the staff and teachers once each month. Administrative Assistant Judy Kelly said, “It is always a nice surprise to walk into the teacher lounge and find treats and snacks set up for us. Our parents are so thoughtful. It just puts an extra lift in my step that day.”