Volunteer Extraordinaire!

We all know the importance of volunteers in school classrooms. Their impact can be huge as can the amount of time they volunteer!

But what about a commitment that has spanned DECADES? This is true of a parent, and now grandparent, at McCollum Elementary. Mrs. Judy Martin’s four daughters all attended the school. During those years, she was active in the classroom and with PTA. But that wasn’t enough for Mrs. Martin. When one of her granddaughters entered McCollum, Mrs. Martin volunteered throughout those six years. Her younger granddaughter is in third grade and Mrs. Martin continues her tradition of service to the school.

Mrs. Martin serves as “hospitality” chair on the PTA board. This job includes chairing the December “Pancakes and Picasso” art fair (or Pavarotti if it’s a “music” year), the Family Barbeque at the end of the school year, and heading up the General Mills Box Top campaign which involves cutting and counting thousands of small coupons. She has also served on building committees and is always available to other “opportunities” that might come up which make a difference for children.

In addition, Mrs. Martin is the director of the PTA sponsored TOTAL Preschool program at McCollum. This preschool meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9:00am – 11:30am. Ten children, along with a member of their family, come to school to learn socialization skills, pre-reading and math skills, through a wide-range of hands-on projects. Mrs. Martin spends countless hours preparing for her children so she can help ensure a smooth entry into kindergarten and further school success.

Volunteer doesn’t quite encompass the time, compassion, and belief in our school that comes from Mrs. Judy Martin. She is an incredible member of our school life and our community.

Submitted by Letha Oman
THE Proudest Principal of McCollum Elementary