Adventures in Community Engagement & Volunteering

I've learned so much since that first day like we have over 85 languages spoken in our community, that our teachers are the backbone of our organization, our classified staff is our lifesavers, and our District Office folks all work in concert with schools with one unified goal; making sure that students get everything they need to succeed.

The combined efforts of all these folks make magic! They've helped students improve literacy and math scores in elementary schools across the board; just between Fall and Spring! Imagine what we can do together over the next school year.

We know that public education is the secret ingredient to leveling the playing field for children. Education is a continuously renewable resource and it reproduces itself! If we educate this generation they will continue to learn and grow and help others do so as well.

Education isn't just a product of the classroom though, it's a community effort. We know that the more folks who support our schools through volunteering, community events, fundraising, or supporting us through voting for bond measures, helps ensure student stability and success.

YOU are a vital part of helping us keep the magic in learning, no matter how you decide to participate, and as we welcome people back into schools, I want you to know that

You Belong Here and We are Reynolds!

Do you have an idea or concern about how Reynolds can support students or the wider community?  Email the Community Engagement & Volunteer Specialist Stefanie Hines at shines@rsd7.net  Do you prefer a friendly phone call to discuss your idea or concern? Call Stefanie Hines at X3215 or directly at 503-491-3460, I'm in the office Monday-Friday from 8 am-4:30 pm and if it's after hours, you can always leave a voicemail.

If you ask 10 different community engagement professionals what community engagement is; you'll get 11 different answers.

According to Google, it is " the process of working collaboratively with and through groups of people affiliated by geographic proximity, special interest or similar situations to address issues affecting the well-being of those people...."

So what does this mean for the everyday person? How can you contribute to your community efforts, stay engaged, and be informed when you have a whole life to live, bills to pay, and a whole household to take care of? It can be completely overwhelming to think about taking on more in an age where most people are overworked and already stretched thin for time and resources. Did you know that being engaged doesn't have to mean giving up a whole evening or weekend to volunteer or fundraise? Community engagement can be as simple as taking a survey, giving your opinion on a new curriculum or programming, or even voicing your concerns on access to engagement opportunities.

There have been a lot of discussions lately about who gets to have seats at the table, but it's just as important to remember who gets to make that table, you do! As valued members of the Reynolds community, we are here to serve students, staff, and our community at large. We want to make sure our decisions reflect our vibrant and diverse surroundings but we need your help to do that.

Now, why is it important? We are always looking for ways to communicate engagement opportunities to the public and create events and committees that will provide value and deliver results for students and families. We rely on input from our students, families, and community to make important decisions on programs, budgets, and other resources for students, families, and community members. We need all your voices in those conversations, we need all your talents and collective wisdom to ensure we are making the best decisions for the Reynolds community.

Do you have an idea or concern about how Reynolds can support students or the wider community? Email the Community Engagement & Volunteer Specialist Stefanie Hines at shines@rsd7.net  Do you prefer a friendly phone call to discuss your idea or concern? Call Stefanie Hines at X3215 or directly at 503-491-3460, I'm in the office Monday-Friday from 8 am-4:30 pm and if it's after hours, you can always leave a voicemail.