A Message from SYSO Board Member Frank Grijalva about the Importance of Volunteering

As someone who has served as Head of School (Superintendent in public school terms) in three different private schools, I can attest to the fact that the help of parent volunteers was critical to creating a sense of community, and indeed, the success of the programs in my school. Much like SYSO, the schools I worked with were all non-profits, meaning that we tried to provide the best program possible, while keeping a tight control over our expenses. We were not interested in making a “profit,” and directed all our resources to make the students the beneficiaries of the tuition. Consequently, we had many opportunities for parent volunteers to step in to help us enrich the program without adding additional cost. Many wonderful programs and activities happened only because of the extra help from parents.

In my opinion, equally important to the help the school received from the many wonderful volunteers, was the impact on their own student(s). Some adolescents react less than positively when their parents volunteer in their activities. This is a natural reaction of teenagers, as they are beginning to exercise their independence from parents. However, don’t be discouraged by their protests. Your involvement in their activities signals your interest and support of their efforts. They may not express it today, but later in life they will thank you and appreciate you for being there for them.

At SYSO we have been gratified by the ever-increasing involvement of parents in support of our programs. From volunteering at various activities organized by the Parent & Guardian Association, to attending concerts and contributing to the Annual Fund, you have made SYSO a better organization. Thank you so much, on behalf of our students, the SYSO staff, and your Board of Trustees.

Francisco J. Grijalva, Ed.D.
SYSO Trustee (Head of School, The Overlake School 1995-2012)