Williams Elementary-Middle School recognizes classroom volunteers

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - Several teachers and administrators hosted an appreciation party Nov. 5 for Williams-Elementary Middle School (WEMS) volunteers.

Snacks, flowers, goodie bags and raffle prizes were given to the volunteers from staff and local businesses.

Second grade teacher Maya Caldwell organized the event to recognize the contributions the volunteers have made to the school and student body.

"We wanted to take a moment to celebrate all that you do for children," Caldwell said to the crowd. "In a time of budget cuts, there are less support staff positions than ever, you volunteers fill an especially important void in our school."

WEMS Principal Carissa Morrison attended the event and donated roses to show her appreciation as well. She said she enjoys seeing the consistent faces at the school and notices the impact they have on the kids.

Morrison's husband Kevin McElwee is a school volunteer who donates his time to the music and sports teams at WEMS and Williams High School.

Kindergarten teacher Natalie Mann praised two of her volunteers that help in the classroom. She said Kali Kaliche has been a volunteer for many years and helps her students do special projects on Thursday afternoons. She tutors the children who need extra help and always brings articles for show and tell. She said Kaliche encourages the children to work with their families to bring in show and tell items that reflect the sound of the week.

"I enjoy working with kids," Kaliche said. "They're very innocent and honest."

"With no classroom aides, kindergarten couldn't do the fun things they do without Ms. Kaliche's help," Mann said.

Dina Mayer is also a volunteer in Mann's classroom. Mann said Mayer spends a couple mornings a week helping students with reading. Mayer started out being an aide when her son was in kindergarten and worked as aide for eight years. She has now returned to the school as a volunteer.

Mann said Mayer is extremely patient and always willing to step up and help in any way possible.

"Kindergarten is so lucky to have volunteers who care so much for our children and want them to have a solid foundation in their learning," Mann said.

Besides classroom help, WEMS staff uses volunteers for clerical work, reading programs, athletic teams, after school clubs and lunchroom duty.

Morrison said volunteers make a huge difference in the school, especially in the younger grades, she said volunteers who can commit to certain days or hours per week are especially helpful.

"We want other to know they are not only welcome, but needed," Caldwell said. "There are so many areas of the school that would just love the extra help."