Brentwood volunteers get their thanks

Brentwood Elementary School held its second annual luncheon last week for its army of volunteers who, throughout the school year, have donated their time to help the Mead district school.

The event was a smashing success, with about 60 attendees visiting with one another in the library, enjoying an array of fine food made by the teachers and being entertained by the school’s student and teacher musicians.

According to Sherry Hartwig, the principal intern who led a group of teachers to make the event happen, it was a great way to let the volunteers know how much the school appreciates their efforts.

“We feel our parents contribute so much to our school. And we want to let them know not just by telling them but by treating them as well,” Hartwig said.

Teachers took the opportunity during their lunch break to serve the diners, passing out punch and cake and herding them around a long table of delicious food.

When offered help by a volunteer, Karen Hayett, the school librarian who was ladling out punch, said, “Oh no! This is our chance to serve you. You just enjoy yourself.”

Each class made posters and banners and decorated the tables with balloons, stars and messages of appreciation. For a couple of hours, the library was transformed not only into an elegant luncheon setting but also a gallery of the children’s art made for the occasion.

Third-grade teacher Kendra Harper’s class, for example, had a poster with the message, “You are so handy to have around,” surrounded by paper cutouts of her pupils’ hands, each with a name and a thank-you on it.

Piano music was performed by several young pianists from the school. And second-grade teacher Marty Miller led the crowd in a singalong with a song that he had written about volunteerism. Miller composes a song, usually funny and lighthearted, every year for this occasion.

Brentwood Elementary has done various things to show its volunteers its appreciation. In the past, it has held after-school tea with cake. But because of after-school activities, many volunteers were unable to attend.

Two years ago, Principal Roger Pike and his staff decided a luncheon would be a good time when most people, mostly mothers, could attend.

Pike and his teachers say they plan to continue the tradition.

“We are amazed how much time our volunteers put in. We have no way of calculating it. But what they do is invaluable,” Pike said.

“The volunteers take a lot of the teachers’ plate. As a result, the teachers are more focused. And our children benefit, which is our ultimate goal,” he said.

“I always leave the luncheon feeling appreciated and important,” said Julie Weller, incoming Parent Teacher Student Organization president.