This month we’d like to recognize our OMS Social Media Coordinator, Amanda Simkin. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, our social media content and delivery has been world-class this year. We’ve got Amanda to thank for that as she took this new PTA position and ran with it!
Amanda is also co-chairing the OMS Staff Appreciation Week this year along with all her other volunteering duties.
1) How did you decide to volunteer with the PTA? As a former teacher and school administrator, I know how important it is to build a strong relationship between school and home. After volunteering over the years as a room rep and recess supervisor and seeing how much my boys and their friends loved seeing parents/guardians like me take a more active role in their school lives, I dipped my toes a bit more into the Olive PTA this year. I also decided to lend extra support to our amazing teachers and staff this school year since they all work so hard to create a safe and engaging learning environment for students.
2) Why do you think social media is so important for our PTA communications? I can’t be the only one whose email is exploding with notifications from work, school, and sale alerts from favorite retailers! My goal as the OMS Social Media Coordinator is to help filter out the noise and highlight all of the great things that the Olive PTA is doing at the Nest. I especially love when event chairs send me photos/videos from in-school events and after-school clubs that parents/guardians typically don’t get to see so that I can then share them with the Olive community via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter in a fun and creative way. Lastly, I try to use our social media to help remind parents/guardians about spirit days and other timely school-related activities to make your hectic mornings before school a bit less chaotic.
3) What has the time commitment been for you? Since this is the first year we have had an OMS Social Media Coordinator, we are still working out the kinks. Once more PTA members use the submission forms we have in place, the time commitment will be much more manageable.
4) What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering at OMS? Taking on a PTA Chair role can be very daunting, so I recommend baby steps—volunteer for “Special Nights” at the Nest such as Bingo Night or the Earth Fair, sign up to be a room rep, chaperone a field trip, etc. Afraid that a time commitment might be too much? Volunteer along with a friend to lighten the load and provide more opportunities for creativity and communication in whichever role you choose.
If you, or someone you know, would like more information on volunteering at Olive Mary-Stitt, please contact us here and we will answer any questions you have. The positive benefits to both the volunteers and the students are enhanced by the programs we organize every year.