Volunteer Opportunities for Parents
At Science & Arts Academy, we believe that the strength of our community is one of the greatest gifts we can offer our students. Just as our mission and philosophy call us to nurture each child’s individuality and extraordinary capacity to learn, we also know that our school thrives when parents share their time and talents in meaningful ways. Volunteering at SAA is not an expectation, but an invitation—an opportunity to model for our children the values of collaboration, responsibility, and belonging. We encourage every parent to find at least one area each year where they can contribute, knowing that each act of service, big or small, makes a difference in shaping the vibrant learning environment our gifted students deserve.
Drama Department Behind the Scenes Volunteers
How can I help?
We welcome your support in bringing our productions to life! Opportunities include volunteering to assist with costuming, props, and set building for both the fall play and spring musical.
You can also help by lending a hand with cleaning and preparing various spaces after performances, ensuring our stage and facilities are ready for the next production.
Having a list of potential volunteers will allow us to schedule a meeting—either in person or on Zoom—to outline the needs of our productions and assess everyone’s availability. Some shows require only minimal support, while others involve more complex set pieces, costumes, and props that can be challenging or time-consuming for one person to manage alone.
Contact
Steve Bayer for the fall play and Beverly Preuss for the spring musical.
Middle School Math Team Supporters
How can I help?
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Supervise and proctor tests, and review answers using a key during select Friday afternoon Math Team meetings
- Accompany students to away competitions at IMSA and Latin School
Contact
Ritesh Shah or Lisa Pang
Family & School Association Event Helpers
How can I help?
Sign up through the link in SAA’s Weekly Updates to volunteer for annual Family & School Association (FSA) events, such as Trunk-or-Treat and Field Day. We need enthusiastic helpers for set-up, take-down, and event activities!
Contact
Family & School Association or Monika Robinett
Library Assistants
How can I help?
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Assist with shelving books, performing shelf reading to ensure correct order, and preparing and processing new books.
- Support special projects such as book fairs or preparing class materials.
Contact
Kelly Burlingame
Book Fair Helpers
How can I help?
-
Get things rolling by helping with event setup
- Wrap things up by breaking down after the event
- Be the friendly face at checkout for shoppers
Contact
Kelly Burlingame or Monika Robinett
Athletics Volunteers
How can I help?
- Hit the road as a carpool driver for away basketball games
- Join the team as an assistant basketball coach
- Score points with players by bringing post-game snacks
- Lead the action as a flag football coach
- Kick into fun as a soccer coach
Contact
Steve Peter
Science Olympiad Lead Coaches
How can I help?
Volunteer as a lead coach for one of the following events — Dynamic Planet (Oceanography), Meteorology, Hovercraft, Helicopter, or Solar System — to support and guide students in learning the events and mastering the materials, and attend the Illinois Science Olympiad workshop in October to gain event insights, tips, and strategies for helping each team succeed.
Contact
Thalia Tarsinos or Kate Van Vlack
Elementary Science Olympiad (ESO) Coaches
How can I help?
- Serve as a parent coach ( Wednesday afternoons from October 1 through the end of February)
- Co-coach an event alongside another parent volunteer
- Support coaches by preparing materials, lessons, and practice tests
- Assist with copying resources to ensure everything is ready for our teams
Contact
Amy Jacobs
Community Garden Helpers
How can I help?
Later this spring, volunteers may spread compost, weed, and more! (The planting and maintenance tasks will be carried out by students as part of their science classes.)
Stay tuned for more information on how to get involved coming in early spring.
Lunchtime Support Team
How can I help?
Assist one day a week in the lunchroom (please note: parents may not sign up to supervise their child’s lunch period) by helping supervise students, lending a hand to younger students with opening drinks or food containers, and supporting a smooth and welcoming lunchtime environment.
Contact
Michelle Murphy
Recess Support Team
How can I help?
Help supervise a recess period one day a week (please note: parents may not sign up to supervise their child’s recess period) by ensuring a safe and positive environment for all students, helping manage equipment, and supporting students in following playground rules.
Contact
Michelle Murphy
Front Office Project Assistants
How can I help?
Bring materials to life by helping copy classroom resources for teachers or be a project prep pro by assembling materials for classroom activities.
Contact
Thalia Tarsinos
Reading Buddies
How can I help?
Share the joy of reading by visiting classrooms to read aloud to students, inspiring a love of books and sparking curiosity through engaging stories.
Contact
Thalia Tarsinos and classroom teacher(s)