Parent Volunteering
Child Protection Program
All parents, grandparents or relatives wishing to volunteer for any school sponsored activity must complete the requirements of the Child Protection Program from Archdiocese of Washington prior to participation.
Please click the button below to download the volunteer application.
Please read through the steps in the application (needed for new volunteer parents) and other information and forms you will need to take with you to be fingerprinted.
Please keep in mind that fingerprinting done for other jobs will not satisfy the Archdiocesan fingerprint requirement. Follow the instructions below to be in compliance with all Child Protection Program requirements.
Contact office@bethesda-lourdes.org if you have any questions.
Parent Recess Monitors - Volunteers Needed:
Please sign up below if you can come for an hour, 11:25am-12:30pm any day,
Monday through Friday, and watch the kids while they have their recess.
Volunteer Opportunities
OLOL Parents
At Our Lady of Lourdes School we count on our students’ parents to be our partners in their education. We recognize that the parents are the first teachers of the child, and we respect the parents’ right to make decisions and choices for their children. We provide the support and structure that the families of Our Lady of Lourdes need in today’s world as they prepare for the world of tomorrow.
We encourage parents to become involved in activities at school; to create social opportunities with other families from the school; and to participate in the many volunteer opportunities that occur.
We are committed to communicating with parents regularly through email, class newsletters, PlusPortals, by phone, and through parent-teacher conferences. We ask parents to share any concerns they might have with their child’s teachers or Mr. Long as soon as possible. Our difficulties can be solved if we work together.
Parent Cooperation
The following information is included in this handbook under the direction of the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese of Washington.
Parents/Guardians and students understand and acknowledge the Roman Catholic religious nature of Our Lady of Lourdes School. Parents/Guardians and students agree not to publicly repudiate the teachings and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, and will respect and support the unique identity that Our Lady of Lourdes derives from its Catholic faith. As the primary educators of their children, parents/guardians will not act in ways that contradict the Catholic nature of Our Lady of Lourdes School. Parents/Guardians shall cooperate fully with the school and the students shall participate in all required school programming, including instruction in the Catholic faith and attendance at Mass. As the primary educators of the students, parents/guardians agree to act in ways that promote the best interests of the church and school and will comply with the policies of the Archdiocese of Washington and Our Lady of Lourdes School.
Parent Involvement
Educational research has repeatedly concluded that successful schools are those that are supported by involved parents. Parent participation in school life emphasizes the importance of education and offers encouragement for all children.
H.S.A. – The parent organization at Our Lady of Lourdes School is the Home and School Association. In union with the principal, teachers, and staff, the HSA promotes school spirit, builds up the school community, and provides the “extras” like educational assemblies and special events. All parents are members of the HSA and each homeroom has one or two HSA representatives who help to manage events, facilitate group interactions, and build a community of faith, excellence, and service.
VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT – Services provided by parents supplement the school’s operation in many ways. Every family is expected to provide volunteer service to the school each year. This can be done at school ( helping at school sponsored events, etc.), by coaching CYO teams, providing a service, sharing a talent, or by completing work at home (washing toys, covering books). All families are expected to represent the motto of our school, “Faith, Excellence, Service”, by participating in our community building activities and supporting the work of our school. All volunteers must complete the ADW Child Protection Program. (see the school website for details)
PARENT SUPPORT OF CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES – Classroom celebrations during the school year are organized by the homeroom teacher. Grade level HSA representatives will help to organize volunteers to assist with purchasing food, set up, and clean up.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS – Children are welcome to bring cookies or cupcakes and/or juice boxes to school to celebrate their birthdays. Cakes that need to be cut or large bottles of juice can be difficult to manage in the classroom. A reminder for parents – If your child is having a birthday party, do not exclude classmates from a party. If you need help with managing a birthday party situation, please contact Mr. Long. If children are excluded, you will hear from the principal or pastor.
Students may come to school in “tag day” (out of uniform) clothing on their birthday.
SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD – Members are appointed based on recommendations and requests for volunteers. This Board provides ongoing support and advice to the Pastor and school administrators with respect to school operations, policies and procedures.
2023-2024 Volunteer Opportunities
BACK-TO-SCHOOL FAMILY PICNIC – September 8, 2023
Parent Coordinators:
BOOK FAIR – November 6-9, 2023
Parent Coordinators: Amy Brown
FALL OPEN HOUSE – October 12, 2023
Parent Coordinator: Cathleen Sherman
DONUTS FOR DADS – October 18, 2023
Parent Coordinators:
PIZZA BINGO EXTRAVAGANZA – November 17, 2023
Parent Coordinators:
GRANDPARENTS DAY – November 21, 2023
Parent Coordinator:
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA – December 2, 2023
Parent Coordinators:
WINTER OPEN HOUSE – January 30, 2024
Parent Coordinator:
MULTICULTURAL NIGHT – February 2, 2024
Parent Coordinator: Anna Rubio
SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE LUNCH & PAJAMA DAY – February 13, 2024
Parent Coordinator: Nora Reilly
SPRING OPEN HOUSE – March 7, 2024
Parent Coordinator:
MAY PROCESSION & MUFFINS FOR MOMS – May 8, 2024
Parent Coordinator:
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Please contact Mrs. Reilly (office@bethesda-lourdes.org) if either of these volunteer opportunities appeal to you:
USED UNIFORM CLOSET COORDINATOR
Parent volunteers are needed to periodically collect, organize, and store the contents of the Used Uniform Closet. If you pride yourself on your organizational skills and neatness, this volunteer position is perfect for you!
LOST AND FOUND CLOSET COORDINATOR
Parent volunteers are needed to periodically wash, clean, and organize the contents of the Lost and Found Closet. In addition, volunteers will set out the items for collection twice a year.