Schools

The pay? Satisfaction

A parent and two retirees enhance Richey Elementary and Marchman, but it's a two-way street.

By MICHELE MILLER, Times Staff Writer
Published September 26, 2007

- For Maribel Hernandez, volunteering has a lot to do with being a good role model for her five children.

Seven years ago she and her family came to this country from Mexico. All had a limited command of the language. But since attending English classes with her two oldest children, Hernandez has found a niche.

These days, Hernandez spends 15 to 20 hours a week at Richey Elementary, where her three youngest children attend. She helps teachers with the new Spanish immersion program and helps to translate for other Hispanic families at conferences and the like.

"It's great," she says of her time in the classroom. "The children are very happy. They want to know everything, the colors, how to say, "How are you?"

Volunteering also helps Hernandez with her own language skills. "I'm still trying to learn English," she says. "Everything is new for me, but I'm still learning."

- Retirement and the need to do something positive launched Rita and Bob Aguis into volunteering stints at Marchman Technical Education Center.

Well, that and the fact that their son, Rob, was the principal of the school. He has moved on to director of community, career and technical education for the school district, but his parents are still hanging out at Marchman.

Rita helps out in the culinary department. Bob does his time in the preveterinary program.

"I used to work in a bank, but I always cooked and baked," said Rita Aguis, 67. "The kids are great and so is the instructor, Mr. Kerns. It's just very rewarding, very rewarding."

Bob Aguis, 70, has been helping to build a pond with a waterfall, cages and chicken coops, and a hydroponic growing system.

"I do well with fish and ponds and stuff. I just offered my services and they accepted.

"I enjoy the kids," he added, "and a long time ago somebody told me that if one kid goes away learning something, it's worth it. That's all - just one kid."

Michele Miller, Times staff writer

Learn more

Thinking about volunteering?

Call the school of your choice or the District Volunteer Program Office at (727) 774-2207, (352) 524-2207 or (813) 794-2207. Fill out an application online and check out volunteer opportunities from Big Brothers Big Sisters to Take Stock in Children at communications.pasco.k12.fl.us/Pages/volunteer.html.

[Last modified September 25, 2007, 20:21:59]