As opening of new schools approaches, Joplin R-8 seeks volunteer help

I hope this is not a sign of things to come.

The first day at the new East Middle School and Soaring Heights elementary schools is just four days away and earlier this week a call for volunteers was issued- by the Joplin R-8 School District's disaster volunteer coordinator.

The text of the message is printed below:

You are receiving this email because you once offered to help us after the tornado in May, 2011. Joplin schools has come a long way and we are ready to open three new schools on January 6, 2014. We have been feverously working to get ready.

We are needing volunteers to help move furniture within Soaring Heights and East Middle School. The Furniture Crew will be working every day (except Wednesday) this week from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

We will also be needing some volunteers on Thursday and Friday as many of the teachers will be moving into their classrooms on these days. We are also needing some volunteers to help with traffic control at Irving Elementary, Soaring Heights Elementary and East Middle School. You will be needed for a couple of hours in the morning and a couple of hours in the afternoon on January 6. January 7 some of the volunteers will be needed and then on January 8 a few less volunteers will be needed, so if you can only work one day, it will help! There are actually a couple of ways to sign up and help us out.

 First you can go to the web site www.joplinschools.org and click on the button on the right side of the home page entitled "Volunteer Registration". Fill out the Volunteer Registration form and click on "Submit". You will be sent an email with log in information and instructions.

When you log in you will be able to see all the opportunities to serve. All you have to do then, is to sign up for the assignment that best fits your schedule. The other way to sign up and help us out, is to simply call me at 417-825-7401. I can get a little information and make sure you are signed up for the correct assignment. There is no way that we can get this all done without you. Please help us finish the task. Thanks for thinking of Joplin Schools!

 -- Dale Peterson Disaster Volunteer Coordinator Joplin Schools Administration Building 3901 East 32nd Street Joplin, MO 64804-3312 (417) 625-5200 ext. 2031 dalepeterson@joplinschools.org

Just a couple of thoughts about Mr. Peterson's message:

1. Not that I don't trust anyone would be willing to volunteer to help with something this important, but are the volunteers being screened in any way, especially those whose help will be required after students return to school Monday?

2. A Disaster Volunteer Coordinator must have to work plenty of overtime in the Joplin R-8 School District.