You can spot them a mile away. Perhaps it’s the lightening fast past that they walk toward a crying kid or a budding fight on the playground. Maybe it’s the look in their eyes at a Little League game or a birthday party when they are technically off duty but cannot stop scanning the scene for any sign that their help is needed. Maybe you notice them from their strong voices in the crowd, the way they seem to know every child’s name.
Or maybe it’s the vest.
Nobody wakes up and says to themselves “I want to be a Yard Supervisor at the local elementary school!” It’s not the cool job that one thinks they will be doing on the side while their kids grow up. It’s certainly not the outfit they hoped to be wearing at any time during their lives. The reflective yellow vest, while perfect for holding all the tools of the trade, and making it easy to be spotted by any TK-er or 5th grader, could not be less flattering.
But there are surprising benefits to the job that cannot be denied. Here’s just a few:
Flexible schedules – Work as much or as little as you like. Lunch shifts last from 11:55 to 1:30, but there are early morning (8:15), snack break (10:10 – 10:45) and school pick up shifts as well.
You’ll get to know your child and his/her friends. No more wondering who Sasha and Joaquin are or what is going on at the tetherball that is “so unfair”
You’ll get to know the PV teachers and staff. They’re a motley crew, but you’ll love them.
It’s a paid position. If you feel like you are at school volunteering all the time, perhaps you’re ready to get some extra dough for the effort. Who turns down getting paid for a job they are already doing?
Your impact on the social and emotional needs of the students will be immediate and obvious. Everyone wants to make a difference in the lives of future generations, but few people can find the time or know where to start. As a Yard Supervisor, you will have countless opportunities to teach life skills. Everything from anger management, to building friendships to resilience can be covered in one afternoon.
If you are lucky, they’ll call you Coach. During recess, you’ll learn the rules of 4 Square, tetherball, kickball, tag, and every variation of basketball. You have that whistle and before you know it you’ll find yourself enjoying watching good sportsmanship emerge, realizing, like every coach before you, that learning to play hard and fair really is an essential life lesson.
Pleasant Valley is currently seeking to fill Yard Supervisor positions for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year. It truly is a fun and rewarding job like no other! Schedules are flexible as you get to chose your regular shift and fill in or offer up your shift when needed.
Interested? Call or email Julie Spaan, [email protected] / 415-897-5104.