As part of the partnership among the school, parents, and students, families of each St. Bernard's student pledge to spend thirty (30) hours in Parental Work Obligation during each school year. By volunteering in the classroom, chaperoning on field trips, or helping with school fundraisers, families get to know each other as well as the students. This helps foster a sense of community and encourages parents to get involved with their childrens' education. It also allows the school to provide activities for school families and sponsor fundraisers to help defer the school's operational costs.
Ten of the requred 30 hours must be served at the Fall Festival each September. This is one of our main fundraisers and has a long-standing tradition in our parish community as a fun-filled and profitable event. Each family is obligated to give 10 or more hours of service to the Fall Festival because it is so vital to St. Bernard's financial picture. Sign-ups for Fall Festival events are held in May at registration. Families who are new to St. Bernard's School after the May registration can stop by the school office for information about how to sign up to work at an event and meet their 10-hour obligation.
Parental Work Obligation hours are updated regularly and a report is sent home each quarter. Any family who is unable to meet the parental work obligation for the year will be assessed $50 for each hour short of the 30 hours.
All volunteers who work with St. Bernard's students must be fingerprinted and complete the on-line training course for the diocese.