Enhancing, Enriching and Expanding the Opportunities at PUSD

By Tara Fort

With roughly 800 volunteers who have logged over 17,000 hours during the 2017-2018 school year at Prescott Unified School District (PUSD), it’s clear to see that it takes a special person with passion and purpose to coordinate this priceless group of community contributors. And, for Deb Prieto, a former teacher and principal with 26 years of experience in the school system, the role of Volunteer Coordinator is a perfect fit. Says colleague Rebecca Horniman, “Debbie’s passion is just one of the many reasons why the volunteer program has been so successful under her direction. She has done so much to bring new programs to the District, and she connects our community to our schools in meaningful ways that truly benefit everyone.”

Prieto feels that landing in Prescott was meant to be. She remembers visiting with her family and then later with her husband when looking for a place to retire, and says, “I wanted a way to connect with my new community, and I saw this opening in PUSD. I feel so blessed that they brought me into this amazing family. I’ve told Superintendent Joe Howard many times that if I had known about PUSD earlier in my teaching career, I would have moved here much sooner!” Prieto says that Howard leads a district that truly believes, supports and cares about every employee.  She adds, “In PUSD we believe in Every Child Every Day, and Joe gives us the guidance to support every child and the reassurance to have balance in our lives with our own families—a component that may be lost in larger districts. I have the opportunity to meet new people and showcase the fantastic accomplishments that are happening at our schools. It is rewarding to see our teachers appreciate the extra support provided by the volunteers.”

Within the District, volunteers work with small groups and individuals to improve vocabulary, reading comprehension, and math skills. The volunteers also support athletic staff, visual and performing arts programs, school librarians and office staff.  Prieto enjoys coordinating special projects and says, “I reached out to the community to support the Annual Robotics Competition at Mile High Middle School and the Annual Wellness Winter Fair to benefit the Family Resource Center. Most recently, I have been working on the Wrap-Around Restorative Attendance Program (WRAP), where volunteers work with administration and counselors to improve student attendance.”

With over 4,000 students spread over seven schools, there is no shortage of areas where a volunteer can contribute. The volunteer application process is detailed and welcoming. Once the online application is submitted and background check completed, the program then matches an approved applicant with a school and class that can benefit from the applicant’s unique skills. One volunteer says, “This has been a most rewarding experience for me! The pay is great—all the hugs I can handle!”

To find out more Debbie Prieto and the PUSD volunteer program visit www.prescottschools.com.