Volunteer
There are multiple opportunities to help support our school's community and events! Check if your employer provides a donation to Cherrywood Home & School Association based on the number of hours that you've spent volunteering with us.
Cherrywood Home and School Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our non-profit tax ID# is 77-0392868.
For volunteer hours verification, email: hsc_info@cherrywoodhsc.org
Volunteer of the Month
Cherrywood Elementary is fortunate to have a very active and involved community. Many of our volunteers silently raise their hands to support the school in many ways - from the classroom to our special community events. Each month HSC would like to acknowledge the efforts and impact our volunteers make by highlighting their work and rewarding them with a Volunteer of the Month VIP parking pass. Read highlights of our previous Volunteers of the Month this year: Volunteer of the Month Newsletter
If you would like to nominate a parent, guardian, or community member who has made an outstanding contribution to our school, please contact the HSC volunteer coordinator at volunteer@cherrywoodhsc.org
Asia Mountz
May 2024
Asia is recognized for her volunteer work as a first grade Room Parent, and recently as a committee member for our Spring Fling family dance night as well as supporting the Yearbook Committee, National Chinese Language Conference event and fence beautification project. She has been resourceful, generous, and helpful in supporting HSC programs and activities. We sat down for a quick Q & A with Asia:
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I was born and raised in the SF Bay Area. I have 2 boys, one in 1st grade MI, and a two year old. We don’t speak Chinese at home, so it’s been a challenge, but it’s been amazing to see the progress my son has made. This year I’m the room parent for Ms. Hu. I was on the Spring Fling Family Dance committee and my husband, Matt, helped MC the dance. I also helped edit the yearbook, install the chain link fence beautification sign, and created the photo booth backdrop for the National Chinese Language Conference.
Q: Why did you decide to volunteer at school?
A: I have fond memories of my own mother always volunteering for the Parent Teacher Association when I was a child. It was always fun to see her on campus, and I know my son is always proud to point out to his classmates that I am at school. I have a lot of respect for the hard work the teachers and staff do, and I want to help however I can. Plus, by being involved at school, I have a better idea what my son is doing at school, since he doesn’t tell me a lot about his days!
Q: What do you love most about volunteering?
A: It gives me an excuse to be crafty, meet other parents, and feel like I’m improving my son’s school experience.
Q: What is a favorite memory you have of volunteering?
A: I decorated my car trunk both last year and this year at the Fall Festival. It’s so fun to see all the kids in their costumes trick or treating, and there are so many creative parents decorating their cars.
Q: What is the most challenging part of volunteering?
A: The most challenging thing is finding enough time, and coordinating around my younger son’s routine, since he only goes to preschool 3 days a week.
Q: What is an interesting fact about you that people may not know?
A: Our family opened a pinball arcade in San Jose (near Willow Glen) this March. I mainly run the social media pages, and we work there the 3rd weekend of each month. We were there so much over Spring Break setting up, that my youngest started calling it “Pinball Home”. It’s been a lot of work, but a lot of fun too. Come check out Game On Pinball! There is a kids class to learn to play pinball starting on Saturday mornings this June.
Without our HSC Board and parent volunteers, we could not have accomplished so much this past school year:
Vacant Positions
HSC 2024-2025 Board: President, VP, and Secretary
Volunteer Coordinator (2 Year Commitment)
Marketing Coordinator
Room Parent Volunteer for Mr. Ramirez
Safety/Traffic Patrol for morning drop off
Parent Committees (Various Time Commitment)
Sign up to be on the planning committees for:
Welcome Back Picnic
Hispanic Heritage Month
Diwali
Trunk or Treat/Fall Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival
Holiday Craft Night
Lunar New Year
Family Dance
African American History Month
Teacher Appreciation Week
Children's Day Celebration
Getting Involved is as Easy As...
Fill out the Cherrywood volunteer form here or below to let us know what type of involvement you're interested in.
Look out for an introductory email from hsc_secretary@cherrywoodhsc.org
Fill out the BUSD on-campus volunteer form & submit to the Cherrywood Elementary Office Secretary, along with TB clearance & proof of vaccination. (If signing up for any on-site volunteer opportunities.)
Volunteer FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
General Questions
Q: I want to know more about a certain committee, how do I find out?
A: You can email us at HSC_Secretary@cherrywoodhsc.org to find out more information at any time.
Q: When will I be assigned to my committee?
A: Be on the lookout for an email from HSC_Secretary@cherrywoodhsc.org upon completion of your application. We will notify you as early as possible.
Q: I am a new Parent Lead/Volunteer for a committee, where do I start?
A: Please make sure the prior lead/volunteer has handed off any documents or information you might need. Contact the HSC secretary to help set up a kick-off meeting with other committee members and Principal Choy (if needed).
Q: Do I need to take on a Parent Lead position on my own?
A: Absolutely NOT! Any committee position can be shared! Find a friend and serve together as co-leads or let us know if you would like to partner with someone and need help finding a co-leader. You can have a team as large or small as you would like. Many hands make for lighter work.
Q: Can I volunteer for more than one committee?
A: You can volunteer for as many committees as you are comfortable with.
Q: I am not comfortable having to interact with a lot of people. Are there still tasks I can do?
A: Let us know what you are comfortable with so we can work with you to meet your needs. There are several “behind the scenes” type roles that might be PERFECT for you.
Q: What if I sign up and then something happens so I can’t do the job?
A: Just let the HSC board members know as soon as possible and we will ensure you get help.
Q: What happens if there is no Parent Lead/Volunteer for an event or program?
A: If we do not have a lead/volunteer by the deadline, we will cancel the event or program. While this makes us all sad to think about having to cancel things, it is not sustainable for us to keep taking on more without the needed additional volunteers.
Q: Do I have to be a member of HSC to volunteer? Do I have to volunteer if I join HSC?
A: You do not have to join HSC to volunteer, nor do you have to volunteer if you join HSC. Becoming an HSC member will allow you to have a voice in our activities.
Q: How do I verify my volunteer hours for my employer?
A: Check with your employer for any volunteer verification forms. Note: There are companies that reward your volunteer hours with donation currency, which you can give to a charity of your choice.
Provide your employer with the following information
Non-profit Organization Name: Cherrywood Home and School Association
Non-profit tax ID #: 77-0392868
Address: 2550 Greengate Dr., San Jose, CA 95132
Contact Person for Verification: Nhu-y Nguyen, HSC President
Contact Email: HSC_info@cherrywoodhsc.org
Contact Phone: (408) 923-1915
Cultural Events Committees:
Q: What type of commitment are you expecting from parents?
A: Every cultural event available has a certain execution date. Volunteers are needed to begin planning the event 3-4 months prior (Planning Board) and execute the event (Prep and Day-of). Some parents may just want to be part of the planning portion, others may want to help on the day or prepare materials. It is up to the parent to decide and communicate how they will commit their time in the committee.
Year Round Parent Committees
Q: What type of commitment are you expecting from parents?
A: 1 school year commitment is requested of those interested in year round committees. However, we can work with you to determine any alternatives should you need any accommodation.