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
Martina Alkire
April 2024
Martina is recognized for being HSC's first ever official Spirit Gear Coordinator. Although she is new to the position, she jumped right in and has been instrumental in driving the spirit gear store; providing exceptional customer service to parents and teachers and helping HSC raise money towards school programming. Martina is warm and friendly, always offering to lend a helping hand. We are so lucky to have her join Cherrywood this year. We sat down for a quick Q & A with Martina:
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I'm a mother to Anderson (Kindergarten-Ms. Chiu) and little brother Spencer. I'm originally from the east coast, lived in San Francisco for 8 years, and have lived in San Jose for almost 10 years. You might see my husband riding around the Berryessa streets with 1-2 boys on his back. As a volunteer at Cherrywood I've been helping with spirit gear ordering and distribution and hope to do more as the boys get older.
Q: Why did you decide to volunteer at school?
A: I see that it really takes a village to make a good school great. From day one I saw parents on campus and involved and so willing to help. Teachers alone cannot do it all. And even before my son started school I was so eager to be part of a community, so what better way than to help offer my time, even if it's just for a small piece of the puzzle.
Q: What do you love most about volunteering?
A: I love engaging with parents from different grades and classrooms.
Q: What is a favorite memory you have of volunteering?
A: Dropping off bundles of spirit gear to the classrooms and seeing teachers in action and all the sweet children welcome me with big smiles.
Q: What is the most challenging part of volunteering?
A: Carving time after the kids were down and after my work emails were complete.
Q: What is an interesting fact about you that people may not know?
A: I've moved 24 times in my life...and I was born in Italy.
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.