One area to think about -- what are you doing with all that volunteer information parents give you in August and September? A big mistake is to ask for that and then not use it. Parents think of that as you not wanting help or being a clique (even though we know it's usually because we are so busy that we don't get to the lists -- ugh).

So think now about how you can use that info more effectively in the coming year:

1. Here's a great volunteer interest form to get you started.

2. And think strongly about investing in a system for organizing and using that data. Our Volunteer Manager software is made just for that. It helps you look up exactly who offered to help with what and email those folks and sign them up for jobs big and small. Our staff will be happy to walk you through a tour.