One of the factors that can affect home prices is the schools in an area and how they grade on the state and federal tests. A lot of families don't want to live in an area where the schools are known for not being the best in the area.

But, what if you were to volunteer once a week at one of these local schools? Join S.M.A.R.T. (Start Making a Reader Today) or come in the classroom and just ask the teachers how you can help. These little things can really help the teachers focus more on what needs to be done for education instead of the little things.

Both of my parents, my grandparents, and brother have all been teachers. I have noticed that in the years the kids do the best are the years they have the most help from adults in the classroom.

 I volunteer, from time to time, in my mom's classroom as well as having volunteered for the S.M.A.R.T. program. I have to say that it can be very rewarding when someone you are teaching excels to new heights. One year I had a student move from Romania and she couldn't speak a word of English when she arrived at school and joined S.M.A.R.T. But 3 weeks later, she was speaking, reading and even wrote her first article for the school news paper. (If you don't think that impressed me, you are dead wrong!)

You can volunteer as little as one hour a week to a full day a week and whatever you put in can improve not only the school but the value of the neighborhood. For more information on volunteering at your local school, I suggest you contact the principal at the school closest to you.

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739