What is The Big Event?
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The Big Event was introduced in 1982 at Texas A&M University and has become the largest one-day, student-run service project in the United States.
Modeled after Texas A&M's program, The Big Event in Keller ISD will also be a one-day service project open to all KISD students, their parents and guardians, teachers, and staff members from all of our 42 campuses. Each campus will participate in various service activities, which will be age- and grade-level appropriate, and will vary from campus to campus and community to community.
Our event is designed to not only join and unite our district together through service-oriented activities, but also to tangibly say, "Thank you," to those in the community who support the District.
Please click below for answers to frequently asked questions about The Big Event!
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When is The Big Event?
Keller ISD’s inaugural The Big Event will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024. Two time slots will be available for the convenience of our participants: 9-11 a.m. and 12-2 p.m.
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Is The Big Event mandatory?
No. While not mandatory, though, we would love to have as many families, students, teachers, and staff participate in this day of giving back. This is a great opportunity for our students who are members of service organizations such as National Honor Society (NHS), Eagle Scouts, etc. to earn service hours.
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How do I know what my job will be?
Each campus (and each group within a campus) will work with The Big Event’s chairpersons and campus liaisons to determine which project(s) will be available to each campus and/or group(s) on campus. A sign-up list will be housed on Keller lSD's secure Web store, where individuals can sign up to volunteer through their home campus.
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Are the jobs on- or off-campus?
Both. Due to age, most elementary schools will have the majority of their jobs on-campus, while some of the older grades will have more off-campus opportunities. Each job will be age- and grade-level appropriate.
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How long will each job last?
The duration of each job will depend upon the job type, the number of volunteers present, etc. However, we ask that you only stay for the allotted time slot and not any later.
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What is a typical "job?"
Jobs and projects will vary from campus to campus, grade level to grade level, and school community to school community. However, each job will be safe and appropriate for our volunteers. Volunteer projects may include:
- Picking up trash on the roadways outside a school;
- Singing to residents at nursing homes or assisted living facilities;
- Making food bags for the homeless;
- Assisting at Community Storehouse;
- And much more — the opportunities are endless!
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Do parents have to be there with their kid(s)?
This is a family-centered event, so we’re asking that parent(s)/guardian(s) attend with their children, if at all possible. However, we know that schedules might not align, so we kindly ask that, if you’re not able to volunteer with your child(ren) on the day of the event, to please let your campus know.
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What if I want to do a job that is not listed?
We love that you want to give back! However, we’re asking that only the jobs selected through The Big Event be completed on this day.
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What if I'm in one feeder pattern and want to do a job listed in another feeder pattern?
In order to be most effective for our communities and promote campus unity, we kindly ask that students and their families sign up for jobs through their assigned campus.
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My school is doing a certain job, but my schools' sports team/club/organization is doing another. Which do I choose?
Whichever you’d like! Some coaches/sponsors might ask team/group members to join together to do a certain job, but it’s up to you to determine which job you’d like to complete (unless otherwise specified by your coach/sponsor).
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I have children at two different schools that are serving on projects at the same time. What do I do?
This is a family-centered event, so please do what works best for your family’s schedule!
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I have children at two different schools that are serving on projects at two different times. Can my family go to both?
Absolutely! We would love to have as many people volunteering as possible on this day of service. However, if one time slot is preferable for your family’s schedule, please attend the time that works best for you. We want this day to be fun, not stressful!
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I am a teacher at one school, but my child goes to another school. Which school do I volunteer with on this day?
Whichever you prefer! If the timing works out, feel free to do both (if you can)! Some principals might ask their staff members to join together at their home campus to do a certain job, but it's up to you to determine which job you'd like to compete (unless otherwise specified by your principal).
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I'm a member of a church or organization listed where volunteering is taking place, but my campus isn't the one volunteering there. What do I do?
There will be other opportunities to give back and volunteer with your church and/or organization. The Big Event is intended to be a time to give back through Keller ISD, and we’re asking that only the jobs selected through The Big Event be completed on this day.
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I or one of the volunteers in my group need special accommodations. What do I do?
Please make note of your accommodation when signing up so we can best support your needs.
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What do we need to provide for our job(s)
Our community partners must be able to provide supplies for their projects. Unless otherwise noted, you are all that you need to provide for your job!
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Will you offer service hours credit for this event?
Yes! We will happily sign off on hours completed on the day of the event, Saturday, April 6, 2024. Information on how to submit those hours will be communicated by your sponsor.
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Where will check-in be on the day of The Big Event?
Check-in will be held at the volunteer location, whether at an on- or off-campus location. A sign-in/sign-out sheet will be provided at each location.
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What if there is rain or inclement weather?
In case of rain or inclement weather on the day of The Big Event, a district-wide notification will be distributed and information will be posted to our website (www.KellerISD.net/TheBigEvent).The jobs that can be completed will be. However, we have a make-up day scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2024, if needed.
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What if I need to leave a job site early?
If you need to leave a job site early, please inform your principal, coach, and/or job site “leader,” and be sure to sign out. Unaccompanied minor students will not be released early without prior authorization.
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I can't be there on the day of The Big Event, but I want to participate. What can I do?
We are so sad you won’t be able to be there! Unfortunately, unless there is inclimate weather, the event will not be made up. However, we are hoping that The Big Event will become an annual event in KISD, so stay tuned! We do encourage you to find a way your family can give back and serve your community on another day.
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Will food and drinks be offered?
Some job site locations may offer light snacks and drinks, but others might not. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own water and/or snacks, but please be cognizant of the dietary restrictions of others (e.g. tree nuts).
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What do I wear?
We ask that each student and staff participant wear their designated campus T-shirt. If you’re volunteering on behalf of a school club, team, or organization, please wear the shirt for that club, team, or organization. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
