When asked what motivated Dierling to become an NISD volunteer she replied, "I have always enjoyed helping the teachers, being a room parent, etc, but what inspired me to begin helping with fine arts at the school is the lack of opportunities of this kind this far out in the district that are available to the students. I began by running a Drama Club at PVE through an outside organization, but as this was costly not many students could participate. With the assistance of the music teacher we now offer this to students through the school and it is something that can help the kids in so many ways, with confidence, leadership, teamwork, setting and achieving goals, overcoming fears, besides just being plain fun. My skills and talents (and my degree in theatre and dance) complement beautifully wth our music teacher's talents so that we are able to offer our students a unique opportunity at the elementary school level."
Dierling has logged more than 150 volunteer hours since the school year started.
"The impact Amanda Dierling has had on our campus has been tremendous," Prairie View Elementary School Principal Yolanda Wallace said. "Her leadership with the Performing Arts Cub and PVE Dance Company not only allows kids to shine on stage but also builds their confidence. She has spent countless hours with choreography, stage design, costumes and line reading to make sure that the shows are of the highest quality. The undertaking is pretty overwhelming and without Mrs. Dierling, our kids wouldn't have such memorable opportunities. We are grateful for her leadership."
Dierling said what she likes most about volunteering at Prairie View Elementary is getting to know the students and seeing them develop new skills and finding talents they didn't know they had. "I like being a part of what is such a huge part of my own children's lives and feeling like I have some contribution in, hopefully, making the school an even better place for them and all the students to be."
The Northwest ISD Partners in Education program creates school-support opportunities for parents, businesses and the community by offering a wide variety of options amenable to every schedule, talent and expertise. PIE brings volunteers into Northwest ISD classrooms at each campus and all grade levels. To learn more, please visit www.nisdtx.org/pie.