The copier, like most machines and technology, can be a big help and a source of frustration and stress. If you have a machine that always seems to be broken, there isn't much you can do about that. But, if you have a working machine that is causing you and your co-workers stress, there are some things you can do to lessen your frustration.
I have worked and volunteered at different schools and each one managed the copier differently. Here are a few of the ideas that I thought were helpful.
At some of my schools, teachers organized their own parent volunteers to copy stuff for them. If you do this, be sure to tell your volunteer that teachers have priority when it comes to the copier. If a teacher comes in, finish what they are copying for you and let the teacher use the machine.
At another school, the PTA organized parent volunteers called "Copycats" who copied for the entire school. There was a volunteer that came in the morning and one that came in the afternoon. Teachers filled out a form and clipped it to whatever they needed copied. The copycat made copies and put the finished copies in the teacher's mailbox.
This is an important rule that I feel should be posted on every copier in every school across America. I think it would save a lot frustration. The 15 minutes before school is for last minute copying. It is NOT for a week's worth of copying or for huge packets. Remember the golden rule and everyone will be happy!
This applies to before school and after school copying. If your school has more than one copier, one grade level should not monopolize both copiers with large packets. This is very common during test prep period.
During the school day, one copier is designated as the "planning/prep period" copier. What this means is the grade level(s) that have planning/prep period during this time have priority on this copier.
What kind of rules does your school have?