District 279 Volunteer Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I Volunteer?
Determine the school where you would like to volunteer. If you know the school you would like to help, click here Volunteer Coordinator Directory.
If you would like to volunteer at a school in your neighborhood, you can find a school by searching ISD 279 map of schools to determine a school near you. Once you have determined the school where you’d like to volunteer, click on the Volunteer Coordinator Directory and complete the application for that school.
If I completed an application last year, do I need to complete another one?
Yes, a Volunteer Application Form needs to be completed every school year so we can update information and determine a volunteer’s interests. Also, our volunteer opportunities may change each school year.
The Volunteer Application Form may be downloaded directly from the school’s web page by clicking on the link for Volunteer Coordinator Directory.
When the form is completed, please return it to the Volunteer Coordinator by mail, dropping it off at the school or sending it to school with your student.
By completing this Volunteer Application form, it gives us the information we need to make a calling list. This information gives us a starting place and is not a commitment on your part.
Why Should I Volunteer?
Volunteering is an opportunity for you to show your children or the youth of our community:
- You are interested in their school life and their future
- You are committed to the community
- It is a great way to help others and develop new skills
- Meet new and interesting people and develop friendships
- Share your time and talent
- It opens communication between you and your child when you’re involved and know what is going on at school
- It’s fun
- Studies show that parent and community involvement and volunteering enhances student success
What is the purpose of your Volunteer Program?
- Support student success
- Allows teachers time to offer more individual attention to their students
- To build and strengthen the partnership between families, community and the school
- Provides volunteers an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities within the school
- Provide a safe environment
- Organize appropriate meaningful tasks for volunteers
- Involvement of a diverse population of volunteers
What do you expect from your Volunteers?
Follow the school’s guidelines and rules for the safety and protection of students, staff, and volunteers.
Volunteers are required to comply with state and federal laws, ISD 279 Procedures and Policies, and Data Privacy Laws. For more information on ISD 279 Policy and Guidelines you can click on this link.
What shouldn’t you do as a Volunteer?
Volunteers supplement and support the program, but may not:
- discuss tutored student’s progress with parents
- discuss student issues with anyone (Confidentiality is important to the integrity of our program)
- have access to student permanent record files
- diagnose student needs
- make final evaluations on student achievement
- counsel students
- discuss your own child’s progress during volunteer time
What do I do when I get to the school to volunteer?
- Volunteer Application Form should already be completed. If you haven’t completed a form, you can click here to link to the Volunteer Coordinator Directory.
- Sign in as a volunteer on the sign in sheet every time you enter the building. The staff needs to know who is in the building for security reasons, and in case of an emergency. We also record the number of volunteer hours in the school.
- Put on your visitor/name badge
A visitor/name badge must be worn at all times when you are in the building. Wearing the name badge lets the staff know you are in the building to volunteer
- Go directly to the designated location and perform the volunteer task you were instructed to help with. Staff will provide volunteer assignment instructions.
- Sign out when you leave the school. Volunteer hours are calculated and sent to the district office. We like to recognize volunteers for their contribution to the community.
- Call if you must cancel. Call the volunteer coordinator as soon as possible if you are unable to come in when you’re expected.
Don’t Forget
- Complete a Volunteer Application (EVERY School year)
- Sign in when you enter the school.
- Wear your visitor/name badge when you’re in the building.
- Go to the designated location and instructions will be provided. Ask questions if you don’t understand something.
- Sign out when you leave the school.
- If you must cancel, call the volunteer coordinator.
