Red Oak Elementary 2016-17 Volunteer Information Welcome to a new school year! We invite you to join our volunteer team in supporting the students and staff at Red Oak. Volunteers play an essential role in enriching the learning experience of our students. Research shows that students do better in school when their parents and other adults are actively involved in their education. Frequently Asked Questions What are the requirements to volunteer with Shakopee Schools? All volunteers are required to complete an application and background check form before the start of volunteer service. The online application form must be completed EACH year at EVERY school where you will volunteer. The form contains three short sections and takes only a few minutes to complete. Completing the application and becoming part of our volunteer database does not commit you to volunteer. It allows us to update you on new volunteer opportunities and enables you to use the required electronic sign-in system when you come to school to help. For the safety of our students and anyone connected with Shakopee schools, volunteers 18 years and older are subject to a criminal history background check. If you need a paper copy of the volunteer forms, contact your school s site volunteer coordinator. If I completed an application last school year, do I need to apply again? Yes, new and returning volunteers must complete an online application and background check form each year at every school where you will volunteer. Volunteer interests and contact information may change from year to year and your criminal background disclosure statement must be current. Do I need to apply if I plan to help with only one activity during the school year? Yes, this requirement applies to all volunteer service, whether it is for a single occasion or will occur on a regular basis, regardless of the program, event or activity involved. How do I apply as a volunteer? To complete the online application/background check form: 1. Visit the website of the school where you will volunteer. Under Quick Links, click on Volunteer at Red Oak. Click on Red Oak Online Application to open the application. 2. Click on Start. Complete all the requested fields including the question on criminal background history. Type your full name under the signature line. 3. Add your student s name, choose their grade and classroom teacher s name (grades K-5) or advisor s name (grades 6-12) from the drop down lists. If you have additional students at this school, click on Add a Student. Please note: The student and teacher/advisor information is very important to matching volunteers with classroom and school needs. 4. Indicate your volunteer interests. 5. Click on Submit Application (top). Once your application has been approved (usually within a few days), you will receive a welcome email. If your volunteer assignment warrants a background check, you will be contacted to complete a separate authorization form. Continued on back
FAQs continued What if I just want to chaperone a field trip later in the year, do I need to apply now? Yes, even if you are planning to volunteer for only one activity later in the school year, you need to apply NOW. By registering as a volunteer, we know you are interested and can keep you informed. Why do I have to complete an application at each of my children s schools? Each of the Shakopee schools maintains a separate database of volunteers; therefore, you must apply at each school where you will volunteer. The online application is quick and easy and takes only a few minutes to complete. What is HelpCounter? HelpCounter is the online system Shakopee schools use to help organize and track our volunteers. When the school or teacher has a volunteer need, we send an email to see if you are interested and available. The email outlines the details of who, what, when and where. If you choose to respond to the request, we will confirm your participation via email. Is the HelpCounter system secure? Yes, only system administrators with special passwords can see the information you share. Your information is encrypted and will never be shared with outside parties. What are the expectations for volunteers? Volunteers are expected to follow the district s guidelines and policies for the safety and protection of students, staff and volunteers. Please review and follow the Volunteer Guidelines found on the school district s website at www.shakopee.k12.mn.us/page/178 or follow the link to the guidelines in the volunteer application. I am new to volunteering in the schools, what roles do volunteers perform? At the elementary level, volunteers fill a variety roles from assisting in the classroom, media center or office, to working directly with students in the classroom or on field trips, to helping with activities sponsored by the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). At the secondary level, volunteer opportunities are typically more event based. As part of the online application process, you will find a list of volunteer opportunities available at your school. Thank you for your interest in volunteering. We appreciate your support! Shawn Hallett, Site Volunteer Coordinator Red Oak Elementary Elementary shallett@shakopee.k12.mn.us Red Oak Office 952.496.5952 (leave a message)
Red Oak Elementary School Volunteer Application 2016-17 School Year Complete the online volunteer application and background check forms if you have an email address. If you do not have email, complete the front and back of this form along with the Background Check Release Form. Volunteers must complete both forms (either online or paper) before they can begin volunteering in any capacity. Return paper forms to school as soon as possible. The information you provide is securely maintained and kept strictly confidential. Volunteer 1: (Please print) Last Name First Name Email (this is the primary means of contact): Best phone # to contact me during the day: ( ) Volunteer 2: (e.g., spouse, grandparent) (Please print) Last Name First Name Email (this is the primary means of contact): Best phone # to contact me during the day: ( ) Student Information: Student 1 Grade Teacher Student 2 Grade Teacher Student 3 Grade Teacher Background Check Release Form: To help us protect the safety and security of our students, the Shakopee Public Schools requires volunteers 18 years and older to complete a background check form giving the district permission to conduct a criminal history background check if your volunteer assignment warrants. A form must be completed EACH school year at EVERY school where you will volunteer. My signature below certifies that I have read the Volunteer Guidelines and agree to maintain confidentiality of student information and abide by district policies for volunteers. Signature (volunteer 1) Date Signature (volunteer 2) Date For Office Use Date received Date entered
Red Oak Elementary Volunteer Opportunities Classroom Support Work with students to reinforce basic skills or on enriched reading programs Teacher projects or clerical support Stuff Red Folders (Mondays) Note: Requests for field trip chaperones are sent home by the teacher a few weeks prior to the field trip. Workroom Support Project support (die-cut, laminate) Assemble Red Folder material (Fridays) Prepare materials at home Volunteer Pool Help with school projects and activities as needed. We will contact you to see if you are interested and available. Media Center Support Help check out/shelve books, or organize the Leveled Library. Book Fair Volunteer Help in the evenings with one of our school book fairs (spring or fall). Phy. Ed. Support Help with Mileage Club (spring or fall) or special projects. Picture Day Help Photographers with details on Picture Day, Sept. 28. Art Adventure Leader (February) Guide 3rd grade students in discussions of works of art. Training provided. Summer 2017 Assistance Help prepare mailings and back to school materials if the time fits your schedule. Red Oak Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Bingo Nights Family Dance Read-a-Thon Student Directory Teacher Appreciation Dinners Yearbook Committee Grandparents /Special Persons Day Share Your Interests If you would like to share information about your occupation, ethnic heritage, travels or life experience; please let us know and we will add your name to our list of potential speakers. School District Level Committees Get involved in district-wide decision making by serving on a committee to advise the school board on education related issues. Committees include: Curriculum Advisory Council (CAC) Community Education Advisory Council Early Childhood Advisory Council Special Education Parent Advisory Committee Special committees (formed as needed to address district-wide issues) Information on the role of these committees and the contact person is listed on the district website at: http://shakopee.k12.mn.us/page/185. Kinder/1st Grade Lunch & Recess Helper Extra adults needed to assist students at lunch and recess during the first two weeks of school. If you have questions please contact: Shawn Hallett, Red Oak Site Volunteer Coordinator, shallett@shakopeee.k12.mn.us Paulette Rislund, District Volunteer Coordinator, 952.496.5028/prislund @shakopee.k12.mn.us
Background Check Release Form - Volunteers For the safety and security of our students, Shakopee Public Schools requires all volunteers to complete a Background Check Release Form authorizing the school district to obtain a criminal history background check. The level of risk in a volunteer assignment determines whether a background check will be completed. A Background Check Release Form must be completed EACH school year at EVERY school where you will volunteer. The information you provide is securely maintained and kept strictly confidential. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY AND COMPLETE ALL FIELDS Name: Last First Middle Date of Birth: Month / Day / Year Home Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Email: Have you ever been convicted of, arrested for, or charged with any criminal offense including a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony? Yes No If yes, please explain in some detail, including what county and state and in what year. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO ENSURE PROPER TRACKING OF YOUR RELEASE FORM School where you will volunteer: Child s teacher/advisor: This release and authorization acknowledges that Shakopee Public Schools ISD 720, its agent and their associates may conduct a search and obtain any criminal or civil history record information pertaining to me which may be in the files of any Federal, State, or local criminal justice agency in any state or province or any information as deemed necessary to fulfill the volunteer requirements. I authorize the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) or other applicable state authority or the FBI (Minnesota Statute 123B.03) and any of its agents, to disclose criminal history information to Shakopee Public Schools ISD 720, its agent, and their associates for the purpose of volunteering. I understand that a photocopy of this authorization would be accepted with the same authority as the original. Signature of Volunteer Applicant Date Rev. 7/2014