Volunteering in Our Schools

Parent and community involvement is a critical part of the Baldwin-Whitehall School District's ability to provide the best overall experience for our students. Below you will find all of the information you need to know regarding how you can get involved with our schools.

Whether it be reading to a classroom of children, coaching a sports team, or sharing your experiences and skills, volunteering is an integral part of what makes our schools so successful. No qualifications are needed, beyond an interest/desire in helping out your child(ren) and their peers. Not only does volunteering foster a greater level of community spirit, it provides student learning opportunities and experiences within and beyond the classroom walls.

With your help and support, we can all come together to provide an enriching and engaging environment for our children, our families, and our greater community.

See the tabs below for information on how to: volunteer, find volunteer opportunities, and find answers to questions that you may have about volunteering

Additional Information

Volunteering Overview

There are countless ways to volunteer within the school district and several portals for getting involved. There are school PTO/PTA groups where parents volunteer to help with parties, events like the science fair, and with raising money to support activities for the children. The teachers may also directly offer opportunities for volunteering. Then there are booster groups and independent opportunities such as the parent-run Lego Club. Lastly, if you have an idea for an opportunity that will benefit the schools/students, please bring it to our attention and we will work with you on bringing it to fruition.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteer Forms and Procedures

Helpful Links

Clearances Overview-This document explains the different clearances needed and an overview of the clearance process.
Board Policy 920-This is the School Board policy regarding volunteering.
District Human Resources Page

Types of Volunteers

Limited Contact-This is the most common type of volunteer. You will need fill out the limited contact form if you meet the following criteria:
- You will be at a school fewer than 10 times and
- You will not be alone with children
Limited Contact Volunteer Form: Please note: If you plan to volunteer at multiple schools, you must complete a form for each school building.

Substantial Contact-You will need fill out the substantial contact form and obtain clearances if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You will be at a school more than ten times.
- You will be alone with students.
- You will be volunteering for an overnight activity.
- List of Substantial Contact Volunteers
Substantial Contact Forms
- Read the Clearances Overview Document.
- Fill out the Substantial Volunteer Application Form.
- Obtain your Clearances by following this document closely.
- For additional forms that may be listed in the Clearance document, please visit the District's HR Site.

Questions: If you have any questions, please read the FAQ below and/or contact your building principals for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Limited Contact Volunteer?

Limited Contact Volunteers are volunteers who will not be at one school in district more than 10 times in a school year. These types of volunteers may be assisting with PTO events, holiday parties, reading in the classroom, etc. Limited contact volunteers do not need clearances. The limited contact volunteer application must be submitted once per school year and to each school the volunteer will be assisting.

What is a substantial contact volunteer?

A substantial contact volunteer will be volunteering a particular school more than 10 times during a school year. These volunteers will be volunteering at the school often, possibly assisting with overnight trips or sporting events where the volunteer may be alone with a child at a point in time. This volunteer is required to complete the substantial contact volunteer application and obtain all applicable clearances prior to the volunteer activity. These clearances must be resubmitted to the school district every 5 years and they are good for all schools in the district.

What documents are required for a Substantial Contact Volunteer?

The required documents are listed in the Explanation of Clearances Document.

How long is the Limited Contact Volunteer Application valid?

Limited contact volunteer applications are good for the school year (i.e 2017-2018 ) in which you submitted the application.

How long are the clearances and application for a Substantial Contact Volunteer valid before you need to reapply?

All clearances and the application for a aubstantial contact volunteer are good for 5 years. Substantial contact volunteers and volunteer coaches/sponsors are required to reapply as a significant volunteer for Baldwin Whitehall School District every five (5) years. This requires reobtaining all relevant clearances.

Once I have submitted the required paperwork, how do I know if I have been approved?

All approved substantial contact volunteers and volunteer coaches will be issued a District identification badge, which identifies the holder as an approved substantial contact volunteer or volunteer coach/sponsor/chaperone. The welcome packet will be sent to the volunteer’s home. On the volunteer’s next visit to the school he or she will be given a badge. The volunteer is then required to wear the badge at all times when providing services to the School District.

When my child moves to another building within the district, is it my responsibility to inform the staff in the new building that I have clearances?

Volunteers should fill out the substantial contact form for each school building they will be assisting (clearances only need submitted once). Limited contact volunteers will need to fill out the limited contact form for each building.

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