Volunteer Application Form
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
9/21/2021
Q1. Why is the Volunteer Application Form being required now?
A1. The primary purpose is to ensure the safety of our students and staff by screening the individuals who are allowed to interact with students and staff on campus. We already have a screening process in place for employees and substitutes; the Volunteer Application Form ensures that we can screen the individuals who are volunteering on our campuses. Safety and security are top priorities for our school district, and parents should feel confident knowing that volunteers have been reviewed and approved prior to being allowed on campus.
Q2. Who needs to complete the Volunteer Application form?
A2. Anyone who wants to volunteer for an on-campus or off-campus school-related activity must complete the Volunteer Application Form. Examples include (but are not limited to) classroom volunteers, volunteers at athletic events, volunteers at VAPA (visual and performing arts) events, volunteers on field trips, and volunteers at PTA events.
In certain limited circumstances, it is possible that a volunteer may be working on a project that requires no interaction with students or staff. An example might be managing the webstore for the PTA’s spirit wear collection, or decorating the campus for Red Ribbon Week on a Saturday where no students or staff are present. In these limited circumstances, a completed Volunteer Application Form is not required.
Q3. I just want to attend a PTA meeting on campus. Does that make me a volunteer?
A3. No. There is a difference between visitors and volunteers. Attendees at things like PTA meetings, coffee with the principal, parent-teacher conferences, etc. are considered visitors. The Volunteer Application form is not required for visitors.
Q4. How long will it take for my Volunteer Application to be approved?
A4. Generally within 2 to 3 school days. We’ll approve new requests as quickly as possible; the approval may take longer than usual at the first launch of our new process.
Q5. Why do I need to upload my Driver’s Licence if I also have to scan it at the Lobbyguard kiosk on campus?
A5. The uploaded Driver’s Licence is used during the screening process for volunteers, to match against a database of sex offenders.
Separately, when a visitor or volunteer scans a Driver’s License on campus at the Lobbyguard kiosk, it is used to verify your identity.
Q6. How do you ensure the security of my information, including the security of the documents I upload?
A6. As with all information collected by the District (for example, via Aeries), all reasonable measures are taken to ensure your privacy and security.
Q7. Can I transport students in my own vehicle as a volunteer?
A7. Only with administrator approval and if adequate insurance coverage is maintained. The site administrator will be responsible for collecting insurance information in these cases.
Q8. If I am a volunteer and also a staff member, am I required to fill out the Volunteer Application form?
A8. No, as you are already vetted and approved to be on campus.
Q9. If I am a volunteer and a substitute, am I required to fill out the Volunteer Application form?
A9. No, as you are already vetted and approved to be on campus.
Q10. Why must I upload my COVID-19 Vaccination Record to be eligible to volunteer?
A10. Per the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) August 11, 2021 Public Health Order, school volunteers in the State of California are required to show proof of vaccination status or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. We do not have the capacity at this time to manage a testing program for unvaccinated volunteers; if you are unvaccinated and wish to volunteer, you may indicate this on the form and we’ll let you know if this option becomes available at some point in the future. We’re excited to welcome volunteers back to campus, and will ensure that all current CDPH policies and mandates are followed.