Register to Volunteer at Weaver Lake
Beginning in August, before the start of each school year, volunteers will need to register to be a volunteer here at Weaver Lake. The application process is easy and the online application only takes a few minutes to fill out. Even if you're not sure that you want to volunteer, click the link above to register to ensure you get all of the information about available volunteering opportunities sent right to your inbox!
Read the Volunteer Handbook!
The district has put together a great handbook that covers all of the basics for volunteers, and many of your questions may be answered there!
FAQs:
Am I required to re-register as a volunteer each year?
Yes. Because life changes so rapidly, we need to keep our volunteer list fresh and be sure we're only sending things to those who are interested in hearing about volunteer opportunities. If you are currently registered as a volunteer, you will see an email come through in August from Raptor Technologies to remind you that it's time to renew your application. Although you can register as a volunteer at any time during the year, you're encouraged to register as early in the school year as possible to ensure that you are receiving information about opportunities as soon as school starts. We wouldn't want you to miss anything!
What sorts of volunteer opportunities are there?
Each year brings its own set of opportunities, but in a typical year you can expect requests for volunteers for things like class parties, PTO events, Vision & Hearing testing, field trips, office help, take-home projects and much more! To see what opportunities are currently available, check out the "Current Opportunities" page.
Are parents required to volunteer at Weaver Lake?
No, you are never "voluntold" here! Our school needs volunteers for many events and activities throughout the year, but you decide if an opportunity works for you or not.
Is there a Volunteer Code of Conduct?
Though there is no "contract" for this, there are a few things that we expect from all of our volunteers:
Leave judgement behind and keep an open mind regarding each child and their family, their abilities, diagnosis, culture, beliefs, values and priorities.
Keep information that you're entrusted with confidential and not share it with others.
Come to the Volunteer Coordinator if you have an concerns about things you've heard or seen so that we may find a solution together.
I'm here for the field trips! What do I need to know about those?
Each grade level goes on 1-2 field trips per year, with the majority of them happening in the spring. The requests for volunteers usually come out four weeks prior to the field trip to allow people a chance to plan ahead, take time off work, etc. Because there is usually A LOT of interest in chaperoning field trips, the chaperones are typically chosen two weeks prior to the field trip by random lottery. All volunteers who have signed up will be informed of the lottery results. All field trip volunteers are required to have an up-to-date background check on file with the district and the Volunteer Coordinator will inform you of the status of your background check, if selected to chaperone. Because field trips are an extension of the school day, we ask that all field trip volunteers fill out the Field Trip Guidelines Form once per school year.
I was not selected as a chaperone for a field trip. Can I pay my own way and meet my child at the destination anyway?
No. There are often a limited number of spots for field trip chaperones due to space capacities, etc. Having additional people join a field trip poses a potential safety concern for all of the students. Field trips are an extension of the school day and should be viewed as such, rather than being viewed as a family outing. Field trip chaperones are in charge of a group of students, not just their own. It's important for the teachers to know who those chaperones are and that they have been approved by the district to act as a chaperone. This rule applies to additional family members such as grandparents and siblings as well.
I've been asked to complete a background check. Wasn't that part of my volunteer application?
No. Although there are some background check-type questions on the volunteer application, they are only run on an as-needed basis. Typically this means chaperoning a field trip or leading small groups of students for different activities. Once cleared, your background check will stay on file and is valid for three years. The volunteer coordinator will reach out to you in the event that you need a background check.
I have a younger child that I care for during the school day. Am I allowed to bring them with when I volunteer?
Sometimes. For in-school projects like hanging art, prepping materials, etc., younger siblings are welcome to come. However, they are not permitted to come to any field trips and many other in-school events. If in doubt, just reach out to the volunteer coordinator for more information about a given event.
Can grandparents or other family members volunteer?
Yes! We love to have everyone who is interested in helping here at Weaver Lake. Whether you're a high school student looking to get required volunteer hours or a community member who just loves to help, we want you! Anyone interested in our volunteer program simply needs to follow the same volunteer registration process as parent volunteers to be included in the emails that get sent out.
I got an email about an event I'd like to volunteer for. How do I sign up?
There are typically two ways you can sign up for a volunteer opportunity. The most common is by using the Sign-up Genius link that was sent with the request for volunteers. Each event page on this website will have all the pertinent information about an upcoming event and allow you to see the dates and times that volunteers are needed. Signing up is easy and although an account is not required, we recommend all volunteers register for a free account through the site.
If there is no Sign-up Genius link, then you should respond to the email that you were sent directly. This method is often used for simpler tasks like take-home projects or events where only 1-2 people are needed in total.
I signed up for an event, but now I can't volunteer as planned. How do I change my selection on Sign-up Genius?
If you have a Sign-up Genius account, you are in control of the events you have signed up for. Simply log-in and go to the event page to edit your sign-up selection. If you do not have a Sign-Up Genius account, you can email the volunteer coordinator and they will edit your sign-up for you. We strongly recommend that all volunteers register for a free Sign-up Genius account so that you have these editing capabilities and you don't have to wait for someone to get back to you.
I'm interested in helping out as much as possible. Are there any ongoing volunteer opportunities that I can sign up for?
Yes! There is always something to be done here at Weaver Lake. Everything from shelving books in the Media Center, to collating and stapling things from the Copy Center. If you are looking for this type of opportunity, please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator directly, or check out the "Current Opportunities" page!
How do I check-in when I arrive to volunteer?
When you arrive to volunteer, your first stop will be at the kiosk near the door you enter into the front office. You will either need your state-issued ID or a QR code that is generated within the Raptor Safe app that you have downloaded to your phone. Start by selecting that you are here to volunteer on the kiosk screen, then select your function as a volunteer (classroom helper, cafeteria helper, etc. If you do not see the function that you are coming in for listed, just select the function that most closely matches). After scanning your ID or QR code, a name tag will print next to the kiosk and that name tag is to be worn and visible the entire time you are in the building to volunteer.
When you are finished volunteering for the day, you will use your printed name tag to check-out using the same kiosk.
For large or after school events, name tags are often pre-printed for your convenience and will be located at the front desk or at a specified location.
Have more questions?
We're here to help! Please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator if you have any more questions about our volunteer program!
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