Volunteering at JSIS

The JSIS School Community relies on the generous support of volunteerism from our parents, family members, organizations and community members. 

Whether you are volunteering in a JSIS classroom or with JSIS PTSA sponsored events, the time you volunteer can make a BIG impact for our students.   

Ways to Volunteer at JSIS

Volunteering in a JSIS classroom:  Principal Sarah’s newsletter and/or your student’s teachers will communicate volunteer opportunities sponsored by the school.  All volunteers must be approved by SPS prior to volunteering. 

Volunteering with the JSIS PTSA:   There are many volunteer opportunities available with the amazing JSIS PTSA – please visit JSIS PTSA’s Volunteer tab to learn more.  In most cases, PTSA sponsored volunteers do not need to complete the SPS volunteer application.

SPS Volunteer Approval Process

For returning volunteers:   You may renew or update your SPS Volunteer status by visiting the SPS website for Current and Returning Volunteers.  SPS migrated to a new volunteer application system this year and your previous information was transferred to the new system.  Your approved SPS volunteer application is valid for two years.  You will be notified via email about renewing your application prior to it expiring so you can renew it without interrupting your volunteer service.

For new volunteers:    Please visit the SPS website to access the Volunteer Application Process to complete the steps necessary to be screened and approved to volunteer with students.    All volunteers must be approved prior to volunteering and please allow 2 weeks to process the application.

Please contact us by emailing the JSIS office  johnstanford@seattleschools.org if you have any questions on volunteering at JSIS, the SPS volunteer approval process or if you experience any barriers to volunteer. 

How to Apply to Volunteer with Seattle Public Schools

Why Volunteer in Your Child’s School?

• Higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates
• Better attendance
• Increased motivation & self-esteem

Checklist for New Volunteers

Visit our volunteer website to:

• Review volunteer handbook
• Complete online training
• Apply securely online
• Background check required

Questions? Contact your school office or visit the SPS Volunteer page to learn more.

---

Additional Steps for Certain Volunteer Roles

The following volunteer roles require a national background check, regardless of how long the volunteer has resided in Washington:

1. Unsupervised volunteers who work with children regularly (including remote/virtual volunteers).
2. Volunteers chaperoning overnight field trips longer than three days.
3. Volunteers involved in any sports or gym activities coordinated by the school (for Athletics see *).

If situations 2 or 3 apply to you, visit the volunteer website to learn more.

* Important: Athletic coaches must apply via SPS Athletics Department.

Sports Safety

All gym and sports volunteers must be current on CPR, First Aid, Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Concussion Courses.

Field Trips

Field trip volunteers supervise students. Once approved to volunteer, request additional forms from the field trip organizer to review and acknowledge your important responsibilities.

---

Keeping Students Safe

Child Abuse Prevention

Nationally, one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before age 18. Volunteers help to protect children by learning to recognize and report potential abuse.

At SPS, each volunteer completes an online Sexual Misconduct Prevention training before start of their service.

Criminal Background Check

• If you have lived in Washington State for the past three (3) years, SPS will complete your state background check at no cost to you.
• If you came to Washington from another state in the past three years, you will need to purchase a one-time national background check.

New or newly returned to the U.S.?

Visit the SPS Volunteer page for more information.

Why is there a fee for out-of-state background checks?

Unlike our state, the federal government does not provide schools with free screening tools. SPS selected a vendor to offer secure, affordable background checks for the volunteers who need them ($21 in most cases).

---

Frequently Asked Questions

I completed an online application last year. Do I have to reapply this year?

Your online application is on file so please do not create a new application. On your second volunteer anniversary, you will receive an email with login instructions to renew your application.

Can I use my smart phone to apply?
Our online volunteer application is smart-phone friendly.

Thank you for helping create safe schools, and for your generous donation of time and talent!