NEWS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS UPCOMING EVENTS
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Building Safety and Security is Our Number One Priority
Please remember to check in and out of Hall Pass each time you are in your building. This is important for several reasons. The primary reason we use Hall Pass is to ensure the safety and security of students and staff. We need to know who is visiting and volunteering at our schools at all times. Hall Pass is the district’s tool to track this. The secondary reason we ask volunteers to check in and out is to track volunteer hours. We want to ensure we have correct data for recognition purposes and to be able to show volunteer impact across the district at the end of each year.
NEW this year to help volunteers remember to check in and out: volunteers will receive a lanyard from the building site coordinator upon check in. When volunteers leave the building, you need to check out of Hall Pass and return the lanyard. We feel this will remind everyone of the important step to check out before leaving the building. Volunteers should wear the printed badge from Hall Pass and the lanyard at all times when volunteering.
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Ruth Brooks has volunteered at SPS for more than 12 years |
When Ruth Brooks and her husband moved to Springfield after retirement, she knew she couldn’t just sit at home. She enlisted the help of her sister to find a place to volunteer her time. “My sister Googled ‘places to volunteer in Springfield,’” said Ruth. A few opportunities popped up that interested Ruth, who was former preschool teacher for 38 years in California.
She soon started volunteering at Newborns in Need and with the Council of Churches Reading Buddy program helping students in Springfield Public Schools. Ruth has been volunteering every Tuesday and Wednesday for two hours a week since 2011. She said her favorite part of volunteering with SPS students is seeing student's progress. “All of the sudden the lightbulb goes off and you see them being able to sound out letters and words.”
Mrs. Rachelle Certain, kindergarten teacher at Field Elementary, nominated Ruth to be featured. “She’s been with me 11 years. She’s very consistent. She shows up and builds authentic relationships with students,” said Certain. “Ms. Ruth is one more person in their corner.”
When asked why she continues to volunteer week after week, Ruth said “Because I love the kids.”
Volunteers like Ruth are important to Springfield Public Schools by building relationships and assisting teachers with extra support in the classroom. We are thankful to Ruth and all the volunteers who impact students throughout the district.
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URGENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES |
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Every school in our district utilizes volunteers to help their students and staff be successful. Your support makes an impact in the district, enhancing the educational experience of our students. Whether you’re reading, mentoring, or supporting teachers at an SPS school, your role is important. As we begin 2023, we want to encourage you to get plugged in to make a difference. We have various opportunities to volunteer and can help you connect. Read below to learn about urgent volunteer opportunities to help support the district and students.
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Volunteers Needed: Help our schools Sparkle & Shine
We need volunteers to help keep our buildings clean and tidy. If you’re interested in helping our custodial team wipe down high traffic areas at a school near you, click the link below to register. We will be in contact with you to schedule time to volunteer.
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Community Partnership Volunteer Opportunities |
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The PTA Clothing Bank is looking for volunteers! Duties include sorting and hanging clothing, general cleaning and organization, supporting SPS families with check-in and shopping, and more.
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UPCOMING VOLUNTEER EVENTS |
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Volunteer Celebration Event |
SPS Volunteers who have logged more than 5 hours of volunteer time between July 1, 2022 – April 7, 2023 in Hall Pass will be invited to an end-of-year volunteer celebration event. The event will include recognition of most hours served, site coordinator recognition, volunteer partner organization of the year, and volunteer of the year. Light refreshments will be served. To be invited to this event, you must have volunteered more than 5 hours and these must be logged in Hall Pass.
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We have an opportunity for all volunteers to participate in the district’s ALICE Training. ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Training will be taught by a certified instructor with the Springfield School Police Department. Volunteers who attend the training will be empowered to respond to a violent critical incident with more confidence. All SPS staff members are required to attend a yearly ALICE Training. We’re offering the same training for APPROVED volunteers who are interested. Each training is first come, first served with a maximum of 50 participants per class. |
Thursday, Feb 16, 9 – 10 a.m.,
Roseann Bentley Administrative Center, Room 150
Thursday, April 13, 1 – 2 p.m.,
Kraft Administrative Center, Room 148
Thursday, May 11, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.,
Kraft Administrative Center, Room 148
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Remember to check in and out of Hall Pass each time you are in a school building. We track volunteer hours and want to ensure we have correct data for recognition purposes.
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After you receive email confirmation of your approval status, reach out to your school’s volunteer site coordinator regarding volunteer opportunities!
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If you will no longer be available to volunteer for SPS, email jbblake@spsmail.org so that your name is removed from the fingerprint system.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT SPS AT THIS UPCOMING EVENT |
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO SPS! |
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Springfield Public Schools
417-523-0000
#EveryLearnerEveryDay
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