Volunteering

All volunteers must report to the school office and sign in and out through the visitor management system using a government-issued photo ID. Volunteers will receive a volunteer name badge and must visibly wear it while on campus.

Volunteers may work with students, one-on-one or in groups and out of sight or hearing of supervising staff, and are required to pass a criminal history background screening. Volunteers/chaperones on any school-sponsored trip, including overnight and day trips, must be cleared through the criminal history background screening process prior to departing for, or arriving at the assigned event. District administration may require the volunteer background screening for any other situation or activity deemed appropriate.

Applicants will be notified of the approval status via email. Approved volunteer applications are good for two years.

Any applicant who has been convicted of a crime that would disqualify him/her for employment in the district, under the criteria of and GCDA-AP / GDDA-AR: Criminal Records Check / Fingerprinting shall not be accepted as a volunteer.

If a volunteer driver does not have a completed background check, a valid driver’s license, current automobile insurance, and/or has been convicted of a felony, or convicted of a misdemeanor crime involving the use or operation of a motor vehicle within the last three (3) years, the volunteer driver will not be allowed to transport students.

Volunteers provide a positive role model for our students. Clear expectations for volunteers are essential to a successful volunteer program. Volunteers must abide by the expectations listed below:

• Dependability: The ability to depend on a volunteer is an essential expectation. Students and staff look forward to the volunteer’s commitment to report to a school activity at an expected time and to complete the volunteer assignment thoroughly and enthusiastically.
• Professionalism: A volunteer is a role model for children and young adults in dress, manner, and behavior. Working in a team environment cooperatively with others and demonstrating a willingness to learn are integral parts of professionalism.
• Confidentiality: A volunteer must respect the confidentiality of sensitive information learned while volunteering. Staff members, students, and their families should not be discussed outside the learning environment.
• Communication: A volunteer’s success depends on effective communication. Asking questions and following directions are key components of communication.

A volunteer is defined as a non-paid person functioning within the policies and procedures of the district, who shall serve under the direction of the professional staff of the district to whom he/she is assigned.

A volunteer usually meets all of the following criteria:

• The individual will provide a service to the school.
• The individual will not be compensated monetarily by the district.
• The individual will be providing repeated service at any one site.
• The individual may have access to students while performing this service.

Oregon State Law requires a criminal background check for any volunteer with direct, unsupervised contact with students. Student safety is the district's top priority.

No. All volunteers must complete a background check specifically through Bend-La Pine Schools, regardless of checks completed elsewhere.

The process takes an average of 5–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your first planned volunteer date. You will receive an email with your approval or denial.

Please contact us.

Yes. Bend-La Pine Schools reserves the right to exclude any volunteer it determines would be a potential disturbance to the educational process. Volunteer status can be denied or revoked at any time.

No. The COVID-19 vaccination requirement for school volunteers was lifted on June 17, 2023. (OAR 333-019-1030)

Yes. One application covers all Bend-La Pine schools for two years. You still need a specific volunteer assignment at each school — contact each school to find out what is available.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older to apply.