Volunteering for Springfield Township

The School District of Springfield Township values the unique contributions made by parents, guardians and community volunteers to the educational and extracurricular programs of the school district.  Accordingly, the Board encourages the use of parent/guardian and community volunteers, subject to certain requirements and procedures as set forth in Board Policy 916.

Definition of a Volunteer

A volunteer is defined as an adult, whose role is more than that of a visitor, who voluntarily offers a service to the district without receiving compensation from the district.  A SDST student who would like to volunteer in SDST schools are not subject to these requirements.  A volunteer need not be a parent/guardian of a student enrolled in the school district. 
There are two (2) classifications of volunteers:
 
1. Position Volunteer: an adult applying for or holding an unpaid position with a school or a program, activity or service, as a persona responsible for the child's welfare or having direct volunteer contact with children. Examples include but are not limited to:
  • Field trip chaperones
  • Supplemental assistance to student
  • Volunteer Coach or Activity Advisor
  • Recess/lunch support
2. Guest Volunteer: an adult who voluntarily provides a service to the district, without compensation, who (1) works directly under the supervision and direction of a school administrator, a teacher or other member of the school staff; and (2) does not have direct volunteer contact (care, supervision, guidance or control of children and routine interaction with children).  Examples include but are not limited to:
  • Assisting with classroom or building special events/celebrations, assemblies or concerts
  • Mystery Reader
  • Collecting tickets at events
  • Working concession stands
  • Participating in "Career Day"
Holding the position of a volunteer is not a right, but a privilege conferred upon the volunteer by the Board, acting through the building principal of each school within the school district.  Please note that you must check in each time you volunteer and you will still be asked to provide your drivers license to be swiped through our Raptor system each time you enter a building.  All volunteers have specific requirements that need to be completed PRIOR to participating in any volunteer experience.  At the discretion of the Superintendent or designee, a volunteer's service may be discontinued at any time.
All volunteers who have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is the victim of child abuse shall make a report of suspected child abuse in accordance with applicable law, Board policy and administrative regulation.
 
Position Volunteer Approval Process:

  1. SDST Volunteer Registration and Disclosure Form - all volunteers shall be required to complete and sign.

  2. Clearances - Under amendments to the state Child Protective Services law, all volunteers who come into contact with students must obtain specific clearances.  Prior to participating in any volunteer opportunity, each SDST volunteer shall be required to complete and submit the following three clearances:
    2. Act 151: PA Child Abuse Clearance (free for volunteers) - It is suggested by the state that you submit for your clearance electronically as it will quicken the response time.
    3. Act 114: FBI Fingerprint Criminal Clearance  Your service code for volunteering = 1KG6ZJ.  If you have lived in PA for 10 consecutive years the FBI Fingerprints are waived.
  3. TB Test - PA State Code and District policy requires all volunteers to have a TB test completed if you are volunteering more than 10 hours per week.  If you will not be volunteering more than 10 hours per week, you do not need to complete the TB Test per the Department of Health.
  4. Email your completed packet (registration form, TB test and clearances) to Lottie Allen (loretta_allen@sdst.org) or click on the Book Now button at the bottom of the page to schedule a time to come and drop off your paperwork.
Guest Volunteer Approval Process:
  1. Sign up through the designee of the activity.
  2. The designee will be responsible for submitting guest volunteers for approval to the building principal or designee.

All paperwork must be received BEFORE the volunteer activity

**We can not guarantee you will be cleared if you turn in your paperwork within 5 days of the volunteer activity**

All clearances are good for 5 years from the date the clearance was issued.  Please keep an eye on your clearances and submit new clearances when they expire.

If you have any questions, please contact Loretta Allen at the District Administration office 215-233-6000 or through email at: loretta_allen@sdst.org.