Volunteer Types
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Parent Volunteer
An online volunteer application is required
- Helping out in your child's classroom
- Helping out in the office, library or health room
- Chaperoning at your child's school event or attending their classroom field trip
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Relative Volunteer
An online volunteer application is required
- Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle, sibling (over 18), other
- Relative helping out for a one time classroom/school event
- Relative chaperoning or attending a class field trip
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Community Partner Volunteer
An online volunteer application is required
- Reading to a classroom or reading one on one to a student
- Working one on one with Math students
- A guest speaker, inspiring students with career path information
- A "lunch buddy" - boosting academic growth with students during lunch breaks
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College/University Students - Observation Hours
An online volunteer application is required
Obtaining practicum college or university hours as part of a Teaching Degree
- College/Univeristy contacts Yelm Community Schools Human Resource Department at 360.458.6185 or Tami Kirkham
- Cleared as a volunteer through the online volunteer application and have received your cleared status notification.
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Non-YCS Student Volunteer
Non-YCS Students who volunteer in Yelm Community Schools will need to complete the Volunteer Application Process.
Yelm students who volunteer only need to sign in at the school visitor kiosk before working on campus.
- Volunteer hours for high school graduation requirements
- Lend a helping hand to an Elementary, Middle or High School
- Assist teaching staff with copying, correcting student papers, and/or getting future teaching materials ready
- Tutor other students
- Be a positive role model for other students and staff
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Volunteer Coach
An online volunteer application is required
- Approved by a YMS, RMS or YHS coach to be a volunteer coach with a sports team
- Approved by the District Athletic Director to be a volunteer coach with a YCS team
- Validation of cleared Volunteer Status, after you have submitted your online volunteer application
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YCS Student Volunteers
Yelm students who volunteer only need to sign in at the school visitor kiosk before working on campus.
Terrific benefits for volunteering:- Volunteer hours for high school graduation requirements
- Lend a helping hand to an Elementary, Middle or High School
- Assist teaching staff with copying, correcting student papers, and/or getting future teaching materials ready
- Tutor other students
- Be a positive role model for other students and staff
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YCS Staff Member
You do not need to fill out the online volunteer application
Contact the school office professional or the District Volunteer Coordinator to have your name added to the volunteer list of the school you are volunteering with- Chaperoning on your child's classroom field trip
- Chaperoning at your child's school event
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take to process my volunteer application?
To process your volunteer application will take anywhere from 1-10 working days.
If additional information is needed to continue to process your volunteer application, you will receive either an email or a letter mailed to you from the District Volunteer Coordinator.
Be sure to check your email Spam folder if you have not heard back about the status of your application after 10 working days. -
Why am I being asked to provide photo identification?
You may be asked to provide a copy of your photo identification to the District Volunteer Coordinator.
When the WSP results have multiple names that closely match, photo identification (with your photo and your date of birth) is required for verification to continue with your volunteer process.
You may provide your ID to the school office your student attends or to the District Office. Staff will make a copy and provide it to the District Volunteer Coordinator.
We cannot accept an ID copy through the internet. -
How do I know if I am cleared to volunteer?
Once your application has been processed and your volunteer status is cleared for the current school year, you may expect the following:
- You will receive an email verifying your approval to volunteer
- The school secretary (which you chose on your application) will also be notified you are cleared to volunteer
- Your name will appear on the schools volunteer list(s) you have chosen on your application
If you do not receive a volunteer status email after 10 working days or if you have additional questions, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 360-458-6100.
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Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 360-458-6100.
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What are the expectations of volunteers?
- You are cleared to volunteer after you have received your cleared notification
- Know who, when and where to report to, for your volunteer assignment(s)
- Sign In on the kiosk at the front office when you arrive
- Wear a volunteer badge during your entire volunteer time, to include field trips
- Observe all the school rules and regulations, follow building and district handbook guidelines, and adhere to all district policies
- Follow the school's dress code
- Use only the adult restrooms
- Young children should not be brought with you during your volunteer time
- Have consistent and regular attendance with good working relations with all staff
- Respect confidentiality. Please be discreet and trustworthy with confidential information regarding students and staff so as to not violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
- Know what to do in case of an emergency following building procedures
- Know the school's fire drill procedure and be prepared to participate in drills while on campus
- Report any concerns about a student to a staff member or building principal
- Sign Out on the kiosk when you are finished volunteering and are leaving the campus
Resources
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Online Volunteer Application
Read the Volunteer Types to determine if you need to complete an online volunteer application.
HelpCounter Volunteer App
If you have already filled out the YCS online volunteer application, you can access the online app from your personal device. This app allows you to fill out the yearly YCS volunteer application, provides you with your volunteer status and allows you to manage any information changes as needed.
How to Volunteer
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Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer with Yelm Community Schools. Volunteers are a vital part of our students' education.
To volunteer an online volunteer application must be completed. All applications are run through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) as part of the clearance process. An applicant's WATCH report must return "cleared" from the WSP in order to become a volunteer. There are other steps to complete when a report returns with a status other than cleared.
If you have additional questions or need assistance, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 360.458.6100.
2022-23 Volunteers of the Year
