Volunteer Information

How to Volunteer

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.

Read the Volunteer Types to determine if you need to complete an online volunteer application.

If you have additional questions or need assistance, please contact 360.458.6102.

Volunteer Types

Parent/Community Volunteer

An online volunteer application is required

Helping out in the classroom
Helping out in the office, library or health room
Chaperoning at a school event or attending classroom field trip
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
Putting together art or science labs

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 at tami_kirkham@ycs.wednet.edu
Cleared as a volunteer through the online volunteer application and have received your cleared status notification.

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

Volunteer Coach

YCS Student Volunteers

Yelm students who volunteer only need to sign in at the school visitor kiosk before working on campus. Terrific benefits of 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

YCS Staff Member

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

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

What is the HelpCounter App?

How can I connect with a Parent Organization at my school?

The district recognizes approved non-profit organizations that support our schools or approved ASB clubs. These groups maintain their non-profit status and provide proof of insurance to operate. All activities are coordinated with the school or club and follow the district facility use policies. Funds generated by these organizations are not part of the district budget. Any donations made by these organizations are submited to the School Board for approval ensure all board policy, state and federal lawas are followed.

Recognized parent organizations (ie. Alumni Organizations, Booster Clubs, PTAs, PTOs) are posted on each school website. Contact the individual organization if you are interested in volunteering.

NOTE: There may be other non-profit organizations that conduct activities in our community that promote supporting Yelm students. We value their work and efforts; however, the district does not oversee or facilitate their activities unless clearly promoted as a district sponsored activity or event. The use of district logos by outside organizations is not permitted.

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