Volunteering FAQs

Q: I am a parent and I want to volunteer at Dana. What should I do?

A: Volunteering at Dana is a great way to stay connected with your child's education. Volunteerism can take many forms and we encourage parents to participate in a variety of ways. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

Download a SDUSD Volunteer Application

Download a TB Risk Assessment Questionnaire

Download a Volunteer Request Screening

Download a Volunteer Code of Conduct

The SDUSD has implemented a new mandatory procedure for processing volunteers. The purpose of this process is to better ensure the safety of all students. Volunteer participation is classified into four different categories.

CATEGORY A
Volunteers or guests who enter a school for a one-time event. This person has no unsupervised exposure or contact with children. Typical examples could include Read Across America guest reader, Principal for a Day participant, guest/resource speaker, senior exhibition panel member or other day or guest-type activity.

Screening requirements:

  • Be approved by the Dana Volunteer Coordinator
    Be able to present some form of current government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, military ID, US or other government identification)
  • Sign in on the district approved "Volunteer Sign-in Sheet" in the main office, which includes a criminal disclosure
  • Upon approval, be required to display a volunteer identification badge to be surrendered at the conclusion of the day's volunteer activity

CATEGORY B
Volunteers with group exposure who have little or no direct unsupervised exposure or contact with children. Typical examples could include non-classroom volunteers such as office helpers, non-classroom assistance, organized functions associated with school organizations such as PTA, school foundation, Site Council. Volunteer conditions are typically public settings, staff or other adults can observe at all times, no solitary time with children, and always within unobstructed view.

Screening requirements:

  • Be approved by the Dana Volunteer Coordinator
  • Be able to present some form of current government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, military ID, US or other government identification)
  • Complete and submit for approval the district School Volunteer Application
  • Be checked by designated site personnel against the California Department of Justice, Sexual Offender (Megan's Law) website (http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov)
  • Present a Tuberculosis clearance card
  • Sign in on the district approved "Volunteer Sign-in Sheet" in the main office, which includes a criminal disclosure
  • Upon approval, be required to display a volunteer identification badge to be surrendered at the conclusion of the day's volunteer activity

CATEGORY C
Volunteers with classroom exposure, who work with children and are generally supervised by district staff. This could include direct contact with supervision. Typical examples could include tutoring, classroom reading, classroom assistance, before- and after-school programs depending upon the conditions and field trip drivers. Conditions typically are classrooms or areas where staff or other adults can observe at most times. These may occasionally include short solitary time with children and short duration of obstructed view.

Screening requirements:

  • Be approved by the Dana Volunteer Coordinator
  • Be able to present some form of current government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, military ID, US or other government identification)
  • Volunteer drivers for field trips must have a current driver's license and provide documentation of automobile insurance coverage. (Refer to Administrative Procedures 4585 and 4587 regarding field trip requirements.)
  • Complete and submit for approval the district School Volunteer Application
  • Submit to a criminal background check conducted by SDUSD School Police Services to determine whether the applicant is precluded from volunteering as specified in California Education Code section 35021 et seq. In rare cases, depending upon information returned, volunteer applicants may require fingerprinting.
  • Present a Tuberculosis clearance card
  • Sign in on the district approved "Volunteer Sign-in Sheet" in the main office, which includes a criminal disclosure
  • Upon approval, be required to display a volunteer identification badge to be surrendered at the conclusion of the day's volunteer activity

CATEGORY D
Volunteers with unrestricted exposure, who work with children and may be unsupervised by district staff. This volunteer likely will have direct and unsupervised interaction with children. Typical examples could include volunteer walk-on coaches, senior high support personnel for athletics, off-site tutoring, mentoring, and overnight chaperones. Conditions typically could include an off-campus setting and unsupervised solitary time.

Screening requirements:

  • Be approved by the Dana Volunteer Coordinator
  • Be able to present some form of current government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, military ID, US or other government identification)
  • Complete and submit for approval the district School Volunteer Application
  • Submit their fingerprints to both State and National databases - conducted by SDUSD School Police Services
  • Present a Tuberculosis clearance card
  • Sign in on the district approved "Volunteer Sign-in Sheet" in the main office, which includes a criminal disclosure
  • Upon approval, be required to display a volunteer identification badge to be surrendered at the conclusion of the day's volunteer activity
  • Depending upon the category, certain processes must be completed by district staff prior to volunteering. All volunteers will be screened annually. It may take the district two or more weeks to process the application (depending upon the category).

We are very sorry, but volunteers cannot start working with students until any required processing has been completed. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to complete the necessary paperwork.

It may take the district two or more weeks to process the application (depending upon the category).

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.