Volunteer Process

 

Thank You for Your Interest in Volunteering with Cañon City Schools

Cañon City Schools values the time, talent, and dedication of volunteers. Parents, guardians, and community members play an important role in supporting our students and enriching both academic and extracurricular programs. Volunteers help foster strong partnerships between schools, families, local businesses, and public agencies.

Authorized volunteers enhance student learning and contribute to school safety by supporting teachers and staff in a wide variety of ways — from reading with students and tutoring, to assisting with classroom activities, coaching, and chaperoning field trips.

Types of Volunteer Roles
Under the guidance of school personnel, volunteers may serve:

• Without pay, on an occasional or regular basis
• On school grounds or at other district facilities
• During the school day or at school-sponsored activities

Visitor-Level Volunteer Opportunities
For parents and community members offering occasional help, our schools use a secure entrance system called School Check-In. A state-issued ID is required to gain entry. This level of volunteer is not required to complete the full application process.

These opportunities include (but are not limited to):

• Classroom parties
• Occasional classroom support
• Attending school functions or daytime events
• Chaperoning field trips (daytime only, without student supervision responsibility)

For field trips where parents are not supervising students, a temporary visitor badge will be issued through School Check-In. In these cases, driver's licenses are not retained.

Fully Approved Volunteer Roles
A more thorough application and background check process is required for volunteers working more frequently or in unsupervised settings with students. Examples include:

• Regular in-class support (e.g., weekly reading, tutoring, or clerical help)
• Chaperoning field trips that involve student supervision or require bus travel
• Volunteer coaches (fingerprinting required, $40 fee)
• Overnight field trip chaperones (fingerprinting required, $40 fee)
• Student teachers or college field experience students
• Agency service providers meeting with students on campus
• Boys & Girls Club mentors (must provide documentation of background clearance)

How to Become a Fully Approved Volunteer

1. Submit an online volunteer application via the Cañon City Schools website
2. Human Resources will review your application and contact you with next steps, including a background check
3. Upon approval, you will receive a volunteer badge to be worn during your service and returned at the end of each visit

Please note: Volunteer service is a privilege and may be granted, denied, or revoked at the District’s discretion.

Volunteer Expectations and Policies
All volunteers must follow:

• Applicable District policies and school rules
• Directions and assignments provided by the school principal or their designee

Training will be provided as needed to help volunteers perform their roles effectively. In some cases, approved volunteers may be granted access to District computers and internet for specific tasks. Use of District technology must comply with Board Policy GBEE: Staff Use of Internet and Electronic Communications.

We deeply appreciate your willingness to support our students. Your service helps create a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment throughout Cañon City Schools.