John Hay Elementary

Volunteer Policies & Procedures

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at John Hay! For the safety and security of our students and school community, there are a couple of requirements to fulfill before you may officially volunteer at John Hay. These include:

Background Check by WA State Patrol (submit a form & driver's license)
Proof of Auto Insurance to have on file for when you drive on a field trip.
Volunteer Button to be worn while at school.
Volunteer Guidelines to read before (and observe while) volunteering.
Volunteer Orientation Session to help new volunteers get off to a good start.

Please see below for details on each of these requirements. Questions? Feel free to email John Hay Volunteer Coordinators Lynn Baker and Susan Sweeney or call the Volunteer Office: (206) 252-2108.

Background Check (Required)

The Seattle Public School District requires that a background check be completed before you can volunteer at school. Even if you don't plan on being a regular volunteer, please fill out this form now so that if you find you have time to chaperone a field trip or help out at a classroom event, you will be able to do so.

Click here to access the Seattle Public Schools Screening Form
Request for Criminal History Information

Please fill in and return the SPS Screening Form to the Volunteer Office along with a copy of your driver's license or other valid ID. If you don't have access to a printer or copier, stop by the Volunteer Office; we have hardcopy forms on hand and are happy to make a copy of your license for you.

Please Note: Background checks are valid for two (2) years only. If you are a returning volunteer, please check with the Volunteer Office to make sure your form is still valid.

Proof of Auto Insurance (Required)

The Seattle Public School District requires that any volunteer driving children on a field trip MUST have on file in the Volunteer Office a copy of their current proof of automobile insurance. This requirement is in addition to the background check and copy of driver's license.

Please Note: Many auto insurance policies expire every six months. If you receive a new proof of insurance card before the end of this school year, please resubmit a copy to the Volunteer Office.

Volunteer ID Button (Required)

John Hay requires that all volunteers wear a Volunteer ID Button (or a temporary sticker, available in the main office) while volunteering on the school grounds. To receive your button, please request one by signing up at the Volunteer Office.

Volunteer Orientation (Suggested)

Are you new to volunteering at John Hay? If so, we suggest attending one of our Fall orientation sessions! We'll introduce you to the office staff, show you how to operate the equipment, where to find supplies, and more. We'll meet in the Volunteer Office across from the Main Office; check with the Volunteer Office for dates and times.

Volunteer Guidelines

Please observe these guidelines when volunteering. Thank you!

Sign IN and OUT in the main office every time you volunteer.
Wear your Volunteer ID BUTTON while at school.
Volunteer for the WHOLE CLASSROOM, not just your child.
Try to be QUIET and unobtrusive in the classroom. Focus on your task and limit talking with other adults (it's distracting to the class!).
Academic instruction must be left to certificated classroom personnel (district regulations). Volunteers provide GENERAL HELP AND SUPPORT.
Respect CONFIDENTIALITY. Protect and respect information you see or hear, especially pertaining to a student's work, behavior, or background.
Be courteous, exhibit good behavior, and otherwise PROVIDE A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL for our students.
Keep CELL PHONES OFF or on vibrate. If you need to take a call, please do so outside of the classroom.
While in the hall, SPEAK SOFTLY and stay clear of doorways. Voices carry into the classrooms and are distracting to students and teachers.
CONSULT THE TEACHER before bringing younger siblings or other children into the classroom with you when you volunteer.
Some teachers do not use volunteers in the classroom, but appreciate help OUTSIDE OF CLASS. Check with each teacher about his/her needs.