Ways to get involved
There are so many different ways you can get involved in SDoL, and we encourage parents and community members to utilize their talents and knowledge by serving as volunteers in our schools. Here are just a few examples of ways you can volunteer:
Not sure where to start?
Complete the form below and select the building in which you would like to volunteer, and we will be in touch to welcome you to our volunteer team!
Valued Volunteers training
The training serves as both the district’s required Valued Volunteers orientation and a kickoff for the Together We Read initiative.
No teaching experience is necessary. If you’re a first-time volunteer or returning to support SDoL students, the training will provide the tools and confidence needed to make every reading session meaningful.
Volunteers play an important role in helping students build literacy skills and a love of reading. By sharing your time, you can make a lasting difference in a child’s educational journey.
UPCOMING TRAINING DATES
- November 12 at Burrowes Elementary
- December 10 at Martin School
- January 14 – VIRTUAL
- February 11 – VIRTUAL
Childcare and Spanish interpretation will be provided. Childcare is for SDoL students from Pre-K to 12 years old, and must be potty-trained.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
WE WILL COVER
Participants will learn about the volunteer process while also receiving reading strategies, tips, and resources they can use when reading with students in our schools.
Valued Volunteers training registration
Valued Volunteers Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Valued Volunteer Training required before I can volunteer for field trips and ongoing opportunities?
Yes. In alignment with Board Policy 916: School Volunteers, all SDOL volunteers are required to attend a training focused on the fundamentals of volunteering in our schools and events. This training is not intended to be a burden to volunteering but an enhanced opportunity to bridge the collaboration between the school community and the district’s expectations.
Can I volunteer if I have completed my clearances but have not attended the training yet?
Not yet. Your last requirement is to complete the training.
How often do I need to attend Valued Volunteer Training?
This training is required one time. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to submit updated clearance before the clearance(s) have expired.
What topics are covered during Valued Volunteer Training?
Training materials reference volunteer expectations, literacy support, student engagement, and clearance requirements.
What clearances and trainings are required to become a volunteer?
- A State Criminal History Report, ACT 34
- Arrest/Conviction Report, ACT 24
- Child Abuse History Certificate, ACT 151
- FBI Fingerprints or Waiver (for PA resident of at least 10 years) identogo.com (for fingerprints) or Volunteer Disclosure Statement
- Mandated Reporter Training Certificate, in PA
- Policy 916 Acknowledgment Form
How long are my volunteer clearances valid?
Volunteer clearances remain valid for five years. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to submit updated clearance before the clearance(s) have expired.
Do I need fingerprints (FBI clearance)?
Volunteers who have not lived in Pennsylvania for the required 10 year period are required to complete the FBI Clearance (Fingerprints). If you have resided in Pennsylvania for ten years, the Volunteer Disclosure Statement can be submitted.
Do caregivers/ guardians/ students need volunteer clearances to participate in school events?
All families and community members are welcomed to a school event without a clearance unless you’re volunteering at the event. Our goal is to ensure the safety of all school visitors.
If I only volunteer occasionally, do I still need clearances?
Yes. If you will be volunteering for the following types of events, clearances are needed.
- Regular classroom assistance
- Individual or small group tutoring
- Student mentoring
- Recess, cafeteria, arrival, or dismissal supervision
- Library or computer lab assistance performed regularly
- Volunteer coaching or assisting an athletic team
- Advising or regularly assisting a club or student organization
- Before/After school and summer programs
- Performing arts, music, theater, or band activities when supervising students
- Overnight trips, camps, or retreats
- Field trips when the adult is assigned a group of students or responsible for supervision
- Regularly transporting students in a personal or organizational vehicle
- School-based counseling, support groups, or mentoring programs
- Regular participation in Community School programming involving students
- Volunteering in a role where the adult may be alone with students
- Any activity where the volunteer provides care, supervision, guidance, or control of students
What is the difference between a volunteer and a visitor?
Visitors are generally not required to obtain background checks when they are not responsible for a child’s welfare, visit the school irregularly, and do not provide for the care or supervision of a student.
Examples of Visitors
- A parent or guardian attending a parent-teacher conference
- Someone attending a school play
- Someone volunteering irregularly for a school event where supervision of students is not required, such as:
- Participating in a career fair
- Back to School nights
- School assemblies
- School concerts
- Guest readers
Am I considered a visitor if I attend an event with my own child?
Yes.
Do guest readers need volunteer clearances?
Guest readers were specifically mentioned in volunteer versus visitor discussions.
How do I submit my volunteer application?
To submit you’re volunteer application, visit: https://vm.navigate360.com/volunteer-portal/landing-page?id=1785
How do I upload my clearances?
To submit your clearances, visit: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1TM5WqRf8erwctohXZiWbBkgQOwZ_0n5JGpoHjSJF0yQ/edit?usp=sharing
How long does it take for my application to be approved?
Please allow a week for review by school staff.
Who approves my volunteer application?
The school’s designated office assistant or the safety coordinator when questionable records appear on the clearances.
Why was my volunteer application rejected?
Resubmissions are required when documentation is incorrectly uploaded or a record with charges that make an individual ineligible.
How do I find volunteer opportunities at my child’s school?
Volunteer opportunities are driven by the school principal.
Is Mandated Reporter Training required for volunteers? Where can I find Mandated Reporter Trainings?
Yes. Visit the following link to find mandated reporter trainings: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/keep-kids-safe/mandated-reporter-training
Can I submit a professional license instead of a Mandated Reporter Certificate?
No. A professional license does not replace the Mandated Reporter Certificate requirement. A copy of the Mandated Reporter Certificate of Completion must be uploaded.
When do I complete Mandated Reporter Training?
Prior to starting your volunteer opportunity. The certificate will be uploaded to Navigate 360.
What if I am already approved in Navigate360, but a Mandated Reporter Certificate was not required when I was originally cleared as a volunteer?
As of July 1, 2026, Mandated Reporter Training is required.
If your clearances were uploaded before this requirement took effect, you may continue to volunteer under your current approval. When your clearances are due for renewal, you will also need to upload a Mandated Reporter Certificate of Completion.
Who should I contact with volunteer questions?
For general questions about clearances, please contact:
- Serena Gergenti sgergenti@sdlancaster.org or
- Shakia Martin snmartin@sdlancaster.org
For questions about volunteer opportunities, please contact the building you wish to volunteer in.
Volunteer Agreement
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Download the Volunteer Agreement Form