Frequently Asked Questions
Who can volunteer to serve in the Broken Arrow Public School system?
Parents and patrons alike are invited to volunteer in any of the district’s 30 school sites. From the Early Childhood Centers to the High School, every site is in need of volunteers. Because student safety is our top priority, individuals wishing to volunteer must complete a volunteer contract and felony affidavit. Volunteers can complete these documents at any school site, and each site’s administrative assistant can provide the necessary notarization. Rather than fill out the same documents for every school, volunteers can request copies of their completed documents and then provide those copies to the site administrative assistant at any other site at which they volunteer.
What are some typical activities for volunteers?
The activities available to volunteers are as varied as the sites themselves. From assisting elementary teachers with classroom projects to acting as a chaperone at middle school dances, there is truly an opportunity for everyone to find their volunteering niche. Do you like to read? Enhance our students’ literacy by reading to elementary students. Not afraid of loud music and line dancing? Project Graduation may be the volunteer activity for you. To find out about the volunteer opportunities available at a particular site, simply contact the school’s Site Volunteer Coordinator.
When and where do I sign up to volunteer?
You can begin volunteering at any point during the school year by contacting the school’s Site Volunteer Coordinator and completing/returning the necessary paperwork. In addition, each site will have an opportunity for parents to sign up at Meet the Teacher, Back to School night or during schedule pick-up.
Who are the schools’ Site Volunteer Coordinators, and what are their duties?
Each school has a Site Volunteer Coordinator assigned to be the point-of-contact for volunteers at the school site. This person will work with staff to determine volunteer needs, recruit volunteers at each site, communicate information about volunteer opportunities, and keep a record of each volunteer’s contract and affidavit on file. The Site Volunteer Coordinator also manages the volunteer log database which collects and houses volunteers’ self-reported hours.
What is School Safe ID and how do volunteers use it?
School Safe ID is the security check-in system the district uses to screen visitors and ensure the safety of our students. Each guest who enters the building must scan their driver’s license, or use one of the quick-scan key tags that can be purchased at the site. If you volunteer weekly, purchasing a $5 volunteer key fob will make it easier and faster for you to check in.
When at the school in your volunteer capacity, you should always check in as a volunteer or PTA member. Using these classifications ensures that your school receives credit for all the volunteer hours you log at that site. If you are a volunteer who also serves as a substitute teacher, be sure to check in using the appropriate role. Your time as a substitute does not count toward volunteer hours, so if you are a frequent sub, you might consider purchasing a separate key fob to use when visiting the site as a substitute. If you are visiting the site for parent teacher conferences, assemblies or to have lunch with your student, you should not check in as a volunteer, but rather as a visitor. Regardless of the reason for your visit, always remember to check out.
How does volunteer service help the students?
Students whose parents and community members are involved in their education experience greater academic success. Volunteering with Broken Arrow Public Schools provides parents and community members alike with opportunities to enhance students’ learning experience. There is no shortage of opportunities to help brighten the future of a Broken Arrow Tiger.
What if I still have questions that aren’t answered here?
Please feel free to contact Lindsay Drake in Human Resources, at 918-259-5745. You may also contact your school site and ask for the Site Volunteer Coordinator.