NEWS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS UPCOMING EVENTS
July 2023
Make a difference and volunteer
during the 2023-2024 school year
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION PROCESS
2023 - 2024 Volunteer Application has launched

Whether you've been volunteering at SPS for a couple of years or just getting started, you must complete a volunteer application and background screening process for the 2023-2024 school year. Learn more 👇
Returning Volunteers
  1. Fill out the 2023 - 2024 Volunteer Application -- the volunteer application must be completed every year.
  2. After you fill out the application and we confirm we have your background checks on file, you'll receive an email confirmation letting you know you are approved.
  3. Contact the volunteer site coordinator where you plan to volunteer to connect to volunteer opportunities.
  4. Check in and out of Hall Pass each time you volunteer at a school.
New Volunteers
  1. Fill out the 2023 - 2024 Volunteer Application -- the volunteer application must be completed every year.
  2. Register online with the fingerprint portal at MACHS.
  3. Complete fingerprinting.
  4. Register with the Family Care Safety Registry.
  5. After you fill out the application and we review and approve your background checks, you'll receive an email confirmation.
  6. Contact the volunteer site coordinator where you plan to volunteer to connect to volunteer opportunities.
  7. Check in and out of Hall Pass each time you volunteer at a school.
Processing of volunteer background checks can take 3-4 weeks.

Begin the process early to ensure you're able to volunteer when schools starts.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Volunteer of the Year announced at the 2023 Volunteer Celebration
“I worked full time for 40 years as an accountant. I was good at my job, and I liked it. But when I retired, I realized very quickly, I've got to do something.

When I retired, my daughter-in-law was a teacher at Bingham Elementary School. She said that she could always use some help in her classroom, so I decided I would become a Retired Seniors Volunteer Program volunteer. That was seven years ago. I can still remember at the training, they were asked how long I was a teacher, and I told them that I was an accountant, but I’ve always loved working with kids.

I love doing this. The kids I worked with two years ago will come up and give me a hug. The kids all know me; I’m Ms. Nancy. I have four students who I work with: 30 minutes per child per week, helping them with reading or math. The program is called the Math and Reading Buddies, but I’m not just helping with math or reading, I’m building a relationship with the students I see at my little table in the hallway.

The Math and Reading Buddy Program provides the curriculum. I have activities I can do with them, and they’re all designed to help students gain confidence. Even if they don’t know the answer, they know they can try. I don’t always know the answer, but I’m always there. I’m always telling them that they did a great job.

Being with the kids is its own reward, and volunteering at a school is very rewarding. But when I heard my name called as the Volunteer of the Year, I was so surprised. I’ve probably spent more than 1,000 hours volunteering at Bingham since I started. I’d be here every day, whatever they needed. But there are so many other amazing Math and Reading Buddy volunteers who are at their schools and work more hours than me. There are so many volunteers who do more.

If you are looking to do something, to have purpose, I’d definitely recommend being a Math and Reading Buddy at a school. It’s been wonderful. I love spending time with the kids, being productive, and I think I make a difference. I’d recommend the Math and Reading Buddy Program through the Council of Churches to anyone. The kids need you.”

--Nancy Henderson, 2023 SPS Volunteer of the Year and Council of Churches Math & Reading Buddy at Bingham Elementary School
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
To help support students, SPS is launching its yearly campaign – Ready. Set. Supply! – to collect donations of school supplies so all SPS students and teachers can start the year off right.
Back to School Bash Volunteers Needed
Springfield Public Schools Back to School Bash is an event for students and families to get resources and information to start a successful 2023-2024 school year. The Back to School Bash will be held on Saturday, July 29 at the Springfield Expo Center. This event will offer backpacks, hygiene kits, groceries, immunizations, connections to community resources, and more! SPS is dedicated to providing district families with the support they need. The event is open to all SPS students and families.

We need volunteers to fill various positions to help support the event. To volunteer, please fill out this form by July 15.
Community Partnership Opportunity
Foundation for Springfield Public Schools + SPS
SPS Ambassadors transforms community members into SPS champions. This unique, year-long program is an innovative partnership with the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools and SPS. Apply now to become a member of SPS Ambassadors Class 3. To learn more, visit SPS.org/ambassadors.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Important Dates to Remember
Saturday, July 29 -- Back to School Bash, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Springfield Expo Center

Tuesday, Aug. 22 -- First Day of School

Monday, Sept. 4 -- Labor Day, No School
VOLUNTEER REMINDERS
  • Remember to check in and out of Hall Pass each time you are in a school building. We track volunteer hours and want to ensure we have correct data for recognition purposes. 

  • After you receive email confirmation of your approval status, reach out to your school’s volunteer site coordinator regarding volunteer opportunities!

  • If you will no longer be available to volunteer for SPS, email jbblake@spsmail.org so that your name is removed from the fingerprint system.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO SPS!
Springfield Public Schools
417-523-0000
#supportSPS