NEWS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES VOLUNTEER TRAINING UPCOMING EVENTS | | Volunteer at SPS this school year! | | |
This school year, we invite you to volunteer to become a consistent part of a student’s educational journey. By volunteering four hours or more each month, you can make a lasting impact.
There are so many ways to get involved:
- Read to students and spark a lifelong love of books.
- Mentor a student and be the trusted adult who cheers them on.
- Help with field trips, class parties, field day, and more!
- Support classroom learning by lending a hand where it’s needed most.
Each school has a volunteer site coordinator who can help you learn more, answer questions, and get you started. Just reach out and they’ll connect you with the best opportunities for your time and talents.
Your time and presence matter. Just a few hours each month can open doors of opportunity and show students that their community believes in them.
Together, we can make this year unforgettable for students at SPS!
| | Volunteer Application Process | | Ready to Volunteer? Here's How to Get Started. | | |
Springfield Public Schools is grateful for the many volunteers who support SPS students each year. Whether you’re a returning volunteer or joining us for the first time, here’s what you need to know about the application process for the 2025–2026 school year.
For Returning Volunteers
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Complete the volunteer application and wait for further instruction.
- At the end of last school year, returning volunteers were asked to “opt-in” to the fingerprint "MACHS" system. Once we receive your application, we will notify you on steps you need to complete based on your opt-in status. If you are a returning volunteer and did not opt-in but want to volunteer, you will be required to complete and pay for fingerprints
- After we receive all necessary background checks, you'll receive an email conformation letting you know when you are approved.
For New Volunteers
- Complete the volunteer application.
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Register online with the fingerprint portal at MACHS and complete fingerprinting.
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Register with the Family Care Safety Registry.
- After you fill out the application and we review and approve your background checks, you'll receive an email confirmation.
These steps are essential to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and schools. Once approved, you’ll be connected with your school’s volunteer site coordinator to find opportunities where you can make the biggest impact.
Thank you for partnering with SPS to support students.
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Join us for a practical learning opportunity!
Attend one of our upcoming training events to learn how the district's schoolwide Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports (PBIS) works! During this training you'll learn simple ways to motivate students—using positive, specific feedback, clear routines, and encouraging language. We’ll practice quick strategies for greeting and transitions, offering meaningful choices, prompting expected behaviors, and responding to off-task moments without power struggles. You’ll leave with ready-to-use phrases, a pocket checklist, and ideas for reinforcing effort and belonging so every student feels seen, safe, and ready to learn. No prior experience needed—just a willingness to show up, connect, and cheer students on.
PBIS Training for Volunteers and Community Partners
- Monday, October 27, 5 - 6 p.m., Kraft Administrative Center, Room 123, Dinner will be served.
- Tuesday, December 2, 8 - 9 a.m., Kraft Administrative Center, Room 123, Breakfast will be served.
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There are countless ways to make a difference!
Whether you’re lending a hand in the classroom or helping at a school celebration, your involvement matters. Consider joining your child’s school PTA to stay connected and make a direct impact in their learning community. You can also join forces with community partners like Crosslines or Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks, organizations already making a powerful impact for SPS students and families.
No matter how you choose to give your time, you’ll be part of a network of support that helps our students thrive. Read below to learn more and connect with these opportunities so you can get plugged in today!
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Volunteer with Crosslines Math & Reading Buddy Programs
Are you looking for a meaningful way to support SPS students? Crosslines Community Outreach’s Math & Reading Buddy Programs pair adult tutors with elementary students during the school day for one-on-one help in reading or math. It’s more than volunteering – it’s a chance to support, encourage, and invest in a child’s future.
Reading Buddy volunteers work with students in kindergarten through third grade once a week for 30 minutes, reading books, practicing writing, and connecting through conversation. Math Buddy volunteers meet with first or second graders twice a week for 30 minutes, using games and hands-on activities to build foundational number skills.
You don’t need to be an educator or have prior experience. Crosslines provides all the training and materials you’ll need to make a difference.
To find out more about the Math & Reading Buddy Programs, email Buddy@ccozarks.org, sign up for Volunteer 101 at Crosslines, or call Tina at 417-605-2699.
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Be a Lunch Buddy - Make a Big Difference During Your Lunch Break!
Join the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks Lunch Buddy Program and become a positive presence in a child’s life, one lunch at a time.
As a Lunch Buddy, you’ll be paired with an elementary student who could benefit from a little extra encouragement, support, and friendship. Just by showing up once a week during their lunch period, you’ll help build confidence, boost self-esteem, and show a child that they matter.
No special skills are required, just a caring heart and a willingness to listen. Whether you’re sharing stories, playing a game, or just chatting about the day, your time can make a lasting impact.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks is currently serving students in the following SPS Schools: Bowerman • Boyd • Bingham • Cowden • Fremont • Holland • Horace Mann • McGregor • Sunshine • Watkins • Weaver • Weller • Williams • York
Be the reason a child smiles at lunch. Become a Lunch Buddy today!
Fill out this form to get started!
| | 2026 Volunteer & Partner Celebration | |
Save the Date: April 30, 2026
SPS Volunteers who have logged more than 10 hours of volunteer time between August 19, 2025 – April 1, 2026 in Hall Pass will receive an email invitation to an end-of-year volunteer celebration event. The event will include recognition of Outstanding Volunteers, Partners in Excellence and the Partner and Volunteer of the year. Light refreshments will be served.
To be invited to this event, you must have volunteered more than 10 hours and these must be logged in Hall Pass.
| | SPS Events You Won't Want to Miss | | You're invited to connect directly with Dr. Lathan in a casual, interactive session designed to foster dialogue and engagement with the Springfield Public Schools community. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas directly with Dr. Lathan at this interactive event. Don't miss this opportunity to be heard and make a difference! | |
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Remember, checking in and out of Hall Pass each time you are in a school building is required for the safety and security of our students and staff. We track volunteer hours and want to ensure we have correct data for recognition purposes.
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After you receive email confirmation of your approval status, reach out to your school’s volunteer site coordinator regarding volunteer opportunities!
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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
417-523-0021
SPS.org
#supportSPS
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