Volunteering with MRPS

 
Three people smile while standing around a popcorn machine. One is wearing a green bandanna and gloves, and another is wearing a red plaid shirt.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a school volunteer. This page will provide information about the application, screening and background check process to become a school volunteer. 

We categorize volunteers into levels based on their level of engagement with students. About 90% of MRPS volunteers are Level III volunteers. Please review the volunteer levels (I, II, and III) and instructions for each below.

Upon completion of this process you will be approved to volunteer with any of the MRPS schools and your approval status will not expire as long as you continue to volunteer with our schools at least once per year.

 

  • Definition: A volunteer whose work does not involve direct contact with school children.

    Examples of Level I Volunteering: 

    • Collecting order forms for fundraising events

    • Performing clerical or administrative tasks from home

    • Preparing food items for school events/fundraisers

    • Serving on an interview committee 

    Instructions:

    1. Fill out and submit this Volunteer Application & Authorization Form to the district office located inside Montpelier High School.

    Upon approval you will receive an email or phone call alerting you that you have been added to the approved list of MRPS volunteers.

  • Definition: A volunteer who provides services to students within the school, on school district premises, or during school events. Work involves direct contact with students under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher or other school professionals. Volunteers at level 2 are not left unsupervised with students.

    Examples of Level II Volunteering: 

    • Classroom Volunteer

    • CBL Community Partner

    • Book Fair Volunteer 

    Instructions:

    1. Make an appointment with the Anna Hipko. Appointments are generally available between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm. The District Office is located inside Montpelier High School. By email: annahipko@mpsvt.org or by phone: (802)225-8684

    2. Bring a photo ID with you to your appointment.

    What will happen next?

    A District Administrator will run your background checks. You will then receive an email or phone call alerting you if you have or have not been approved.

  • Definition: A volunteer who provides direct service to students that involves extensive unsupervised contact with school age children.

    Examples of Level III Volunteering: 

    • Field Trip Chaperone  

    • Volunteer Coach/Advisor 

    Instructions:

    1. Make an appointment with Anna Hipko. Appointments are genarally available between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm. The District Office is located inside Montpelier High School. By email: annahipko@mpsvt.org or by phone: (802)225-8684

    2. Bring a photo ID with you to your appointment

    3. Receive a Vermont Criminal Information Center Fingerprint Authorization Certificate at your appointment

    4. AFTER your appointment at the District Office, make an appointment with a Vermont Fingerprint Identification Center to get fingerprinted. Montpelier Sheriff’s Office: (802)223-3001 Randolph Police Department: 802-728-3737

    5. Review and follow the fingerprint appointment instructions and attend your appointment*

      • Bring 2 forms of ID

      • Bring signed and completed Fingerprint Authorization Form

      • Bring $35 cash or check

    6. You will receive a receipt from the Sheriff’s Office after being fingerprinted. Submit this receipt to the District Office by either dropping it off in person or by emailing a picture of it to annahipko@mpsvt.org. A cell phone photo emailed works well.

    What happens next?

    A District Administrator will run your background checks and await confirmation that you were fingerprinted. You will then receive an email or phone call alerting you if you have or have not been approved.

    *The Sheriff’s Office charges a $35.00 fee for fingerprinting. MRPS does not reimburse prospective volunteers for this fee. If you would like to request reimbursement from a school caregivers group please contact them through the MRPS Partners in Education (MRPS PIE) website.

Expanded List of MRPS Volunteer Examples and Background Check Level Requirements
Contact Anna Hipko to Set Up a Level II or III Appointment

Driving MRPS Students

Do you intend to or have you been asked to drive students as part of your volunteer work? Please visit the link below for more information on Volunteer Drivers. MRPS requires additional paperwork and proof of insurance in order to become an approved driver.

Volunteer Drivers