Volunteering with MRPS

 
A father smiling posed with his arms wrapped around his two daughters who have face paint. A mother looks on smiling from behind them.

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), associated forms, 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.

 

Level I Volunteer

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 

  • * For an expanded list of volunteer activity examples and required clearance levels please review the MRPS Volunteer Examples and Background Check Requirements

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.

Level II Volunteer

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: 

Instructions:

  1. Make an appointment with the Anna Hipko. Appointments are available between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm Monday-Friday. The District Office is located within Montpelier High School.

    1. By email: annahipko@mpsvt.org

    2. By phone: (802)225-8684

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

  3. At the appointment you will be asked to fill out three forms:

    1. A Volunteer Application & Authorization Form

    2. A Agency of Human Services Consent for Release of Registry Information

    3. A Vermont Crime Information Center Consent for Release of Registry Information

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.

Note that steps #3-#5 may be facilitated by a Community Based Learning staff member if your volunteer work is related specifically to CBL.

Level III Volunteer

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

Examples of Level III Volunteering: 

Instructions:

  1. Make an appointment with Anna Hipko. Appointments are available between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm Monday-Friday. The District Office is located within Montpelier High School.

    1. By email: annahipko@mpsvt.org

    2. By phone: (802)225-8684

  2. At the appointment you will be asked to fill out four forms:

    1. A Volunteer Application & Authorization Form

    2. A Agency of Human Services Consent for Release of Registry Information

    3. A Vermont Crime Information Center Consent for Release of Registry Information

    4. A Vermont Criminal Information Center Fingerprint Authorization Certificate - note this form must be signed by both the volunteer and an MRPS representative. You will then take this form with you to your fingerprint appointment.

  3. With the fingerprint authorization form in hand, make an appointment with the Montpelier Sheriff’s Office by calling (802)223-3001 to get your fingerprints done.

  4. Review and follow the instructions found in the section below when you attend your fingerprint appointment.

  5. 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.

  6. Lastly, 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.

*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.

fingerprint appointment instructions

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office provides the instructions linked below for what to do when you attend your fingerprint appointment including:

  • Bring 2 forms of ID

  • Bring signed and completed Fingerprint Authorization Form (step 5 above)

  • Bring $35 cash or check

  • Special considerations for COVID-19

Please read before you attend your fingerprint 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.