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Volunteer Opportunities

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Thank you for your interest in volunteering in Suffolk Public Schools!

Every day, students and teachers across our school division benefit from the generosity of volunteers who take the time to share their talents with our children. The countless tasks performed by volunteers are vital to the continued operation and success of our schools. Sharing your life experiences, memories, technical know-how, or friendship with a young person can make a huge impact on a student’s life and achievement.

Getting Started:

  • Potential volunteers must submit the completed Request to Volunteer application to the principal. Completing this form allows the school to match your skills, availability and preferences with the needs of students. 
  • Volunteers must submit a new application each school year at each school where they desire to volunteer. Proper identification such as a driver’s license will be needed.
  • The principal will screen the applicant by using the Sex Offenders’ and Crimes Against Minors Registry. In addition, principals will screen approved volunteers using the same registry throughout the school year. 
  • A file of all applicants’ request forms will be maintained at the School Administrative Offices.
  • All applicants will be notified of the results and volunteer status by the principal.
  • Upon request, volunteers may remove their names from the school’s volunteer list at any time during the year by contacting the principal.

Volunteer Guidelines

Volunteers sign in at the school’s main office and receive a volunteer or visitor badge each time they visit a school.

Volunteers work under the direction and supervision of school personnel and should know and follow school policies and rules, which include maintaining confidentiality of student and school information. These are explained in the Volunteer Handbook you will receive when you sign up to volunteer. Like faculty, staff and students, volunteers may not use tobacco products on school property.

  • Report to the office to sign in and out.
  • Obtain and wear an identification badge provided by the school while volunteering.
  • Follow directions of school staff, recognizing that instructing, supervising, grading and disciplining students are the responsibility of the school staff.
  • Work collaboratively with school staff to develop and choose appropriate activities aligned with your talents. 
  • Communicate with designated staff members to obtain clear expectations, directions and to give feedback on volunteer activities.
  • Adhere to the Suffolk Public Schools’ Code of Conduct and Volunteer Guidelines.

Code of Conduct

  • DEPENDABILITY: Be responsible for your scheduled times and notify the school if you are not able to meet your commitment.
  • RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY: Respect the authority of the school and the school administration.
  • CONFIDENTIALITY: Do not discuss matters concerning students with anyone but the designated school staff.
  • IMPARTIALITY: Do not favor any side or party in school situations.
  • OBJECTIVITY: Do not allow your personal feelings to enter into your work as a volunteer.
  • APPEARANCE: Dress appropriately, always remembering that you are setting an example for students.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many ways to volunteer in our schools! Here are some ways you can help:

• Tutor an individual or a small group of students in an academic subject.
• Mentor a student and motivate him/her to excel.
• Share your special skill, hobby, collection or story to enrich the curriculum.
• Translate and interpret for our families who are non-native English speakers.
• Assist a teacher in the classroom.
• Help with clerical tasks so the teacher can focus on instruction.
• Catalog, shelve, mend or recommend books in a school’s library media center.
• Chaperone a class or club field trip.
• Devote your computer or communications skills to school newsletters, web sites, or other publicity.
• Lead the PTA or a Booster Club.
• Sponsor or assist with an extracurricular club.
• Mulch, rake, weed, paint or otherwise beautify a school campus.
• Prepare food for hungry and appreciative students and faculty/staff.
• Ask if there is anything else you can do!

For More Information:

Bethanne Bradshaw
Public Information & Community Relations Officer
Suffolk Public Schools
100 N. Main St.
Suffolk, VA  23434
Email:  betbradshaw@spsk12.net
Phone: (757) 925-6752
Fax: (757) 925-2421