Volunteer Connect

  • Thank you for your interest in volunteering with 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 students.  

    To become a volunteer, you will need to create a new application for the Raptor system. Click here for a link to the 2023-2024 Raptor Volunteer Application. If you completed the application last year, an application renewal or a new application will be required each school year. 

    Why should volunteers register through Volunteer Connect?

    MOST IMPORTANTLY…

    FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN

    When a volunteer completes the online application, they are screened through the National Sex Offender Registry before being approved to volunteer. NO ONE should volunteer without going through this screening!

    Volunteers have the option of selecting the school they prefer to volunteer at. They can select one location, or multiple locations. Volunteers can also select the functions in which they wish to volunteer, and select one or multiple functions.Once complete, the volunteer will receive an automatic notification to their email address letting them know that the application has been received. Once approved, the volunteer will receive an automatic email letting them know that the application has been approved, and they are authorized to volunteer until June 30, 2024. In most cases, all applications are approved, unless adverse information is disclosed in the background check.

    Schools will reach out to you when they are in need of volunteers.  

    Volunteer Guidelines

    Volunteers should 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. All volunteers will:

    • Report to the office to sign in and out
    • Obtain and wear an identification badge provided by the school while volunteering.
    • Wear appropriate attire for service and working with students.
    • Follow the directions of school staff, recognizing that instructing, supervising, grading, and disciplining students is 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 and give feedback on volunteer activities.
    • Adhere to the Suffolk Public Schools' Code of Conduct and Volunteer Guidelines in the SPS Volunteer Program Handbook.
    • Adhere to the Volunteer Confidentiality Policy located in the SPS Volunteer Program Handbook.

    Code of Conduct

    • DEPENDABILITY: Be responsible for your scheduled times and notify the school if you are not able to meet your commitments.
    • 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.

    Volunteers and Protecting Student Information
    You are responsible for respecting the confidentiality of all students, staff, and privileged information which you may be exposed to as a volunteer.  Our students and their families entrust SPS with important information relating to their personal lives.  The nature of this relationship requires maintenance of confidentiality.  Your volunteering with SPS assumes an obligation to maintain this confidentiality.  It is essential that you not share any information about students, even with your own family, friends, or acquaintances.  Because of its seriousness, disclosure of confidential information could lead to dismissal.