FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)

What does the background check involve?

At this point, the background check is usually conducted locally.  At the discretion of the principal, a volunteer’s School Volunteer Parent Application (located on the volunteer website or in the principal’s office) can be given to district security for a local background check. In the future, the district may be required by law to request Act 34 (criminal check), Act 151 (child abuse check), and fingerprinting by the FBI.

May I volunteer in classes other than my own child's class?

Volunteers are considered school volunteers.  Although you may be volunteering in your child’s class, you may also be needed somewhere else in the school.  It is not always in the best interest of a child to have parents, grandparents, guardians, etc. volunteer in their child’s classroom.

Can I volunteer if I've been arrested?

The safety of students and staff is one of the main concerns in a school setting.  It is unlikely that a person who has been arrested/convicted of a crime will have the opportunity to volunteer. 

Must I have a student in your school to volunteer?

Individuals may volunteer in a school even when they have no children in the school.  Senior citizens, community service workers, and relatives who enjoy the chance to give back something to public education frequently choose to volunteer in a public school.  We encourage and welcome all qualified volunteers.  Of course, all forms, the TB test and a background check are required of all volunteers.

Must coaches follow the same guidelines as other school volunteers?

In addition to the rules and policies of the recreation agency,  coaches are bound by school district policies while in or on school district property.

I don't want certain parent volunteers near my student.  May I request this of the school principal?

The parent making this request should meet with the school principal. By making him/her aware of the circumstances surrounding such a request, they can find ways to resolve potential conflicts.

What is the dress code when working in school or going on a field trip?

Whether in school or on a field trip, volunteers should adhere to the dress guidelines established by the district.  For field trips, volunteer dress depends on the activities of the field trip. Some items to avoid include, but are not be limited to, clothing with profanity, pictures or words related to drugs, alcohol or tobacco, tattered or extremely baggy pants, etc.  Any doubts about appropriate dress should be discussed with the building principal.

Is smoking allowed on school trips since we are away from the district?

Since they are with district students, volunteers are bound by district policies while on field trips.  The district forbids any tobacco or tobacco related products while on a field trip or school function.

What does a parent volunteer do?  What are the types of activities I can do?

Volunteers perform many valuable services at our schools.  The list of activities and services is too numerous to cite here.  However, a complete list can be found either on a school’s individual web site or on the volunteer web site (www.aasdcat.com/aasd/volunteer/).

How do I get the Act 34 criminal clearance?

This clearance costs $10 and is available at any state office, state police barracks, at the AASD Human resources office, and on the Internet via the PDE web site (www.pde.state.pa.us).

Where and how do I get a TB test?

As mandated by the State Department of Health Regulations, all volunteers must have the results of a Tuberculin test on file with the school district. This test is free and can be administered by the school nurse at the first Parent Meeting / Open House or by appointment during the month of September. If you had a TB test outside of school, you will need to provide the school nurse with the necessary documentation. ONLY ONE negative test result must be on file throughout your child’s elementary years.  Please check the web site (http://www.aasdcat.com/aasd/volunteer/) for more information. 

Do I need to sign in at the office?  Do I need to get a badge?

Sign in at the office every time you arrive to volunteer. You must place your name, date, time of arrival, and destination on the building sign-in log. To ensure the safety of our students and staff, you also need to wear the volunteer identification tag provided at each school. Upon leaving the building, you must remember to sign out.

Do I need to attend a training session to be a parent volunteer?

While not required, an orientation/DVD training session is available to new volunteers at individual schools.  In addition to answers to frequently asked questions, the AASD Elementary Schools Volunteer website (http://www.aasdcat.com/aasd/volunteer/) offers additional information about each school’s specific committees, forms that need to be filled out, activities, and directions for signing up as a volunteer.

Is there a parent volunteer web site?

Yes, the site http://www.aasdcat.com/aasd/volunteer/ is designed to answer your questions and provide you with relevant information throughout your volunteer experience.

For more information regarding your child's school volunteer program, contact the school via e-mail.