Volunteer

john weldon pto member hands a popsicle to a student

“You have taken an important step towards making a significant impact on the excellent educational programs offered within the Francis Howell School District. Volunteers provide enrichment opportunities that enhance the educational experience for students while supporting our teachers and staff. Thank you for your willingness to serve!” Dr. Kenneth Roumpos, Superintendent

Want to make a difference for students or staff? Register as a volunteer and learn about opportunities to share your time and talents with our schools!

Get Certified as a District or School Volunteer

Become an approved volunteer in 3 easy steps:

Register online with the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry and pay applicable fees (approximately $15) to the state. If you previously joined the Registry, you do not need to join again. This is a one-time process. You can check the Registry for your social security number prior to submitting another registration. Please note, the wait time for the FCSR registration to be processed and for the District to be notified can be up to two weeks. We recommend completing this process as early as possible.
Schedule your Digital Fingerprinting Appointment with MACHS.
Please note: Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, fingerprints will only need to be submitted once as long as the volunteer annually renews their volunteer status by submitting their form and completing annual training. Volunteers that do not maintain their annually approved district volunteer status may be required to submit to a fingerprint background check again.

This can be scheduled online through the Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS) or by calling (844) 543-9712. When prompted for a 4-digit code, use 8403 so the Francis Howell School District can view the fingerprint report when it is complete. Please note that 8403 is a code specific to FHSD volunteers and should not be used when requesting fingerprints for other purposes. The cost for fingerprinting is approximately $44, paid by the applicant; you have the option of paying online or at the fingerprinting facility. Facility locations are subject to change without notice, so please check the list toward the end of the registration process for locations and appointments currently available. Bring your online confirmation page and a photo ID to the facility. Please note: Those who have been fingerprinted previously for past employment or volunteer positions must go through the process again using our school district code (8403). Without this specific code, FHSD cannot see your results and therefore cannot process your volunteer application. Ink fingerprints taken at your local police department are not valid.
After completing the FCSR registration and scheduling a fingerprinting appointment through MACHS, watch the Mandatory Training Videos and complete the FHSD Volunteer Application.
Sign and initial the form where indicated (digital signatures are not accepted), then scan and email the completed application to fhsdvolunteer@fhsdschools.org or drop off in-person at the District Administration Building (801 Corporate Centre Drive, O’Fallon, Missouri).

Please note:
- If you watched the mandatory training in previous years, you will need to create a new username in order to the view the videos.
- To ensure a smooth training experience, we recommend watching all three required videos in one continuous session. Interruptions between videos can sometimes cause login issues, and if you get logged out, you may need to create a new user account to complete the remaining videos.

After you’ve completed these three steps, look for email confirmation from the FHSD Human Resources Department that your application has been approved. Confirmation emails received from the Family Care Safety Registry or the MACHS/IdentoGo fingerprinting facility are not sufficient for your volunteer approval with the District. Due to a high volume of volunteer applications, it could take up to six weeks for your application to be approved.

Annual Recertification (for previously approved volunteers)

FHSD Employees Who Wish To Volunteer

FHSD employees who wish to volunteer will need to complete the Volunteer Application each year marking the FHSD employee box, and submitting the form to HR. All FHSD employees have previously been fingerprinted and background checked prior to employment with the District.

The fingerprint report is retained with the FBI’s NGI system for continuous comparison and status reporting through MACHS to the District HR department, until such time as the employee no longer has active employment with FHSD. A District employee’s volunteer status will be listed within Infinite Campus showing only in the field Volunteer Status Expires: (HR-Video). FHSD employees are also required to view the mandatory training videos annually as a part of their employment. Training records are kept in personnel files within the HR department, separate from their Volunteer Application.

Volunteer Responsiblities

Support and supplement the instructional program of the classroom teacher. The volunteer’s role is assistance, not replacement.
Respect the privacy of teachers and students by not discussing school matters away from the classroom.
Commit to work in a classroom to support and improve education for all students.
Know and observe all regulations and procedures in the assigned school (e.g. fire drills, accident reporting, etc.)
Accept each student and encourage the best from them.
Show a genuine interest in each student.
Be prompt, reliable, flexible and regular in attendance.
Seek help from the teacher or another school employee when you need additional information or instruction.
Discuss problems that arise with the teacher, school administrator or building Parent Involvement Leader.
Remember that you are a role model for students, not only in how you interact with others at school, but who you are as a person.
Keep all student information confidential.
Always do what is in the best interest of each student.
Wear appropriate attire.
Share concerns with the school staff only.
Understand that each student is unique and cannot be compared to another.
Learn from the different teaching methods used by the staff.
Do not use school equipment for personal purposes.
Show respect for all staff and students.
Refrain from sharing personal religious or political beliefs.
Do not smoke on school grounds.
Do not use illegal drugs or alcohol on school grounds while volunteering, or Volunteer while under the influence.
Understand that weapons and drugs are not allowed on school grounds.

Tips for Volunteers

Encourage and support student success. Build self-confidence by praising them honestly and frequently. Attentiveness and effort can be as important as performance. Accentuate the positive and minimize the negative.
Names are important. Make sure you say the student’s name and the way a student wants it to be said. Learn to spell it correctly. Make sure the student knows your name and can pronounce it correctly.
Be trustworthy and honest in your approach and attitude.
Avoid making comparisons between students, between teachers, and between schools.
Always remember to be fair and consistent.
Students make mistakes. Let them know that making mistakes is part of learning.
Show that you are interested in the student as a person by listening carefully to what they say and showing you care by words and actions.

Volunteer Opportunities

Available volunteer opportunities at most of our schools:

Instructional Volunteers - provide direct services to five or fewer students on a regular basis.

Tutors - work one-on-one with a student or with small groups of students, who need to reinforce basic skills in an academic subject. Placements are made with students from prekindergarten through high school. Training to tutor a specific subject and training on working with students will be provided by the District.

Mentors - typically work with a struggling student. Their major task is to motivate the student to stay focused on school. Through tutoring, setting short-term goals and serving as a role model, volunteers can provide encouragement and guidance to a student needing to build self-esteem. Mentor training will be provided by the school district.

English Language Learners (ELL) Tutors - ELL tutors help English language learners to increase their skills in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing English. Volunteers do not need to speak the students’ native language(s). Volunteers who speak languages other than English may also work with nonEnglish-speaking adults to explain school information or provide interpretation.

Support Service Volunteers - provide assistance to school personnel frequently or on a regular basis.

Classroom Assistants - work closely with classroom teachers and staff, assisting in various projects, keeping records, preparing instructional materials and interacting with students. Duties in elementary schools may include telling stories, reading with students and preparing bulletin boards. Duties in middle and high schools may include working on special projects, operating audiovisual equipment, performing clerical duties, making instructional materials, reviewing homework and helping during testing times.

Office/Clerical Assistants - help staff members at a school and the administration building. Duties may include typing, computer entry, copying, bookkeeping, record keeping, telephone communication as well as other office work.

Library Media Center Assistants - Volunteers in the library media center help fill teacher and student requests for services. They may work at the circulation desk, catalogue and shelve books, use a computer, mend books and operate audiovisual equipment.

Chaperones - Volunteer chaperones have the opportunity to enjoy museums, exhibits, musicals, and plays as they accompany students and teachers on field trips. Trips may involve free transportation on a bus and occasionally free admission tickets.

Great by 8 - The Great by 8 program is designed to increase and improve student reading proficiency by age eight. A key component of the program is driven by community volunteers. Volunteers are asked to dedicate one hour a week (during school hours) to tutor students in a one-on-one small group setting, to increase students’ proficiency and mastery of targeted skill sets. Volunteers will help students with sight words, letter recognition, sounds, handwriting, and assist with students’ individual needs. For early intervention to be successful, volunteers are asked to work with kids on a consistent and frequent basis, be available once a week for approximately 15–20 minutes, connect with students and develop trusting relationships, have an approved FHSD volunteer status, and complete the Great by 8 training.

Mentors4College - FHSD partners with Mentors4College, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to high school students during their college search. If you’ve been to college, participated in an apprenticeship program and/or helped someone with these, then you would make a great mentor to our students. Training is provided through Mentors4College.

Special Olympics – Support the Special Olympics and make a difference for our athletes by volunteering to be a coach, friend, sponsor, or volunteer. Keep up to date on Special Olympics news and events and contact Eddie Mulholland for more information.

Mobile Market - FHSD, in partnership with Sodexo and St. Louis Area Foodbank, offers nutritious produce and perishable items for families in need through the Mobile Market program. Volunteers are needed to bag food and distribute to families every month. Distribution will be at the FHSD Burbes Building.

Contact your child's school for information on specific volunteer opportunities!

Start your certification as a volunteer by completing the Volunteer Application.

View the application

Contact your child's school for information on specific volunteer opportunities.

Have questions?

Upcoming Events

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Visit the District calendar

"I signed up to be a parent volunteer at my child’s school. I love being able to help his teachers with class parties and go on field trips with him. To watch his face light up when he sees me at his school is priceless.”

– Patricia T.

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities require volunteer status?

Any individual who assists the District and our schools on an uncompensated basis who may be periodically unsupervised while with students must hold an approved volunteer status. Activities requiring volunteer status include, but are not limited to:

Mentoring, tutoring or assisting students (Great by 8, Mentors4College, ELL tutors, classroom or library assistants, school office assistants, etc.)
Serving as a chaperone for class parties, dances, field trips, overnight travel, athletic, club or band-sponsored competitions
Coaching
Transporting students for school events
Supporting Book Fair sales (during school hours)
Setting up for performances, competitions and other school events
Constructing theater sets
Assisting students with costumes or make-up
Working spiritwear and other fundraising booths during school hours

What activities do not require volunteer status?

Certain activities do not require volunteer status because there is direct and constant supervision by FHSD teachers or other staff members. Visitors are not left alone with students. Activities that do not require approved volunteer status include, but are not limited to:

Attending class parties, school performances and assemblies
Eating lunch with your child in the cafeteria
Participating in parent-teacher conferences and IEP and 504 meetings
Supporting Book Fair sales (after school hours)
Assisting with staff appreciation events
Attending PTO and Booster Club meetings
Serving as a guest speaker
Working parent concession booths after school hours

Do I need to submit a new volunteer application for each school?

How long does it take to receive the approval notification?

Why does the District require fingerprinting?

In accordance with Missouri House Bill 604, the Francis Howell School District requires school volunteers to complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check prior to approval. Fingerprint checks cost approximately $40. This cost is not determined by FHSD and is subject to change in the future. Please note that fees associated with fingerprinting and background checks are at the expense of the volunteer.

How often do I need to renew my application?

I’m a substitute for the District. Do I need to complete a volunteer application?

I was a volunteer last year. Am I still eligible?

I am a District retiree. Am I eligible to volunteer?

You can volunteer at a PSRS/PEERS-covered employer after the first month after retirement with no effect on your benefits if you are not a paid employee for the same employer for any duties, and do not receive any type of compensation from the same employer.

If you perform paid work and also volunteer after retirement at the same PSRS/PEERS-covered employer, and the volunteering and working are essentially performing the same function, the time spent on so-called volunteer work is not considered volunteering and counts toward the 550-hour limit. If the volunteering and working duties are substantially different, only the paid hours count toward the 550-hour limit.

Example #1:
Mary volunteers 100 hours per semester reading books to kindergartners at Big City Public School District (a PSRS/PEERS-covered employer). She is also paid to periodically sub as a teacher or as a para educator. She is essentially performing the same function when volunteering as when working as a teacher or para educator. Therefore all her hours worked (paid) and volunteered count toward the 550 hours worked after retirement limit.

Example #2:
Mary volunteers 100 hours per semester reading books to kindergartners at Big City Public School District (a PSRS/PEERS-covered employer). She is also paid to periodically sub in the school office. Her volunteer hours do not count toward the 550-hour limit because her volunteer duties are substantially different functions than her paid work.

The rules for post-retirement work in the year you retire may be different than for all subsequent years. If you exceed the 550-hour limit, your retirement benefits are put on hold. Don’t risk losing your benefits!

Please familiarize yourself with the rules and requirements described in detail in your Retirement Planning Guide and PSRS/PEERS Member Handbook. You are always welcome to call (800) 392-6848 or email psrspeers@psrspeers.org for more information, or for assistance with your individual situation.

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