Information on Background Checks for Volunteers
The safety and security of the school community is a top priority of Henrico County Public Schools. For your protection and that of the students and staff, the school division conducts a check on all school personnel and volunteers with the National Sex Offender Public website. This includes the Virginia State Police Registry of Sexual Offenders and Crimes against Minors. Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor or felony offense, especially an offense against a minor, may be disqualified from volunteering depending upon the nature of the offense and the nature of the school volunteer activity.
Volunteer Guidelines
A school volunteer is a person who willingly gives time, without compensation, to work in a school in support of students, office staff, teachers and administrators. Volunteers work under the direction of an administrator, staff member or teacher to enhance and enrich the learning experience of HCPS students. They include parents, family members, area senior citizens or community partners who choose to donate time to support some aspect of the school experience. If this describes you, please consider applying to become a school volunteer.
People who would like to volunteer must apply, be screened and complete an orientation process at the school that includes school guidelines and safety protocols. Paid and volunteer coaches do not fall under these guidelines and are screened by the HCPS Department of Human Resources.
When should I apply?
Volunteers may apply at any time.
Application
Read the HCPS regulations in the packet regarding volunteer guidelines, information technology and acceptable use of technology and software on HCPS computers.
Complete the volunteer application available on the HCPS website under the “Community” tab. The application can also be found on each school’s webpage under the “School Links” tab. The online application has a fillable PDF version if ADA accessibility is needed.
Turn in the completed application to the school where you want to volunteer.
Screening Process
The volunteer program operates under the management and supervision of each school's principal and volunteers serve at the discretion of the principal.
Each school's volunteer coordinator processes its applications and uses the school's visitor management system to screen applicants.
Volunteers may not serve in a school until they have been screened and approved by the principal.
If an applicant is disqualified by the screening process, they will be notified by the principal.
Orientation Process
Follow school and HCPS procedures regarding the visitor management system, signing in and out, wearing badges, using school materials and maintaining health and security standards.
Follow the direction of the school's volunteer coordinator. He or she will make sure you are acquainted with the school, classrooms, pertinent school policies and emergency procedures.
When you arrive for your first day of volunteering at a school, you will watch an HCPS volunteer safety orientation video.
Read and keep a copy of the volunteer guidelines. Please follow them for reasons of safety, protection and uniformity.
Review the HCPS Code of Student Conduct. Supervising teachers will take necessary disciplinary action with students, not volunteers.
Dress appropriately for the activity, event or trip.
Volunteers working with Virginia High School League activities must follow VHSL rules and regulations.
Assignment
Approved applicants may volunteer after they have successfully completed orientation.
School administrators determine where volunteers are needed and how many should be assigned to each task, including chaperoning field trips.
Volunteers should keep in mind that there may be more volunteers who apply for a particular position than are actually needed, and be prepared to be offered alternate opportunities. HCPS staff members will work to match volunteers with opportunities.
If volunteers believe they aren't a good fit for an assignment, they should bring concerns to the volunteer coordinator and request an alternative. HCPS works to ensure that volunteer opportunities are a good fit for volunteers and the staff members they are assisting.
Questions or concerns about the HCPS volunteer program should be directed to John Casullo in the HCPS Department of School Safety and Emergency Management via email or by calling 804-261-9500.