Volunteer Program Home

The Splendora Independent School District values the contributions of the many volunteers who support our students, teachers, and programs. The purpose of our volunteer program is to enrich the quality of education by providing opportunities for parents and community members to become actively involved in our schools. Because our primary goal is to provide a safe environment for students, staff, and volunteers, the district requires an annual background check for all participants.

The district uses the RAPTOR Volunteer Management System, a secure third-party online platform, to track volunteers. Anyone wishing to volunteer at a campus or accompany a student on a field trip must complete an online application and pass the annual criminal background check. Please review our complete Volunteer Requirements and Eligibility before applying.

Annual Application Timeline

Volunteer applications open on July 1 for the upcoming school year and close on April 30. All volunteer approvals expire annually on June 30. Please note that applications are not accepted during May and June.

How to Apply

To begin the process, please submit an online application using the links below.

• Volunteer Application in English – Currently Closed
• Volunteer Application in Spanish – Currently Closed

Upon submission, you will receive an initial email from Raptor confirming that your application has been received and is being processed. You will receive a second email once the background check is complete.

Processing and Approval

Most applications are processed within three business days. To allow sufficient time to resolve any potential issues, please submit your application at least two weeks before the date you plan to volunteer or attend a field trip.

Once approved, your name will appear in the Raptor system for the campuses you selected. Approval confirms your eligibility to volunteer or attend a field trip, but you must still coordinate your specific activities and schedule directly with the campus or program.

If you have questions about volunteering, please contact your child's campus receptionist or reach out directly to Lisa Foster, Communications Coordinator.

Acceptance and adherence to these guidelines are required to volunteer in Splendora ISD. Following these guidelines and expectations will help you have a successful volunteer experience: 

All visitors to campus, including designated volunteers, will be issued a Raptor temporary sticker, which they are required to wear while on campus. 

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Complete the required application and any other required training sessions. 
• Be prompt and dependable. Please notify your child's teacher or campus administrator if you cannot come at your scheduled time. 
• Sign in and sign out with your campus receptionist upon arrival and departure.
• Support the work of the classroom teacher and school staff. The volunteer's role is one of assistance.
• Be a positive role model for children and youth in attitude, behavior, and language. Let your conversations demonstrate respect for others, and avoid language that may be perceived as discriminatory, sexist, or offensive. 
• Dress appropriately and follow district policies and procedures.
• Maintain Confidentiality. Respect the confidential nature of the knowledge you gain concerning the academic performance, behavior, and personal information of the students with whom you work. Discuss concerns with the teacher or campus administrator, not with other volunteers, parents/family members, or acquaintances.
• Maintain appropriate contact only in the school setting. DO NOT initiate contact with the students with whom you work or their families outside of the school or program setting. 
• Protect Privacy. Do not ask for students' addresses or phone numbers, and do not share yours with students. 
• Follow the "safe touch" suggestions. Volunteers do not initiate touching a student (pats on the arm or back, or for younger children, hand-holding, hugs, or lap-sitting), but may respond to a student's initiation of appropriate touch.
• Notify the teacher or campus administration if a student tells you something or you notice something that may indicate their safety is at risk or they are in emotional distress. 
• Know and adhere to school district regulations regarding Internet use and social media. 
• Never arrive at your volunteer assignment while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or use alcohol, drugs, or tobacco during your assignment. Never carry a weapon on school premises or other program sites. 
• Fundraising, solicitation of donations, and using a volunteer placement for personal gain are prohibited. Some program fundraising and solicitation of donations may be appropriate in collaboration with designated school and program staff. Only they are authorized to represent the program and/or serve as spokespersons publicly. 
• Promotion and/or solicitation on behalf of your own personal interests or those of your organization or business is not allowed. 
• Follow non-harassment and safe workplace rules and regulations.
• Adhere to all Splendora ISD policies and procedures. 

Enjoy knowing your investment and interest are making a difference for students!

As a volunteer, you will interact with Splendora ISD students in a variety of settings and for varying periods of time. Appropriate interactions are outlined below:

Physical Contact

• Volunteers should practice appropriate touch: side hugs and high fives are appropriate if students initiate them.
• Restrict other physical contact.
• Remember that what you see as simple, friendly affection between you and the student may be viewed as something entirely different by someone else. 

Pictures and Recordings

• Volunteers should not photograph or record any students who are not their own without prior permission from the teacher and/or the campus principal.
• Volunteers should never post photos of students on social media. Both state and federal law protect the privacy of student information, including pictures and recordings of students.
• Volunteers should not photograph or record students' work without prior permission from the teacher and/or campus principal.
• Volunteers should never post, distribute, or publish any photograph or recording of any student not their own on any social media site. 

Transportation

• Transporting a student in your personal car as part of your volunteer activities is prohibited. Do not put yourself in the position of being alone with any student in any vehicle.
• Students must be transported in a school district vehicle for field trips.

Positive, Respectful Role Modeling

• Do not criticize parents, teachers, school personnel, or guidelines publicly or with your student. If a problem arises, consult with the campus principal or your designated point of contact.
• Do not discuss students and their problems publicly or with others. If you have information about a student, discuss the matter professionally and confidentially with the teacher, counselor, assistant principal, or principal.

Respecting Boundaries

• Volunteers should never give a student personal contact information (email, phone numbers, etc.) or take student contact information.
• Volunteers and students should never meet outside of the program.
• Volunteers should never give students gifts, candy, or any other item. Opportunities may exist for student recognition but must be approved by the campus principal and designated staff.

In Case of Emergency
In case of an emergency on the campus, volunteers must follow the campus procedures. If there are safety drills, volunteers are expected to participate if they are on campus.

The Splendora Independent School District values the contributions of parents, guardians, grandparents, and community members. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for everyone. You can be involved in your child’s education as a volunteer or visitor. 

Volunteers work within the school programs by interacting with teachers and students. These individuals must complete a Volunteer Application. A volunteer's duties may include the following:

• Mentoring students
• Tutoring students
• Working with the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
• Office and Classroom Assistance (Including Room Parents)
• Teacher and Staff Appreciation Activities
• Extracurricular and Community Service Activities
• Attending Field Trips (in any capacity – as a parent or chaperone)

Visitors observe their child without engaging in instructional activities and refrain from interacting one-on-one with other students. These individuals do not need to complete a Volunteer Application. Visitors may:

• Eat lunch with their child, only.
• Attend a school-wide assembly or event.
• Walk their child to class (Each campus has its own rules about this. Please verify that this is allowed on your child's campus.)
• Speak to a class or organization with the teacher or sponsor present.

Note: Visiting during student-only events is prohibited.