Volunteers
Volunteer at Northwestern Local Schools
Volunteers are an important part of the educational team at Northwestern Local Schools. Parents, grandparents, alumni and community members help in our classrooms, chaperone field trips, mentor students and support our athletic and extracurricular programs. You bring talents and experience that make learning richer for our students. Thank you for your interest in getting involved!
How to Become a Volunteer
- Talk with your building principal. Reach out to the principal at the school where you’d like to help. They’ll go over current opportunities with you.
- Find out your volunteer tier. The principal decides which tier a role falls under. Your tier sets which screening steps you need to complete.
- Read the handbook and fill out the application. Read the Volunteer Handbook, then complete the Volunteer Application (front and back). Return it to your building principal or the Board Office.
- Finish your background check. Depending on your role, you may need BCI fingerprinting, an FBI check or a Pupil Activity Permit. These are at your expense unless the District approves otherwise.
- Wait for approval before you start. Volunteers may not work with students until the District has approved them. Some roles also need approval from the Board of Education.
Volunteer Tiers at a Glance
| Tier | Examples | What’s Required |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1: Visitors & Guests | Attending a performance, guest speaking, PTO meetings, dropping off or picking up | No application. Sign in at the office and wear a visitor sticker. |
| Tier 2: Supervised In-School | Classroom helper, book fair, classroom parties, office support | Background check if administration requests one |
| Tier 3: Unsupervised, Day Chaperone or Recurring | Day field trip chaperone, mentor, tutor, regular volunteer | Volunteer Application, Volunteer Handbook and BCI fingerprinting |
| Tier 4: Coaches, Overnight Chaperones & Advisors | Overnight trips, volunteer coaches, band assistants, program leaders | Everything in Tier 3, plus an FBI check if you’ve lived outside Ohio in the past 5 years, a Pupil Activity Permit (coaches/advisors) and Board approval |
Regular or recurring Tier 2 volunteers should complete the Tier 3 requirements.
Volunteer Documents
- 📘 Volunteer Handbook (PDF): Please read this before you apply. It covers our expectations for safety, confidentiality and working with students.
- 📝 [Volunteer Application (PDF)]: Print it and fill out both sides.
Questions?
Contact your building principal.
Volunteering is a privilege, and all volunteers serve at the discretion of school administration. Northwestern Local Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.