Volunteers

The Board of Education believes that volunteers are essential partners in the education of children and to the success of our schools. We encourage parents and community members to consider volunteering in our schools or at our events, as needed.

Volunteers, interns and other such non-employees working within the schools (“volunteers”) must work under the supervision of Colchester Public Schools staff. Volunteers are held to the same standards of conduct as school staff and must observe all Board of Education policies, including applicable policies on the confidentiality of student information. Volunteers may be required to submit to state and federal criminal record checks and a record check of the Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) Child Abuse and Neglect Registry. No person who is required to register as a sex offender under state or federal law, or whose name is currently listed on the DCF registry, may volunteer in the Colchester Public Schools.

If you are interested in volunteering, please review the following classifications of Volunteers:

Group I: Volunteers that assist school staff members with school activities in the presence of a Colchester Public Schools employee. Background checks are not required for Group I volunteers. Group I volunteers are those who assist school staff members with school activities such as those listed below:

  • assisting in a classroom, cafeteria, or library when a staff member is present;
  • accompanying a class on a field trip during the school day with a staff member;
  • helping in the school office during regular school hours;
  • assisting in the cafeteria or library during regular school hours; or
  • assisting during extracurricular events, i.e., dances, fairs, open house, sporting events, etc.

To apply to be a Group I volunteer, please complete this form: Group I Volunteer Application

Group II: Volunteers will be classified in Group II when they provide services to students when not in the direct presence of a Colchester Public Schools employee. Group II volunteers are those who engage in activities such as those listed below:

  • accompanying a class on a field trip in which the plans include that students be divided into small groups supervised solely by the volunteer chaperone for any length of time;
  • chaperoning an overnight field trip;
  • working in direct contact with students without the direct presence of a Colchester Public Schools employee;
  • working as a student intern; or
  • coaching

Group II Volunteers are required to meet with Human Resources in order to complete a consent form regarding the release of information concerning any prior or pending criminal offenses. Such volunteers will be required to submit to a record check of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Abuse and Neglect Registry. Group II volunteers will incur a cost for the fingerprinting and criminal background checks. Current cost is approximately $88; the exact amount will be available upon meeting with Human Resources.

To apply to be a Group II volunteer, please apply online through Applitrack

If you have any questions concerning your application please contact Michelle Flynn at 860-537-7267 or [email protected].