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Volunteer Guidelines

Our schools welcome interested parent or guardian volunteers into our buildings when appropriate.

However, we do ask that volunteers go through the proper background checks before participating in any event(s) or activities.

Volunteer Information

Keeping Students Safe While Welcoming Volunteers. Riverside Local Schools uses a tiered volunteer clearance system to ensure the appropriate level of screening based on the type of volunteer activity and potential student contact.

Step 1: Determine Your Volunteer Level

Level 1 Volunteer – Supervised

Level 1 volunteers are always supervised by Riverside staff and participate in one-time or short-term volunteer opportunities.

Requirements
  • Visitor Aware screening completed at the school building
  • Check in through the office or designated check-in location upon arrival.
Examples
  • Classroom Party Helper
  • School-Sponsored Event Volunteer
  • Classroom Guest Reader/Speaker
  • Field Day or Walk-A-Thon Station Volunteer
  • Book Fair Volunteer
Clearance Period

Visitor Aware screening is completed each time you enter the building.

Click HERE to pre-register and save time at check-in.

Level 2 Volunteer – Occasionally Unsupervised

Level 2 volunteers may have the potential to be unsupervised with students during school activities.

Requirements
  • Secure Volunteer background check completed by volunteer
  • Check in through the office or designated check-in location upon arrival. 
Examples
  • Field Trip Chaperone
  • Regular Classroom Volunteer
  • Library Volunteer
  • Just Run Volunteer
  • Field Day Classroom Volunteer
About Secure Volunteer

Secure Volunteer:
  • Provides online volunteer applications and background checks.
  • Scans national databases and criminal history records.
  • Allows volunteers to monitor their status through a mobile app.
Clearance Period

Secure Volunteer approval is valid for one year.

Click HERE to begin your Secure Volunteer Background Check

Level 3 Volunteer – Unsupervised

Level 3 volunteers regularly work in situations where they may be unsupervised with students.

Requirements
  • Ohio BCI and FBI background check fingerprint completed at the Central Administration office. 
  • Check in through the office or designated check-in location upon arrival. 
Examples
  • Overnight Trip Chaperones
  • Outside Organizations (fee applies)
  • Athletic Coaches (fee applies)
  • Extracurricular Clubs/Groups (fee applies)
  • Substitute Teachers or Non-Teaching Staff (fee applies)
Additional Information

Level 3 volunteers follow the same Board policies and expectations as district employees.

Clearance Period

BCI/FBI background checks for volunteers are valid for one year. Employee and Substitute background checks are valid for 5 years without a break in service.

Click HERE to schedule your in-person background check

Step 2: Wait for Approval

Please wait until you receive approval before volunteering.

Step 3: Check In Each Time You Visit

All volunteers must check in through the office or designated check-in location upon arrival.

Please note: Volunteers are required to wear their Riverside volunteer badge for the entire duration of their visit, including while inside school buildings and while serving as a chaperone on field trips.

Volunteer Expectations

To help maintain a safe and secure environment for all students and staff, volunteers are expected to:
  • Follow all school and district and building procedures and Board Policy
  • Check in through the office or designated check-in location upon arrival.
  • Wear their Riverside volunteer badge at all times while inside a school building or while participating in a school-sponsored field trip.
  • Follow the directions of school staff and remain within approved volunteer areas and activities.
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding students and school matters.
  • Return their Riverside volunteer badge or sign out as directed at the end of their visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Questions? Contact Human Resources

Kelly Flenner
Human Resources Specialist
kelly.flenner@riversideschools.net
440-358-8300