Serve and Inspire with Somerville Public Schools

Thank you for your interest in volunteering. Whether you have an hour a week or an hour a month, your help makes a difference in the life of a student. Below are a few examples of how you can serve:

  • Mentor an immigrant youth; 
  • Work 1:1 with a student to enhance academic or social-emotional skills;
  • Assist in a school-based afterschool program;
  • Serve in a classroom during literacy or math blocks;
  • Connect with families and students through school events, resource access and distribution and more! 

Seize the Summer!  See 2025 summer volunteer opportunities here

See a partial list of school year opportunities here. 

Learn how volunteers can serve, check out our latest newsletter here. 

New volunteers

  • Step 1:   Complete the Self-registration Form.   
  • Step 2:   Attend an in-person volunteer orientation where you will also submit your CORI (required background check).  CORI forms are provided at the volunteer orientation.  Next group orientation: Thursday, July 24, 5:30pm-6:30pm.   Please RSVP if you plan to attend: jcapuano@k12.somerville.ma.us.
  • Step 3:   Wait for your volunteer assignment. You will be contacted for opportunities that best match your interests, skills, experience and availability.  Matches are made based on specific needs and requests from educators, counselors and SPS personnel.  
  • Step 4: Confirm your assignment once you have received a notification from the Volunteer Coordinator.  Then, start volunteering!

Returning volunteers

  • Step 1: Submit your CORI Form for the new school year. Somerville Public Schools requires an approved CORI (background check) for each academic year (July 1 - June 30).  If you have been previously approved through Somerville Public Schools, you may submit your CORI digitally by emailing jcapuano@k12.somerville.ma.us, submit in person at any Somerville Public School main office during school hours, or by appointment with the Volunteer Office.  Make sure to bring your photo ID (driver's license, MA or REAL ID or passport).  
  • Step 2:  Share your availability with your school contact or with jcapuano@k12.somerville.ma.us.  You will be contacted for opportunities that best match your interests, skills and availability.
  • Step 3:  Review SPS Volunteer Guidelines, confirm your start date, schedule and assignment, then, start volunteering!  

How to submit your CORI Form 

  • Step 1: Complete the CORI Form  (Please note that CORI forms are also provided at every Somerville Public School main office and Volunteer Coordinator's office). 

  • Step 2: Submit the CORI Form

    • Option 1: In-person. (CORI forms are provided at schools and offices).

      • Make an appointment with Jen Capuano by emailing jcapuano@k12.somerville.ma.us; OR
      • During school hours, submit your form to the main office of any Somerville Public School. For a list of schools located near you, click here.
      • Make sure to bring your photo ID (driver's license, MA or REAL ID or Passport).
    • Option 2: On-line, available for returning volunteers only.

      • Email your CORI form to SPS Volunteer Coordinator Jen Capuano at jcapuano@k12.somerville.ma.us.
      • In the same email, include a scanned copy of your photo ID (driver's license, MA or REAL ID or passport).
    • For more information about MA CORI regulation and your CORI rights, visit https://www.mass.gov/doc/cori-booklet/download. 

 

Volunteer Orientation 

During an orientation, volunteers will: share their interests, skills and experience working with youth; review SPS Volunteer Guidelines and best practices; submit their CORI (CORI form is provided by SPS at orientation); and learn about Somerville Public Schools and volunteer opportunities.  

Volunteers are encouraged to have been vaccinated for COVID-19, with the recommendation of having received at least one bivalent vaccine. 

Questions? Contact Volunteer Coordinator Jen Capuano at jcapuano@k12.somerville.ma.us or 617-625-6600 x 6023.