Serve and Inspire with SPS!
Why Volunteer? Volunteers in schools leads to greater student achievement and self-confidence, better attendance, improved conversation skills and social relationships, and stronger community connections. As a volunteer with Somerville Public Schools, you will work with students, educators, parents and guardians, and community volunteers to enrich and expand student learning. Whether you have an hour a week or an hour a month, we'll work to match you with a rewarding volunteer experience.
Getting Started
NEW TO SOMERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS? If you are interested in serving regularly, please take a moment to self-register as an SPS Volunteer here and rsvp for a Volunteer Orientation.
RETURNING VOLUNTEERS, PARENTS AND GUARDIANS: Thank you for sharing your time and talents with SPS! Please remember to submit your CORI Form for the school year. CORI requests may be submitted:
- Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri, 7:30am-3:30pm, and Thursdays 10:30am-3:30pm through the Enrollment Office, 42 Prescott St., Cummings Building, main office;
- Monday through Friday, 7:30am-3:00pm through any Somerville Elementary School main office; OR
- at an SPS Volunteer Orientation.
Please make sure to bring your photo ID (driver's license, REAL ID or US Passport). CORI forms are also available at all SPS main offices.
All Volunteers: Thank you for reviewing this Guide for procedures and best practices for serving with Somerville Public Schools.
Serving and Inspiring, Volunteer Spotlights
Serve and Inspire this School Year
Academic Support and Tutoring
Individual weekly tutoring and study skills supported by qualified, caring community volunteers have shown to improve student academic achievement and generate more interest in the subject. Opportunities in Literacy, Mathematics, Languages, ESL, Sciences and more. Preference given to volunteers who can serve during school day hours or immediately after school (8:30am-2:30pm; or for an hour or more 2:45pm-5:30pm). During the school year, before and after school hours available for individualized tutoring and projects.
Community Volunteer Interpreters and Translators
Volunteer to assist with school communications and materials. Spanish, Portuguese or Haitian Creole language fluency preferred, other languages as needed. Evening hours also available during school year. New Interpreter Training required to ensure that all interpreters working with SPS understand expectations of their services and the level of professional ethics and confidentiality required. To learn about the next Interpreters Orientation Training Session contact Regina Bertholdo.
Computer Scientists, Engineers, Innovators and Problem-Solvers!
Looking for ways to connect with our next generation of innovators? Help light the spark that will make math matter and bring creativity to coding. Volunteers and STEM enthusiasts serve in and out of the classroom assisting with computer sciences pilots, after school clubs, STEM nights and Maker Space events and as STEM career mentors.
2nd Annual Women In STEM Summit, Monday, Oct 21, 3pm-5pm, SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Auditorium.
STEM professionals share how they were inspired to pursue their careers, hurdles they've encountered, and spend some time hearing from and speaking with high school students. With Keynote Speaker Tufts Researcher Rachael Bonoan, Ph.D., TEDxTufts Speaker: Embracing Science as a Verb; www.rachaelebonoan.com.
Musicians!
Make music with students while supporting Somerville Public Schools' vibrant young music scene! Somerville schools offer free in-school instrument lessons, in-school music and music theory, chorus, and after school instruction and performance opportunities. Volunteers help in a weekly music class, provide string or wind lesson support, volunteer to perform at a school or district event, plan a music fundraiser, or tune a violin. Visit Music Department to learn more.
El Sistema Somerville!
Launched in Fall, 2012, El Sistema is an after school music education program providing ensemble-based music instruction to third, fourth and fifth grade students. In addition to music instruction, students receive weekly academic support, cultural enrichment activities, field trips, and frequent public performance opportunities. Volunteers serve as music mentors, tutors, homework and academic aides, fundraiser and special events planners and more. Hours M-F, 2:45pm-5:30pm, volunteers may serve one hour/week or more, at East Somerville Community School. Contact El Sistema's Evan Perry at eperry@k12.somerville.ma.us or call 617-625-6600 ext. 3716 for more information.
Therapy Dog Teams
Initiated in 2012 by the SPS Volunteer Program and with thirteen teams now serving regularly, trained and certified Therapy Dog Teams serve as Reading Partners, and provide consistent, social, emotional and wellness support to students and staff. Therapy Teams are matched with educators and counselors for weekly or monthly classroom visits, as Reading Partners for individual or small group reading, for enrichment activities, or serve during counseling sessions. Teams are screened prior to placement, all teams must be trained and certified through reputable organization and meet all requirements for visits in a school or classroom environment. For training and certification resources or to arrange a screening, contact jcapuano@k12.somerville.ma.us.
Serving Lifelong Learning and 18+
SCALE (Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences)
SCALE provides adults opportunities to achieve their goals in a supportive, diverse, welcoming learning community through academic programming and guidance. Volunteers work alongside staff to support adult learners with basic reading, writing and math skills, English instruction for non-native speakers, or a high-school credential. Classes meet in the mornings, afternoons and evenings on weekdays. Visit SCALE to learn more.
Supporting Public Schools, Growing Community
Are you a company, group of friends or organization looking for fun ways to work together and support Somerville schools and families? Take a look below and find ways to serve and connect with community while having fun!
School Community Events
PTA Events / SFLC Events / Math Nights / Game Nights / Literacy and Author Visits / Arts / STEM / Physical Improvement Projects. Parent and community volunteers are encouraged to assist schools with hosting engaging, family-friendly events--on and off-site. School communities plan, host and attend a wide variety of events year-round. Come help at an event, bring a dish to share, offer a fun hands-on activity and connect with families and students. Choose a school or we'll connect you with a school in your neighborhood.
Grantwriting, Graphic and Web Design, Fundraising and more
Not interested in interacting with students or only available evenings? Not a problem! Volunteers in Somerville enjoy sharing their expertise in graphic design, web design, photography, logo creation, serving on a local nonprofit education board, grant writing, data entry, administrative support, community outreach, fundraising and more. If you have a skill to share, we'll find you a rewarding way to use it--short- or long-term--in support of public schools. Several Somerville nonprofits and organizations serve to minimize achievement and experiential gaps and welcome community volunteer support. For a list of local organizations and contacts: JCapuano@k12.somerville.ma.us.
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