Getting Started!
1. Sign up online
Somerville Public Schools strives to match volunteers with meaningful opportunities that will best support student learning and meet the needs of the whole child/student. If interested in serving regularly (at least once a week) please self-register. This helps to match you with an opportunity that fits your skills and interests, allows SPS to document and demonstrate impact on student learning and well-being, and share out district volunteer opportunities.
2. Schedule a Volunteer Orientation
Looking to serve with SPS this September? Most opportunities require a commitment of one hour a week for three consecutive months. Our next Volunteer Orientation for individuals new to SPS is Thursday, October 12 from 6:00pm-7:30am. To RSVP and for further details email JCapuano@k12.somerville.ma.us.
3. Submit your CORI Form
For the safety of all students, families and staff, all volunteers age 18 or older are required to have an approved CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) with Somerville Public Schools every school year. Regardless of time commitment or volunteer activity (including remote and out-of-school time volunteering), Volunteers serving with an SPS activity must have an approved CORI with SPS. Parents/Guardians of SPS: CORIs may be submitted in person at your school's main office during school hours, at a district Volunteer Orientation or by appointment by emailing JCapuano@k12.somerville.ma.us. New community volunteers: Please sign up for an in-person Volunteer Orientation if you'd like to volunteer regularly, CORIs will be submitted then.
For information about MA CORI regulation and your CORI rights visit https://www.mass.gov/doc/cori-booklet/download. Volunteers without a Social Security Number are permitted to volunteer; volunteers without government-issued ID may submit a personal identification attestation form.
Volunteer Resources
Volunteer Guidelines
This Guide outlines Somerville Public Schools' practices for all volunteers and the expectations SPS educators and staff have as you serve with a Somerville school. Volunteers matched for remote tutoring or mentoring will be asked to review and sign the SPS Guidelines and Confidentiality Agreement.