a teacher helps a student who is listening to headphones. Words state "get involved - volunteer in DPS"

DALTON, GA - Dalton Public Schools (DPS) is thrilled to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, inviting community members to play an active role in shaping the educational experience. Recognizing the vital role of community involvement, DPS warmly welcomes volunteers who wish to share their time and talents to create positive school environments and support student success.

Additionally, community members are encouraged to engage in school activities, even if they are not volunteering. Activities such as having lunch with students, attending class parties or celebrations, and attending events like Field Day are open to parents or guardians and do not require formal volunteer registration or screening.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers can choose from various roles to support students and staff, ranging from hands-on activities to classroom support and hospitality. Opportunities include:

  • Level 1: Roles such as classroom readers, spirit wear sales team members, and document translators, which involve no unsupervised interaction with students.

  • Level 2: Positions like lunch monitors, book fair assistants, and classroom helpers, which may involve supervised interaction with students.

  • Level 3: Positions such as student mentors, club leaders, and fundraising coordinators, which may involve closer work with students in supervised or unsupervised settings.

Each role allows community members to actively contribute to the school environment. Interested individuals are encouraged to explore opportunities that align with their interests and schedules.

Becoming a Volunteer

To ensure a safe and welcoming experience for students, DPS has implemented a straightforward yet thorough onboarding process:

  1. Identify the volunteer level (1, 2, or 3) that best matches your intended role, as each level has specific screening requirements.

  2. Complete the Volunteer Release Form and submit the necessary documentation.

  3. Await approval notification from the school designee.

Volunteer Screening Policy

To comply with Georgia Law (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34.2), volunteers who may have unsupervised access to students undergo fingerprint screening, which includes checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Screening requirements vary by volunteer level:

  • Level 1: A simple identification check and registry verifications.

  • Levels 2 and 3: More extensive screenings, including criminal background checks for those who may work closely or independently with students.

Engaging with DPS

Volunteering with DPS provides a meaningful opportunity to positively impact students' lives, whether by sharing professional expertise, assisting with daily activities, or offering support. Community members can learn more about the volunteer process by visiting the DPS Volunteer Website, which outlines opportunities and requirements in detail.

If you are interested in volunteering today, we invite you to visit our website to get started: Volunteer Opportunities. There, you will find all the information needed to complete the process and begin making a difference in the lives of Dalton Public Schools students.

Dalton Public Schools deeply values the commitment of its volunteers and warmly welcomes new members to its community. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our students.

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