VOLUNTEER AT CHAMPLAIN
Hello, volunteers!
Welcome back and thank you for volunteering. Whether you have an hour a month or a morning a week, there is a spot for you. The best way to sign up is to email Sarah, our volunteer coordinator, at champlainvolunteers@gmail.com and tell us what you would like to do.
THE SHORT VERSION
Five things to know
This page is a detailed one, so here are the key points first.
Questions or other ideas?
Email champlainvolunteers@gmail.com and we will see what we can make happen.
ONGOING ROLES
Weekly and twice-a-month volunteering
The school year is just getting started and we need help with everything. These roles work best with a regular commitment.
Morning Champs
7:30 to 8 AM, every morning
Help provide a structured start for students who arrive early on the bus. This is a weekly commitment.
Lunchroom
10:50 AM to 12:15 PM, daily
Help keep lunch calm and friendly. Works best weekly or twice a month.
Recess
About 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Structured play outside, in all kinds of weather. Works best weekly or twice a month.
OCCASIONAL HELP
Events through the year
Keep your eyes peeled for emails about these. The first one is coming right up.
Community Dinner
Date coming soon
A favorite evening for families, teachers and staff to share a meal together.
The School Play
Later this year
Sets, costumes, rehearsals and show nights. Lots of ways for parents to pitch in.
FOUR WINDS NATURE PROGRAM
Bring hands-on science to grades 1 to 3
Nurturing a child's sense of place, wonder and scientific curiosity is important work, and this program runs on volunteers. No experience required.
We need two volunteers per classroom: Giblin, Rice, Culliton, Johnson, Rob, Zeigfinger, and Giannoni/Byrne.
Training dates
Fridays, 8:15 to 10:15 AM, with the other classroom volunteers
Oct 2, 2026 All Sorts of Insects
Nov 6, 2026 Conifer Clues
Dec 4, 2026 Disguises and Surprises
Feb 5, 2027 Feathering the Nest
Apr 30, 2027 Ferns and Fiddleheads
1
Train
Attend the Friday morning training for each unit with the other classroom volunteers.
2
Plan
Coordinate a lesson with the classroom teacher, usually a 1 to 1.5 hour block within two to three weeks of your training.
3
Lead
Lead the activity with students, sharing materials, experiences and plenty of joy.
BEFORE YOU START
Background checks
Burlington School District requires background checks for volunteers who come into direct contact with students. That includes field trip chaperones. Not sure of your status? Email champlainvolunteers@gmail.com and Sarah can check for you.
On-site check event
Thursday, September 24, 5 to 7 PM at Champlain. The PTO is hosting background checks and fingerprinting on-site, so you can take care of everything in about 10 minutes. No appointment at the Central Office needed.
