BSV Classroom Volunteer Application 
2025-26

This application is intended for new and returning volunteers to Berkeley Schools Volunteers who are interested in volunteering in a specific classroom, library, or garden on an ongoing basis.  We require that volunteers who sign up for BSV’s Classroom Volunteer program commit for the remainder of the school year. 


NOTE: In August and early September, BSV prioritizes placements for returning volunteers with established volunteer placements. 


Thank you for your flexibility and dedication to supporting students!


Questions? Email bsv@schoolsfund.berkeley.net

Volunteer Contact Information
Name - the name that will be on your BSV Name Badge and that you regularly go by.  
Please capitalize appropriately






Enter as MM/DD/YYYY




     
Local Mailing Address - PLEASE INCLUDE AN APARTMENT/DORM NUMBER and/or BUILDING NAME, if applicable. Your BSV name badge will not get to you without the full address.





First and Last Name




New Volunteer Information














Tuberculosis Screening

We are required to collect a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening/test from ALL long-term/ongoing volunteers.  A negative TB screening lasts 4 years and we can accept a test that has been done in the last 4 years.  There are 4 ways to provide proof of TB test: Risk Assessment Questionnaire (applicable if you have no history of risk factors), Skin Test, Blood Test, or Chest X-Ray. Visit here for more information about which test is best for you and free testing locations. Download the Risk Assessment Questionnaire here In this application, you'll be able to submit a digital copy of your TB document. If you still need to get tested, you can choose to skip this step and email me later. You will not be cleared to volunteer until you submit your documentation to BSV.
Our information shows that your TB test is expired or will expire before the end of this school year.  A negative TB screening lasts 4 years and we can accept a test that has been done in the last 4 years.  There are 4 ways to provide proof of TB test: Risk Assessment Questionnaire (applicable if you have no history of risk factors), Skin Test, Blood Test, or Chest X-Ray. Visit here for more information about which test is best for you and free testing locations. Download the Risk Assessment Questionnaire here In this application, you'll be able to submit a digital copy of your TB document. You can choose to skip this step and email me later. If your test is expired prior to your start date, you will not be cleared to volunteer until you submit your updated documentation to BSV.
Our information shows that your TB test IS EXPIRED.  A negative TB screening lasts 4 years and we can accept a test that has been done in the last 4 years.  There are 4 ways to provide proof of TB test: Risk Assessment Questionnaire (applicable if you have no history of risk factors), Skin Test, Blood Test, or Chest X-Ray. Visit here for more information about which test is best for you and free testing locations. Download the Risk Assessment Questionnaire here In this application, you'll be able to submit a digital copy of your TB document. If you still need to get tested, you can choose to skip this step and email me later. You will not be cleared to volunteer until you submit your documentation to BSV.
Our information shows that your negative TB test will not expire within this school year.  A negative TB screening lasts 4 years.




Returning Placement 


BSV New Placement Preferences


Volunteering SCHEDULE:  Most instruction in BUSD occurs between the hours of 8am-3:30 pm. While they exist, late afternoons/after-school options are limited.

Parent Volunteers
To get you in your child's classroom* in an expedited manner, BSV has made a couple of exceptions. Parent volunteers do not need to be fingerprinted




BSV Volunteer Contract

BSV Volunteer Contract, 2025-26 (link to PDF version here)

Section I: Qualifications & Screening


To be authorized to volunteer in BUSD, you must:

    • Be cleared to serve, including clearing an FBI/DOJ Live Scan background check/fingerprinting. Note: Parents volunteering in their child's classroom are exempt from the fingerprinting requirements
    • Complete a Mandated Reporter training to fulfill the requirements of CA AB506
    • Provide proof of medical vaccinations (for specific placements only, as required by the California Education Code) 
    • Be able to commit to at least 1 hour of volunteering weekly for the entire school year (unless otherwise arranged with BSV staff)


Section II: Code of Conduct


Volunteers should:

    • Identify themselves to BUSD students and families as a Berkeley Schools Volunteer.
    • Respect the diversity of Berkeley’s students and staff, including one’s race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical condition/disability status, religious beliefs, political afflictions, veteran or marital status.
    • Respect the school dress code, including but not limited to no clothing with logos depicting drugs, tobacco, alcohol, anything sexually suggestive, or anything involving a racial/ethnic slur.
    • Volunteer only under the supervision of their assigned BUSD Host Teacher.
    • Be punctual and consistent for all volunteer commitments.
    • Discuss any planned absences in advance with their Host Teacher.
    • Immediately refer discipline issues to their Host Teacher.
    • Regard any information learned as a volunteer as confidential and share only with school staff as appropriate.
    • Confidentially pass on knowledge or suspicion of child abuse and/or any challenges or concerns for students’ success or welfare to their Host Teacher, or designated staff.
    • Let BSV know immediately if they are unable to continue with their volunteer commitment, or if they change Host Teachers/placements.
    • Complete BSV’s annual spring volunteer survey to give BSV feedback on the program.
    • Update their contact information annually with BSV, as well as notify BSV of their intent to return for the following year.
    • Wear their current year BSV Name Badge at all times on BUSD campuses.

Volunteers should not:

    • Engage in any political or religious instruction, activities, or conduct
    • Engage in non-BUSD supervised contact with students, including texting, phoning, emailing, social media connecting, or meeting off-campus.
    • Photograph or post pictures/video of students without written parent and school staff permission.
    • Make any suggestive or inappropriate comments, or jokes.
    • Volunteer while ill, or with knowledge of positive testing for contagious diseases (i.e. COVID-19 or Tuberculosis, etc.).
    • Be under the influence of (or smell like) alcohol, marijuana, or illegal substances.
    • Use electronic devices (including cell phones and music players) while working with students.
    • Remove students from the direct supervision of the BUSD Host Teacher or from the school campus.
    • Physically discipline students or use hands to redirect a student.
    • Transport students in a vehicle (unless BUSD approved and supervised, as on a school field trip).
    • Remain in contact with students outside of the school context, either in-person or digitally. (Your volunteer work is sanctioned by BSV and the California Education Code only when you are under the direct supervision of a certificated teacher.)


Section III: BSV Policies

I understand and agree…

    • I am not an employee of the BSV or BUSD, and I volunteer my services in an “at will” capacity.
    • BUSD has the right to revoke my volunteer privileges at any time without prior notification or warning, in conformity with its liability and safety policies.
    • Any breach of the above commitments may result in my dismissal from any and all BUSD schools.

I meet the listed qualifications, understand the above expectations and restrictions, and will contact BSV if anything changes with my volunteer placement, my health in relation to communicable diseases, or my legal status related to felony convictions. I accept the appointment of School Volunteer in a BUSD school for the 2025-26 school year.



Sign up for Orientation & Trainings

Prior to being matched, new volunteers must first complete a 1.5-hour orientation before being placed.


All orientations will take place via Google Meet.  Additional trainings may be either over Google Meet or in-person. 


Last Step! School Support Volunteering

Berkeley Schools Volunteers operates both a Classroom Volunteer program (that you are currently applying for) as well as a School Support Volunteer program that supports district-wide needs outside of classrooms.  





If you selected Grocery Delivery or Task Runner, we have a few more safety questions before we can sign you up. 

1) Do you have current insurance on the vehicle you will operate for task running?

2) Is the same vehicle in good operating condition? 

3) Is your driver's license in good standing (meaning, no major violations in last 2 years, and no DUIs, and/or multiple at-fault accidents ever)?

4) Are you at least 18 years old? 

Next Steps
Here's what happens next: 
For New Volunteers: 
  • Once you've attended the mandatory orientation, we'll send you to be fingerprinted (non-parents only)
  • Once your fingerprints clear, we'll send you a few placement options to consider.
  • Then we'll confirm placement with your Host Teacher/Staff
  • Upon approval and background check clearance (including TB test), we'll do an email introduction to you and the Host Teacher and you can arrange when to hold your First Meeting to discuss logistics of your volunteering! And you’re off!
For Returners: 
  • Before we confirm your new placement, you must watch the 30 min Mandated Reporter training and take the quiz. 
  • BSV will reach out after we get our Teacher Volunteer Request forms back from host staff. 
  • When we know for sure you have a match, we’ll make you and your Host Teacher official (via email) once again. For those of you who have been with their teachers for years, this will be quick and easy!
  • Once officially matched and you've received your name badge in the mail, you're free to join your class!
NOTE: In August and early September, BSV prioritizes placements for returning volunteers with established volunteer placements

Thank you for your interest in supporting Berkeley Schools! We're looking forward to getting you started.

Questions? Email Jissel Poblete at jisselpoblete@schoolsfund.berkeley.net

Contact Information