Volunteer Opportunities
Bonney Lake Elementary PTA is ALWAYS looking for wonderful volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering reach out and let us know what you are interested in! There are always opportunities to help, whether it is by assisting with events and activities, working on things behind the scenes, or even seeking out charitable donations from the community. Everyone is a value and we want to work with you!
To be a Volunteer
A great way to show your child that you are interested in their education is by volunteering at their school. Volunteering benefits your kids, the classroom, the school, and the community by giving students positive interaction, support, and encouragement. Becoming a school volunteer can give you a better understanding of the work the teachers, administrators, and daily school activities. At Bonney Lake Elementary we have a few ways to volunteer. If you are hoping to help at the school during school hours, then the district will require you to become an approved volunteer. The steps to becoming a district approved volunteer are listed on the following page. Now, if you were hoping to just volunteer at the after-school events the process is easier. The Bonney Lake Elementary PTA host many events throughout the school year and would be thrilled for your help. We do encourage you to become a PTA member, however, this is not a requirement. To volunteer for PTA events please email Katie Weer our President at bleptapres@gmail.com . If you prefer to text or call, her number is (253)307-8290. She will be happy to help you sign up for what fits best for you.
Who can volunteer?
Anyone with a connection to one of our students is eligible to help. Volunteers are parents, community members, employees volunteering in a location other than their work location, students volunteering in a school other than the school they attend, and coaches or advisors in unpaid assignments. We can't do it without you, and all are Welcome and Appreciated!
What can I volunteer for?
There are many opportunities to volunteer for our school. If you become a district approved volunteer the school needs help in the following areas:
Watch D.O.G.S.* Funtastic Fridays
Art Docents * Field Trips
Classroom Assistance Victory Tour
Picture Day Jog-a-thon
Book Fair * Field Day
Field Day Growth Parade
Viking Games Many More!
* These positions do require a PTA Membership
If you are interested in helping the after-school events those include:
Bingo Night Spirit Wear
Carnival Back to School Night
Fall Fest Ice Cream Social
Arts and Crafts Night Family Night Out
BooHoo Yahoo Getting Donations for Events
Pastries with Peeps Yearbook
Paint Night Many More!
What is an Art Docent?
An Art Docent is a district approved volunteer who goes into the classroom and teaches an art lesson to a class. The time commitment is generally 3-4 hours per lesson. (About 1 hour planning & practicing the lesson, 30 mins prepping materials, 30 mins-1 hour teaching the lesson, 30 mins cleaning up, and optional 30 mins hanging finished artwork)
Can I have an Art Docent Partner?
Docents can work together to co-teach lessons or take turns teaching lessons. There can be more than one docent per classroom. Docents can also choose to teach lessons for more than one classroom.
What is a Watch D.O.G.?
Our Watch D.O.G.S are some of our most beloved volunteers! They help provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. Meanwhile, we provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security, reduce bullying and provide a greater sense of campus safety allowing students and teachers to focus on learning and instruction. Our Dogs serve on campus for one day or many each year under the leadership of a program coordinator and under the guidance of our school principal Leeann Alfano.
Who are Watch D.O.G.S?
Fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures are our main volunteers, however, there are no bearers and all are welcome to join. Our program speaks directly to those care-givers and guardians who are statistically less likely to come onto campus to volunteer.
Volunteers make a BIG difference
When volunteers commit to serving at a school, students achieve higher grades, have access to more opportunities, and gain community connections to help them thrive.
Research shows that students who receive direct support from volunteer tutors achieve higher grades, test scores, and are more likely to graduate.
When volunteers provide clerical support to staff, educators have more time for instruction and individualized support for students.
Schools with large numbers of volunteers offer students more learning experiences through after school events, field trips, and enrichment.
Time Commitments?
In volunteering for our school, we are grateful for anytime you can give! Some of our volunteer positions do come with a bit more of a commitment than others. Such as our Art Docent Program. These wonderful people come in and teach monthly art projects throughout the year to our students. This commitment comes with a one hour a month commitment at the school. Other programs such as our Watch D.O.G.S only require one day a year, though if you would like to do more it is highly encouraged. Please know we can find a position to fit your schedule.
Steps for new applicants who want to become a district approved volunteers:
1. Go to www.sumnersd.org. Click on “Communities”, “Get Involved”, “Volunteer Forms”, and "Online Volunteer Application". (link below)
2. Click on “register”. New applicants will create their profile with their email address, First Name & Last Name (as it appears on your driver’s license) and create a password. Please note – passwords are case sensitive and must be 8 characters in length.
3. Click “register” again at the bottom of the screen. This will bring you to the “my profile” tab. Fill in the information for your birth date, and if you have an aka name (for example a nickname or maiden name).
4. Select your Interest type. You can select as many as you wish – please be sure to read the descriptions below to ensure you are selecting the correct volunteer type.
Select the School Volunteer interest type.
5. Once you have selected your interest type(s), click “next.” Add your address and phone number(s) and click “next.” The next screen will bring you to the criminal history disclosure. Please answer every question honestly and provide detailed information on any “yes” answers.
6. Click on “My Checklist.” You will see a checklist of items that are required to be completed. They will all have a red X mark showing that they are incomplete. As you complete each item they will turn into a Green check mark. Once you have green check marks on all of your checklist items, you are finished with your application! You will receive an email from Human Resources within a few days. (As a hint when uploading your documents, it may not upload correctly if you use a mobile device. We did have a few issues with this in the last year. If that is the only way you have access please contact Katie Weer at the information above and she will help you with the process.)
If you do not get an email in a few days, please contact Melissa Davidson at (253) 891-4450
If you have any questions about volunteering, please let us know we will be happy to help. The Bonney Lake PTA has no access to your information. Also, remember the more volunteers we have the better we can serve our school and students!