August 29, 2006

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Thousands of volunteers serve in Lake Washington School District every year. Some are community members, but many are parents and guardians like you who serve in the school, chaperone field trips, and lead extracurricular activities. District schools depend on volunteers and value highly this significant contribution.

It is especially important that the volunteer program provides the highest level of safety possible for your children, as well as for staff and volunteers. Schools routinely screen volunteers, checking their background. This year, there are a few changes to the application process to ensure an even higher level of safety for your children.

1. The first change is that the District is now required by law to re-screen volunteers every two years.  This change means that if you first applied before last school year (2005-2006), you must reapply this year. If you don’t remember when you initially applied to volunteer, it’s a good idea to reapply now.

2. The second change is that all new volunteer applicants must be approved by the District before they can begin their service. If you think you might volunteer even once this school year, it’s best to get your approval done early. Apply now so you’ll be ready for any last minute activities that might come up. We anticipate a high volume of applications, so approval could take up to two weeks. Include your e-mail address on the volunteer application form so the District can notify you quickly when you have been approved. (It will only be used for volunteer communication.) 

3. Volunteer applicants must now submit a copy of their driver’s license or other photo identification that includes their legal name and date of birth. This change makes it easier to verify your identity in the background check. You can make a copy of your ID or the school can make a copy for you and submit it with your completed volunteer application.

How To Apply or Reapply

You can get an application from the school or download from the District’s Web site at www.lwsd.org. To access the Volunteer Application Packet and Volunteer Handbook online, there is an announcement on the home page, under “Highlights” titled “New Volunteer Procedures.”  Click on that link, then click on the links to the Volunteer Application Packet and Volunteer Handbook.

Questions? Contact your school’s office or the District’s Public Information Office at 425.702.3300.

Thanks to all of you who volunteer your time to fulfill the needs of our students and staff! Your time is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Kathryn Reith

Director of Communications