1 of 13

Parent/Guardian Volunteers

“University Parents” 9/16/2026 5 pm

2 of 13

Where all students are unique and gifted individuals.

Volunteering encourages a positive, family-oriented school climate.

Positively impacts academic achievement.

Connects you with teachers, staff, other parents, and your kid’s classmates.

3 of 13

Becoming a Volunteer

​

  • ​

STEP 1

  1. Attend the Parent Volunteer Meeting on September 16th at 5pm on Zoom. Information to follow.
  2. TB Test LINK TO DOCUMENT
    1. All volunteers must have an initial TB examination that consists of a Mantoux Skin Test or a TB risk assessment performed by a physician (this is valid for 4 years).
    2. Documentation of tuberculosis clearance MUST be on file at the school.
    3. A chest x-ray is acceptable if required due to a skin reaction or a medical circumstance
  3. Schedule Appointment for Fingerprinting LINK TO LIVE SCAN DOCUMENT and LINK TO Q+A DOCUMENT this is valid for the time your child/children attend OPA
    • Fingerprinting by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is required for:
    • Volunteer assignment involving contact or possible contact with students at school or on field trips where there is a possibility a volunteer could be outside the presence of a certificated staff member (teacher or administrator) even briefly
    • Chaperoning field trips + after-school sports.
    • Coaching or assisting with special events, including dances, class celebrations, sports competitions, drama and musical productions, etc.
    • Providing lunch-time volunteer assistance
    • The fingerprinting fee varies by location. The school does not pay this cost.
  4. Complete Mandated Reporter Training (New this year)
    • Go to the State’s free online training platform at https://mandatedreporterca.com/ and create an account.
    • Select the Volunteers module (about two hours) — or School Personnel if you also serve in a staff capacity. You may stop and resume at any time.
    • Save or print your certificate of completion. There is a $10 fee.
    • Email it to the front office at your school site, using the subject line “Mandated Reporter – [Your Last Name] – [School Site].”

4 of 13

Becoming a Volunteer

​

  • ​

STEP 2:

Review the following documents and email or drop off paperwork to the school’s main office:

  1. Provide proof of TB Clearance
  2. Mandated reporter certificate
  3. Review and Sign OPA’s Privacy and Confidentiality Agreement
  4. Review and Sign OPA’s Acceptable Use Policy

​

STEP 3: School will verify Safety & Security Clearances:

  1. TB Clearance
  2. Fingerprinting

​

STEP 4:

Once cleared, volunteers will need you to provide your driver’s license each time you arrive to school to volunteer

5 of 13

Being a Great Volunteer

​

​

  • ​
  • Volunteers must check-in and out of the office every visit
  • Wear your volunteer sticker at all times
  • Dress comfortably but keep the school dress code in mind
  • Discuss with your child’s Professor where you feel you can effectively contribute to the class
  • Be warm, kind, patient & friendly. Learn the student’s names and show interest in what they are doing and telling you
  • Feel free to ask the Professor for assistance if you are unsure of what to do or do not know the answer

​

6 of 13

Reminders

​

​

  • ​
  • Respect a child’s privacy. Please do not discuss information, issues, concerns, or students with anyone other than the Professor or site administration.
  • Be respectful of your Professor’s time. Please be on time and give plenty of notice if you are not going to be on time.
  • When possible, give plenty of notice to professors if you are unable to volunteer
  • Copy machine may be used, the Professor will provide you the paper. The Laminating machine may not be used.
  • Younger siblings are not permitted on campus when volunteering.
  • Be kind to other University Parents and work together. Speak with Professors first and then Admin if you have any concerns.

​

7 of 13

University Parents

​

​

​

  • ​
  • During the course of the year, University Parents are responsible for coordinating homeroom/classroom activities and projects such as:
  • School-wide Celebrations:
    • Literature Day Celebration
    • Winter Celebration
    • Valentine’s Day Celebration
    • International Day Celebration
    • End-of-Year Activities
  • Professor Appreciation Month
  • Professor Holiday/Birthday Gifts
  • Volunteer Opportunities for Honour Society Events
  • Professor Year-End Gift

​

​

8 of 13

Things to Keep in Mind

​

​

​

​

  • ​
  • Allergies - Be sensitive and aware
  • Budgeting - Plan parties accordingly, $5 or less suggested donation per Champion, it is about having fun with the kids
  • Keeping Experiences Equitable + Collaborate with Others:
    • Work with the Other Classes in your Grade Level - Meet the other Professors & University Parents
  • How to request help: Professors should send out emails for you to families. Work as a team.
  • Be Kind, Open to Change, Flexible & Most Important… Have Fun!!!

​

​

9 of 13

Handbook Policy Regarding

Celebrations & Birthdays

​

​

​

​

​

  • ​
  • In lieu of individual birthday parties at school, parents may donate a book to the classroom library in honor of their child. Birthday Treats and Goodie Bags are not permitted.
  • For our four school parties, it is requested that ALL food items for class celebrations or special events be pre-approved by the classroom professor, including the contents of any “goodie” bags. Please provide only healthy snacks with individual sized portions. There may be a student(s) in your child’s classroom with a food allergy(ies). Please be mindful of this when providing a classroom snack. The classroom professor may inform University Parents of any food sensitivities/allergies.
    • REMEMBER: This discussion is confidential & students should not be made to feel isolated or singled out. This discussion is for the teacher, parent, and the University Parents ONLY!

​

​

​

10 of 13

OPA’s Civility Policy & Social Media

​

​

​

​

​

​

  • ​
  • Oxford Preparatory Academy values diversity and commonality and is committed to a culture that fosters free and open communication. Oxford Preparatory Academy believes that an environment of mutual respect and civil conduct between and among students, school system employees, parents, volunteers, and the general public is critical to the achievement of students and staff.
  • Oxford Preparatory Academy is committed to maintaining a culture that recognizes the worth and dignity of the individual in support of academic achievement and social development.
  • The purpose of this policy is to set clear expectations for civil behavior that support a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment on school property and at school-related activities.
  • Within the context of this policy, civility is defined as mutual respect and consideration reflected in language, attitudes, and behaviors.
  • Expected behaviors include but are not limited to: Respect and courtesy in language, demeanor, and actions; Moderate tone and volume of voice; Active and respectful listening; Respectful acknowledgment of cultural differences; Respect for the personal, civil, and property rights of others; Appropriate and courteous use of telephone, public address systems, two-way radios, and any other verbal communication device; Appropriate and courteous written communication, including notes, letters, email, and text messages.

11 of 13

Social Media: Use of Images/Videos

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  • ​
  • No images including photographs, video or live video while Volunteering.
  • PLEASE HAVE THE PROFESSOR TAKE PHOTOS/VIDEOS AND DISTRIBUTE IT.
    • Some parents/guardians have submitted an “opt-out” media form and their child/children cannot be photographed/videoed.
    • Images of a student shall not be published with both first and last name.
    • The ONLY exception is a parent’s own child with no other children in the forefront or background of the photo.

​

​

12 of 13

Communicating With Honour Society & Administration

​

​

OPA-SV Administration:

​

OPA-SV Honour Society:

​

OPA-MS Administration:

​

OPA-MS Honour Society:

​

OPA-SOC Administration:

​

OPA-SOC Honour Society:

13 of 13

Thank you for helping out at our schools!