Volunteer at James Baldwin

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at James Baldwin Elementary. We welcome parent volunteers and community members alike. You can support our school volunteering in classrooms, supporting fundraising, helping at school events, and more.

We have a variety of volunteer opportunities to match your interests with our needs for support. Before volunteering, you must complete the volunteer background check and application. 

Visit the  SPS Volunteer Information page for more information from the Seattle School District website on volunteering. 

Volunteer Application Requirements

Here is a link to the  Online Volunteer Application.  All community volunteers are required to complete the above volunteer application and an in-person orientation prior to beginning volunteer hours in our school building.  If you need assistance with the process, please contact the main office at 206-252-4180.  There are a couple things you will need to complete the online application:

1. Proof of completing the Adult Sexual Misconduct (ASM) Prevention training video available on the   SPS Volunteer Information page.
2. Two references, including one personal or family reference.
3. Government issued ID 
4. Your digital photo so staff can identify you when you arrive at the school
5. Proof of residency
6. Background check

Volunteer Opportunities

Please join us on one of our committees.  If you want to be involved in one of the committees, please email:  JamesBaldwinPTO@gmail.com and check out our PTO website for current volunteer opportunities. Many hands make light work.

• Teacher Appreciation Committee – helps show our teachers we love them!
• Communication Committee – facilitates communication between parents, between staff and parents and between James Baldwin elementary and the community.
  • Newsletter (easy to do from home)
  • Website/Social Media
  • Videographer – Create videos of events, fun stuff, etc. to post on the PTO YouTube Channel
• Events Committee – helps coordinate the fun events James Baldwin Elementary has for its students.  Some of the past events include: Art night (Dec), Math & Cookie night (Jan), Scholastic Book Fair (spring), Multicultural night (spring), Teacher appreciation week (May), Field day (June)
• Social Committee – creates engaging community events for parents/students

• Fund Raising Committee – works on various projects to raise funds to support James Baldwin Elementary
  • Fall Giving Campaign
  • Brown Bear Car Wash Ticket sales (see info below)
  • Original  Works coordinator (see info below)
• Yearbook Committee – coordinates with the printer and after school program to create/distribute the yearbook
• Room Parent  – helps coordinate communication with parents in each classroom (Open for each classroom!).
• Office Help – helps make and distribute flyers, and any other “office” work that is needed
• PTO Leadership Committee – Secretary, Treasurer. (Recruiting for next year)

Fund Raising Committees

Fall Giving Campaign – Direct Ask to Parents, Community

Description of Tasks: 
Send out the direct-ask letter to parents. Invite other PTAs and community members to participate. Send thank you notes to donors. Gather and deposit funds. Keep track of donors/donations. 

Brown Bear Carwash Fundraiser Coordinator

What does a Coordinator do?

• Coordinate purchasing the tickets from Brown Bear Car wash. This may include filling out forms, etc.
• Coordinate the sale of the tickets with students, volunteers, etc.
• Deposit funds into appropriate account.

Dining for Dollars

Description of Tasks: Set-up date with neighborhood restaurants in which parents, neighbors or community members can eat and when James Baldwin Elementary is mentioned, the participating restaurant will donate a certain percentage to James Baldwin Elementary PTO.  Some participating restaurants include MOD Pizza, Chipotle, Panda Express, Red Robin, etc.

Original Works Coordinator

Description of Tasks: Work with the Original Works company and Art teacher to organize and coordinate the Original Artworks project.  The James Baldwin students each create a piece of original artwork and then parents can order the artwork on various items (cups, shirts, etc.) as a memory. 

T-shirt/Logo Wear Coordinator

Description of Tasks: Coordinate the order forms, logo wear ordering and distribution of t-shirts or sweatshirts ordered.

Apply to Volunteer with Seattle Public Schools

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Seattle Public Schools!

Safety First! Only approved volunteers can serve in SPS schools. SPS serves 50,000 children and youth. We are committed to carefully screening volunteer candidates to ensure student safety.

Why Volunteer in Your Child’s School?

• Higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates
• Better attendance
• Increased motivation and self-esteem

Contact your school office or visit the SPS Volunteer page to learn more about volunteering.