volunteer service to our schools is essential to student success. The support of parents, grandparents, other significant relatives, and community members creates an environment filled with opportunities for our students.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Whittier Elementary School. We depend on volunteers to enhance programs and services for students. Volunteers assist regular employees and supplement student services and learning opportunities. Although volunteers are not paid staff members, they are expected to follow DCPS policies, rules, and procedures at all times. As part of the many security measures we have in place to ensure safe schools for our students, we recognize the need to properly train and screen volunteers.
Volunteers include, but are not limited to: people who serve as mentors; tutors; non-paid coaches or club sponsors; overnight and day trip chaperones; Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, & STEM partners; and parent group organization officers like the PTO, boosters, team parents.
The training and background check are valid for one school year.
VOLUNTEER POLICY FAQ 2020-2021
DCPS requires all volunteers and field trip chaperones (beyond one-time event volunteers such as Field Day or in-class book reading) to obtain a tuberculosis (TB) screening within the past 12 months, complete a clearance application, and have a fingerprint background check. So, if you plan on volunteering as a field trip chaperone, for example, you’ll need to get this required clearance. You can read more about the DCPS policy here.
Is there a process?
The process requires you to have proof of a negative TB test within the past 12 months, complete a clearance application, and undergo fingerprinting at DCPS’s central office (1200 First Street NE, 10th Floor) for fingerprinting. However, to get fingerprinting you must first show a negative tuberculosis test and complete the application.
Why do we need to do this?
Having volunteers with clearances keeps all of our kids safer. The more people with clearances guarantee parents and caregivers are eligible to volunteer for school activities.
I already have a top-secret federal security clearance. Do I still need to do this to volunteer?
It’s a little bit easier, but you still need the TB test. Individuals in this group should complete the Federal Security Clearance Verification letter instead of being fingerprinted with DCPS. The original signed verification form, a copy of a state-issued photo ID, and TB test taken within the last 12 months should be emailed to dcps.clearance@dc.gov.
How is the TB test done?
There are two main methods of testing for TB: PPD and Quantiferon Gold testing.
The PPD test is administered by a health care provider injecting purified protein derivative (PPD) under the skin. 48-72 hours after the injection, you must return to the health care provider to check the area where you received the shot to see if you’ve had any reaction to the PPD.
Quantiferon Gold testing is a blood test that is sent to a laboratory for analysis. You do not need to return to your medical provider but instead should get the results of the blood test sent to you.
How can I get the TB test done?
You can go to any healthcare facility that is convenient for you.
DCPS Central Office, 10th Floor (1200 1st Street NE, WDC)
Monday – Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm
Fridays from 8 am to 3 pm.
Remote Fingerprinting at Whittier Elementary – the DCPS fingerprinting team will come to Whittier Elementary School. Dates TBA.
How will Whittier Elementary School know I am cleared to chaperone? Once you receive your clearance letter from DCPS, you will bring a copy to the Main Office.
Will Whittier Elementary School know if I didn’t pass my security clearance?
Nope! Whittier Elementary School has no access to who has or hasn’t done fingerprinting. The only way we know people have gone through the background check is if they bring their clearance letter to the main office.
How long does the process take?
Once you have completed your TB test, online application, and fingerprinting, DCPS anticipates that clearance letters should be issued between 5-10 business days.