Parent Teacher Association » Volunteer With Us!

Volunteer With Us!

Many of the volunteer opportunities at El Rincon are organized by the PTA. You can also volunteer directly with the school in your classroom or on field trips. 


  • What does volunteering involve? Volunteering at El Rincon comes in many forms and we welcome you to show up as your time and schedule allows. Keep in mind there are 2 types of volunteers–cleared and non-cleared–and we have more on this below. We hope to offer many options for both. So sign up and show up! Have questions, typically you can reach out to the individual organizer for support. 

  • How much time does it take? That entirely depends on you and the events and programs you choose to sign-up for. There’s many time commitments options and something for everyone.

  • What type of events are there? We have opportunities at our fun runs, book fairs, teacher appreciation events, recess time, evening student events, Walk To School, DEI events, and SO many more. These volunteer emails will be your best resource for finding out what’s available and when.


Types of Volunteers

Non-cleared Volunteers: These are volunteers who have not been cleared by CCUSD and cannot volunteer for things like in the classroom volunteering, on campus during school days, or on field trips. Not cleared? That’s okay! There are many off-site or off-hours opportunities for volunteers who are not cleared to participate.


Cleared Volunteers: Clearance through CCUSD is required in order to volunteer in the classroom, on campus during the school day, or on field trips. Clearance is district-wide and lasts throughout your scholar's CCUSD. So if you completed this step in a previous year, you're most likely still set. Keep in mind that the PTA is not involved in this process or tracks who’s on the list. If you have questions on the process or your paperwork, ask the El Rincon Front Office team.


Here are the steps to becoming a cleared volunteer:

  • STEP 1- Complete the Volunteer Application (pick it up at the front office)

  • STEP 2- Provide payment to the school district for the filing fee with the CA department of education.

  • STEP 3- Complete the Live scan process

  • STEP 4- Attend or watch a volunteer orientation with El Rincon Principal, Mr. McCullen

  • STEP 5- Wait for your confirmation that you’re clear!

 
We have opportunities for a variety of interests, skills, and levels of commitment, including...
 
Committees and Ongoing Efforts:
5th Grade Activities - Art & Innovation Lab - Assemblies - Book Club  - Book Lending Library - Diversity & Equity Team - Event Planning & Community Engagement - Fundraising - Girls Who Code - Green Team - Hospitality - Inclusion Team - Library - Lost and Found - Outdoor Learning Space - Safety Committee - School Beautification - School Garden - Spirit Wear - Student Store - Teacher Workroom Supplies - Video / Photography - Walk 'n Rollers - Yearbook 
 
Events:
Apex Fundraiser Fun Run - Assemblies - Cardboard Challenge - Fall Festival - Book Fair - Math Night - Literacy Night - STEAM Night - Earth Fest - Career Day  - Diversity Week/Passport Night - Talent Show
 
Get on the mailing list here: Volunteer Interest Form for 2025-26
 
Frequently Asked Questions:
  • Q: What is volunteer clearance? What does it mean to be a cleared volunteer?
    A: Volunteer clearance is a process required by the district for any volunteer activity during school hours that involves working with students, to ensure the safety of our students. Once you have completed the process, you are considered a cleared volunteer throughout your student's CCUSD career.
  • Q: What are the steps to becoming a cleared volunteer?
    A: The process is currently being revised, but STEP 1 is to complete a Volunteer Application (available in the front office) and return it to the front office. Note that the Volunteer Application includes a TB assessment (that may require a TB test), and the process also includes LiveScan fingerprinting and a volunteer orientation with Principal McCullen.
  • Q: Do I need to be cleared in order to volunteer?
    A: No. We have plenty of volunteer opportunities that do not require clearance. These include activities after school or on weekends (Student Store and many of our family events), independent efforts (collecting or delivering items, organizing materials, coordinating activities).
  • Q: How do I find out about volunteer opportunities?
    A: Opportunities are advertised through the volunteer email list, in the Rocket Review, in the El Rincon Rockets FB group, and right here on this page (http://volunteer.elrinconpta.org).
  • Q: How do I get on the volunteer email list?
    A: If you have filled out the Volunteer Interest Form or signed up for something through SignUpGenius, you should be receiving the volunteer emails that are also included below. If you have not received these emails, please email [email protected] so we can try to figure out why.
  • Q: I am not able to make an ongoing or long-term commitment. Can I still volunteer?
    A: Yes! We have plenty of opportunities that require only an hour or a morning/afternoon/evening. 
  • Q: I would like to take a more active role OR I have an idea for something that doesn't exist OR I want to volunteer but can't find an opportunity that's a good fit. What should I do?
    A: Please contact Billie Shipley at [email protected], and we'll discuss!
 
Additional Questions? Email Billie Shipley at [email protected]