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Volunteer
By providing support to students and staff, volunteers are a vital component of the education process. In a day and age when time is a precious commodity, we thank our volunteers for their generosity and dedication to our schools. A vibrant volunteer program promoting involvement of all stakeholders is crucial to our mission of successfully preparing all students for their futures. When volunteers commit to serving at a school, students can achieve higher grades, have access to more opportunities, and gain community connections to help them thrive. By serving students and staff every day in the Kent School District, our volunteers truly make a difference!
Beginning on November 1, 2022, the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for volunteers will no longer be mandatory. Governor Inslee is rescinding all COVID-19 emergency proclamations, including the vaccination requirement for volunteers, on October 31, 2022.
Kent School District encourages parents, family members, organizations, businesses, and community members to volunteer in our schools.
A volunteer is any person (other than an employee or contractor) authorized by the Kent School District to assist in school learning, activities, competitions, or events. Our volunteer program is not for the fulfillment of court-required community service or other obligations imposed for violations of laws.
Volunteer’s Responsibilities and Process
• Volunteer completes online application
• Volunteer annually updates application online
• Volunteer completes school-specific training
• Volunteer begins serving
Welcome to Volunteers in Public Schools or VIPS.
District Support
• The Office of Communications and Public Affairs (Communications) supports VIPS - Volunteers in Public Schools.
• School Safety Services supports the VIPS background screening process. Contact 253-373-7256 or Timothy.Kovich@kent.k12.wa.us for background check issues including manual review required.
• Customer Support Center supports technical issues at 253-373-7030 or CustomerSupportCenter@kent.k12.wa.us.
If you have questions, please email volunteer@kent.k12.wa.us.
See the process for new volunteers and returning volunteers below.
New Volunteer Process
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1: Collect Required Information
To begin the VIPS application process, you will need:
- A valid state driver’s license, Washington State photo identification (ID), or a U.S. passport. (Please bring your photo ID that was uploaded with your application to the school for verification when volunteering.)
- Optional: A current Proof of Insurance document is required only if you are applying to be a driver on a field trip.
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2: Take, Save & Prepare Photos
Scan or take a photo of your ID, proof of vaccination, or proof of insurance (insurance is only for field-trip drivers) and save it to your electronic device (as a PDF if possible) before beginning the online application.
The file must be 3MB or smaller. If you need to learn how to resize your photo or have issues uploading it, see frequently asked questions before emailing Volunteer@kent.k12.wa.us.
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3: Create an Account & Complete the Application
As a new volunteer who has never served in a KSD school before, you must create a new Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) account, complete the online application, and pass a background check before beginning service.
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4: Receive Volunteer Status Email
A notification email of volunteer status (approved, under review, or disapproved) will be sent within 24 hours of completing your renewal.
Please check your spam or junk folders in your email if you do not see a notification email.
- If you have questions about the background screening process, please email Tim.Kovich@kent.k12.wa.us.
- If you have questions, concerns, or need technical support, please email Volunteer@kent.k12.wa.us.
- If you have questions about volunteer opportunities at a specific school, please contact the school’s office.
Please bring your photo ID that was uploaded with your application to the school for verification when volunteering.
Returning Volunteer Process
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1: Log in to your existing VIPS account
As a returning volunteer, you must access your existing Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) account online and update your profile authorizing a new background check before each school year.
- If you forgot your user ID, please contact the school office where you volunteer.
- If you forgot your password, please click “Forgot Password?” to reset it.
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2: Agree to Volunteer Expectations
Agree to the volunteer expectations by selecting “I Agree” and clicking “OK” under “Acknowledgement.”
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3: Answer Disclosure Questions
Answer all questions under “Disclosure Form” and click “OK.”
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4: Update Contact Information if Needed
Update your contact information if necessary.
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5: Upload New Identification if Needed
You do not need to upload new identification unless it has expired in the last year. (Please bring your photo ID that was uploaded with your application to the school for verification when volunteering.)
If it has expired, delete the current copy and then upload a new copy. The file must be 3MB or smaller. If you need to learn how to resize your photo or have issues uploading it, see frequently asked questions before emailing Volunteer@kent.k12.wa.us.
Please read Return to School Safely before beginning volunteer service to learn about safety mitigation strategies. This page will be updated as new safety guidance is available.
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6: Save Profile
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Save Profile” to finish.
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7: Receive Volunteer Status Email
A notification email of volunteer status (approved, under review, or disapproved) will be sent within 24 hours of completing your renewal.
Please check your spam or junk folders in your email if you do not see a notification email.
- If you have questions about the background screening process, please email Tim.Kovich@kent.k12.wa.us.
- If you have questions, concerns, or need technical support, please email Volunteer@kent.k12.wa.us.
- If you have questions about volunteer opportunities at a specific school, please contact the school’s office.
Please bring your photo ID that was uploaded with your application to the school for verification when volunteering.
