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Volunteers In Public Schools

Mission Statement

We ensure our students achieve their maximum potential while building on our legacy of excellence.

Program Purpose

The Nixa V.I.P.S. (Volunteers In Public Schools) are community members who are interested in assisting staff and students enrolled in the Nixa school system as well as programs that serve the community. The Board of Education recognizes that volunteers make valuable contributions to the district’s schools and are essential to high student achievement. Their willingness to serve and commitment to education are greatly appreciated.  The Nixa V.I.P.S. program operates under the approval of the Nixa School Board of Education and the school administration.  All volunteers working on an uncompensated regular basis need to adhere to the Nixa Board of Education  Policies and Administrative Rules and Regulations.   

Definition of a Screened Volunteer 

Per district policy IICC-AP(1): Screened Volunteer – A volunteer who has regular and frequent contact with students, unsupervised or one-on-one contact with students, who may be granted access to some student education records, serves in a supervisory role, or who attends field trips with students.

A screened volunteer consists of an individual who will assist our school on an uncompensated basis and who may periodically be unsupervised while with students.  
 

V.I.P.S. (Volunteers In Public Schools) Handbook

To review the 2026-2027 VIPS Handbook, click here.

 

Criminal Background Checks

Per district policy GBEBC: The district will conduct a criminal background check for each volunteer who has regular and frequent contact with students; unsupervised or one-on-one contact with students; or serves in a supervisory role, and the superintendent may also require a search of the FBI's criminal history files.

Process for Becoming An Approved Screened Volunteer

In order to become an approved screened volunteer, you will need to undergo an employee-level criminal background check.  These criminal background checks will be conducted on all volunteers regardless of their role, membership, or affiliation with organizations who exist to support the district, such as the PTO. This also includes all volunteers who attend field trips with students chaperoning a group of students.  Volunteers subject to a criminal background check may be asked to resubmit to a criminal background check at any time.  Results of the criminal background check will be submitted to the superintendent or designee for review. No volunteer will be accepted if the superintendent determines that, based on the background check, the volunteer is not suitable to work with children. This shall include but is not limited to, all individuals with a felony conviction, on probation for a felony charge, or on the FCSR, CD central registry, or any state or federal sex offender registry.

The cost of the criminal background check will be paid by Nixa Public Schools with the support of the Nixa Public Schools Board of Education. We appreciate our volunteers and would like to show our thanks by covering the cost of the background check.

Screened Volunteer Status

Approved Screened Volunteers must complete a volunteer application each school year in order for their Approved Screened Volunteer status to remain active. If a volunteer does not complete an application each school year, they will have a lapse in their volunteer status and will be considered inactive. Volunteers with a lapse in volunteer status will be required to complete a new volunteer application and background check. Only the cost of the initial background check will be covered by Nixa Public Schools. Any costs associated with subsequent background checks will be the responsibility of the volunteer.  

Responsibilities of the School Volunteer

  • Complete application process prior to volunteering.
  • Complete background check process prior to volunteering if going to work as a screened volunteer.
  • Sign in through Raptor each time a volunteer enters the school.
  • Resubmit a district volunteer application annually.
  • Resubmit a background check at any time as requested by the district.
  • Read and understand the V.I.P Handbook as well as coordinating school board policies.
  • Be prompt, dependable, regular in attendance, and in good health.
  • Notify the school employee as far in advance as possible when the volunteer finds it necessary to be absent or late.
  • Maintain a high standard of work in a cooperative manner.
  • Determine with school staff  a mutually agreeable time for job duties.  
  • Request a brief outline, written or oral, of work to be done each volunteer period.
  • If you do not understand the assignment and goal, ask the school employee for clarification.
  • If working with students, encourage the student to do his/her own thinking.  Stay on task. Start work at a level where the student can succeed.
  • Recognize the importance of thorough preparation.
  • Not grade assignments or tests.
  • Respect confidentiality expectations unless disclosure is required by law.  The relationship between the school volunteer and the school staff is a professional one of mutual respect and confidence.  Volunteers will observe the confidential nature of this relationship.  At no time will there be criticism or discussion of either the professional staff, the volunteers, or of the pupils with persons unassociated with the program.
  • Be responsible for learning and observing the regulations of the school where assigned, including wearing a designated nametag, observing the sign-in procedure, safety drill and accident reporting procedures, lunch and coffee privileges, and pupil restroom and drink privilege.
  • Know the telephone numbers of the office of the school where assigned.
  • Ascertain where supplies are kept. Avoid asking a student to do anything that might be physically dangerous, i.e., open or close a window, step on a chair to reach something.
  • Not serve as substitute teachers during the absence of teachers.
  • Feel free to discuss with the principal or the V.I.P.S. Coordinator any change that the volunteer would prefer in building assignment, grade, or activity.
  • Make suggestions for improvement of the program to the V.I.P.S. Coordinator who will channel them for necessary action to the administrative staff.  At all times, a conscientious effort shall be made to keep the line of communication open.
  • Accept no gratuities or gifts of significance from staff or students .  Volunteers shall refrain from soliciting in the school.
  • Not use tobacco or vaping products on school grounds.
  • Avoid situations where there could be a liability question.  If in doubt, ask.
  • Avoid any discussions with students regarding your personal beliefs (i.e., religious, political, etc.).  All discussion with the student must be focused on the school district curriculum.

Per district policy IICC-AP(1) All volunteers will be given a copy of the following rules: 

  • Volunteers must follow the same dress code applicable to staff and are required to wear identification badges at all times.
  • Volunteers will not lend money or bring gifts other than stickers and greeting cards to individual students unless authorized by the building principal or designee.
  • Volunteers will not transport students.
  • Volunteers will not photograph or videotape students unless authorized by the building principal or designee.
  • Volunteers will not date students, have sexual relationships with students or arrange to meet students outside the regular school day or during school-sponsored events or activities. The district expects all adult volunteers to maintain the same professional boundaries with students that are expected of staff members, as detailed in policy GBH.
  • Volunteers will not dress students, change diapers, provide personal hygiene assistance or supply medication to students.
  • Volunteers will use universal precautions to avoid contact with body fluids.
  • Volunteers will receive district policies and procedures on computer use and will sign an authorized user form prior to having access to the district’s computers or wifi/network.
  • In accordance with district policy, volunteers will not discriminate against or harass any person and will report all harassment or discrimination observed. 
  • Volunteers will not search students or student property.
  • Volunteers will not direct a student to remove an emblem, insignia or garment, including a religious emblem, insignia or garment. If the volunteer believes a student’s clothing is disruptive or promotes disruptive behavior, the volunteer will contact a staff member immediately.
  • Volunteers must sign in and out of the office when entering or leaving the school and must document the hours volunteered in the school through the Raptor platform.
  • Volunteers must report suspected cases of abuse or neglect to the building principal. 
  • Volunteers will follow all the policies, procedures and other rules established in the district and all applicable laws.

Per district Policy IICC-AP(1)  "The building principal or designee will provide appropriate training for all screened volunteers."


Per district policy IICC: Volunteering in the district is a privilege, not a right. The district may decline the services of any volunteer for any legal reason. All information collected on volunteers will be considered confidential to the extent allowed by law and will be used only to protect students or minimize disruption to the educational environment.

Thank you

Nixa Public Schools would like to express our utmost gratitude to our V.I.P’s.  We are incredibly grateful for your willingness to serve and commitment to education. Your support of our schools and staff allows us to continue to fulfill our mission and serve our students each year. Thank you!