Volunteering

Get Involved — Volunteer!

Washington Elementary runs on People Power!

When adults volunteer, all students benefit!

There are many opportunities for parents and community members to get involved! 

FAQ 

How do I get cleared to volunteer at WES?

To volunteer on campus for activities such as lunch duty, field trips, classroom events, or other on campus school events, you must first complete the district fingerprinting process.

Do I need to be fingerprinted before volunteering?

Yes. All volunteers who will be helping on campus must be fingerprinted and approved by the district before they can volunteer.

How do I get fingerprinted?

Follow these three steps:

1. Complete the Fingerprint Live Scan Form (available in the school office or using this printable form).
2. Bring the completed form to a UPS Store and complete the fingerprinting process. A fee is typically required, so please confirm the cost in advance. Occasionally, the WES PTA arranges for Live Scan fingerprinting services to be available on campus for added convenience.
3. Email Ms. Thompson after you have been fingerprinted so she can monitor your approval status with the district.

Alyssa Thompson: athompson@burlingameschools.org  

How often do I need to be fingerprinted?

Fingerprinting only needs to be completed once, as long as your children remain enrolled in BSD schools.

How will I know when I am approved to volunteer?

After you email Ms. Thompson to let her know you completed fingerprinting, she will monitor your status and confirm when your district approval has been processed.

What volunteer opportunities are available?

There are many ways to get involved, including:

• Lunch Duty
• Classroom support
• School events
• PTA activities
• Dad's Club events
• Field trips

We are always in need of volunteers to help during our 40-minute lunch shifts! 

How do I volunteer for lunch duty?

Once you are fingerprinted and approved:

• You can sign up for shift online -or- show up at the front office and sign in. 
• Put on a neon safety vest so students can spot you in the yard.
• Assist children as needed in the Cat Cafe and black top play area.
• WES Lunch Duty Volunteers Guide (Quick Reference)

Volunteers shifts:
TK 11:40am-12:20pm
K-2nd 11:00pm-12:40pm
3rd-5th 12:25pm-1:05pm

*As of the 2025-2026 school year

Do I need to sign up for lunch duty in advance?

We appreciate volunteers signing up on the lunch duty sign-up sheet so we know who is coming. However, you are always welcome to show up even if you forgot to sign up. 

I want to drive on a field trip. What do I need to do?

In addition to being fingerprinted and approved, field trip drivers must complete a Driver Volunteer Form (aka Declaration of Driver form) every year.  

What documents are required to be a field trip driver?

Please submit the following to the school office:

• Completed Driver Volunteer Form (Declaration of Driver form)

• Photocopy of valid driver's license 
• Photocopy of proof of insurance -or- declarations page

How often do I need to complete the Driver Volunteer Form?

The Driver Volunteer Form must be completed every school year, even if you have driven on field trips in previous years.

Where can I get the required forms?

Printed copies of both forms are available with Ms. Thompson in the school office or below:

• Fingerprint Live Scan Form
  
  

• Driver Volunteer Form for Field Trips