Volunteer

For the safety of our children, SLPS requires that all volunteers be approved before helping at WCJA. The approval process includes standard paperwork and a background check, which is paid for by SLPS. Volunteers must renew their application every two years.

We highly recommend all parents become approved volunteers! You must be an approved volunteer to do activities like chaperoning field trips; being a room parent; helping with in-person classroom celebrations or activities; or helping at PTO events like movie night, grandparents' day, and the dance -- basically anything that takes place in person. Volunteering at WCJA is also a wonderful way to get to know your child’s friends, teachers, administrators, and other parents.

Because the application process can take a number of weeks, it's good to be proactive in getting your paperwork in so you're approved and ready to go when an opportunity that fits your schedule arises. Don't wait, or you're likely to miss out! Regardless of skill level or availability, if you would like to be involved, we have a place for you!

If you're already an approved volunteer, you can find a list of current volunteer opportunities here. Otherwise, keep reading for how to get approved!

Becoming a NEW Approved Volunteer

If you have never volunteered for SLPS before, you'll need to complete the following forms found here:

1. SLPS Adult Volunteer Application
2. SLPS Criminal, Neglect and Abuse Check Form
3. SLPS Character Reference Form

Renewing Your Volunteer Status

Every volunteer needs to renew their application every two years. It is highly recommended that you renew your volunteer application six weeks before it is due to expire. To renew your volunteer status, you'll need to complete the following forms found here:

1. SLPS Adult Renewal Application
2. SLPS Criminal, Neglect and Abuse Check Form

ALL Applicants

To ensure your application is processed promptly, SLPS requests you submit ALL your paperwork at the same time. Applications that are missing any of the required forms will not be processed.

Once complete, you may scan and email your forms to Ricci Sykes (ricci.sykes@slps.org), drop them off with Ms. Jones in the WCJA school office, or mail them to the downtown office:

Saint Louis Public Schools
Attn: Volunteer Services
801 North 11th Street
St. Louis, MO 63101

Allow four weeks for your application to be processed. If you have not received confirmation after that time, contact Ricci Sykes (ricci.sykes@slps.org or 314-345-4554) to inquire about your status.

Checking Your Volunteer Status

Not sure if you’re an approved volunteer? Need to check your volunteer status?

If you were previously an approved volunteer, contact the school’s administrative assistant, Ms. Arnold-Jones or Ricci Sykes (ricci.sykes@slps.org or 314-345-4554) to find out the expiration date of your status.

Step Two: Sign Up for Volunteer Opportunities at BWCJA

The WCJA PTO puts on wonderful events throughout the year, and help is always needed! See the complete list of committees here and current volunteer opportunities here. Please contact PTO VP if you would like to sign up for a committee or opportunity or have any questions.

Step Three: Sign Up for Specific Dates/Times

The committee or event chair will contact you via email closer to the date of the event to provide more information, including specific dates and times that volunteers are needed for the committees and/or events you selected. Volunteer opportunities will also be published on this website.