Volunteer in Falmouth Public Schools
How can you get involved in our schools? We're glad you asked! For most volunteer opportunities, there is no experience necessary and no special skills are required. A willingness to help will qualify you for many jobs, ranging from a one-time to a weekly commitment. However, opportunities do exist for volunteers with special skills, interests, and backgrounds, and some opportunities require training which VIPS will provide. A list of general needs – some available at all schools, others geared for elementary-age students – is followed by a brief description of some of our core volunteer programs. The best way to keep up to date on volunteer needs in our schools is to subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter, below.
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Falmouth VIPS finds ways for volunteers to stay engaged, remotely
In this short video produced by VIPS board member Liz Lerner for FCTV's Falmouth in Focus, VIPS executive director Tracey Crago describes some of the creative ways VIPS volunteers and program leaders have kept volunteers engaged while helping students. |
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Classroom-based and School Enrichment Opportunities
VIPS volunteers assist our teachers by working with students in classrooms, small groups or one-to-one. Volunteers are also needed to assist specialists in art, music, physical education, library, languages, and technology. Help with lunch periods, recess, and before and after school enrichment is another great way to get involved. Our school nurses, counselors, and office staff also utilize volunteers who enjoy organizing, filing, prepping, copying, etc.
One-to-One & Small Group Opportunities
School-based Mentoring – VIPS oversees a school-based mentor program called Project RISE (Raising Interest and Self-Esteem) for students in grades K-12. Our mentors spend an hour a week with a student, serving as role models, supporters, and friends. While many students in need of a mentor are considered to be at-risk for one or more factors, other students come to the program because they have recently experienced change or a difficult situation and may be finding it hard to cope. A mentor can make a significant difference in that student's self-confidence and self-esteem. Learn more about VIPS Mentoring opportunities here.
College Mentoring Program – This mentoring program is for Falmouth High School juniors and seniors who excel academically but have economic challenges that stand in the way of a college education. Students are recommended to the program by guidance counselors and must commit to the program requirements. Students are matched with a mentor who meets with the student beginning in the spring of the student's junior year and through graduation. During that time, mentors work with the student, guidance staff, and program leaders to work through the many steps associated with the college process, from conducting research, visiting, filling out applications, preparing essays, and taking college entrance exams. The mentor provides support and guidance to help keep the student engaged in school and focused on his or her academic goals. The mentor also works with the student and guidance staff once college acceptances and financial aid packages are awarded to make the choice that is in the students' best interest financially and academically. Once the student is in college, the College Mentor stays in touch via email or phone to offer any ongoing advice related to coursework, internships or volunteer opportunities during college breaks, and continue to support the student in his or her pursuit of a degree. The program coordinators work with the students and the mentors and provide support throughout the student's high school years.
College Mentoring Program – This mentoring program is for Falmouth High School juniors and seniors who excel academically but have economic challenges that stand in the way of a college education. Students are recommended to the program by guidance counselors and must commit to the program requirements. Students are matched with a mentor who meets with the student beginning in the spring of the student's junior year and through graduation. During that time, mentors work with the student, guidance staff, and program leaders to work through the many steps associated with the college process, from conducting research, visiting, filling out applications, preparing essays, and taking college entrance exams. The mentor provides support and guidance to help keep the student engaged in school and focused on his or her academic goals. The mentor also works with the student and guidance staff once college acceptances and financial aid packages are awarded to make the choice that is in the students' best interest financially and academically. Once the student is in college, the College Mentor stays in touch via email or phone to offer any ongoing advice related to coursework, internships or volunteer opportunities during college breaks, and continue to support the student in his or her pursuit of a degree. The program coordinators work with the students and the mentors and provide support throughout the student's high school years.
Be Fit, Be Well and Girls Circle Program – These after-school programs for girls in grades 4-8 are facilitated by trained volunteers. They provide age-appropriate, strength-based, skill-building curriculum to create a safe space for girls to build self-confidence, personal strength, and improve communication and relationships. Guest presenters from the local health and wellness community introduce participants to fun activities that promote team-building and introduce them to new things. Volunteer training, materials, and ongoing support provided.
Junior Achievement – Falmouth VIPS uses the Junior Achievement (ja.org) lessons in every third and fourth grade classroom. Our students and staff love these lessons and the activities that offer an early introduction to topics like Needs and Wants, entrepreneurship, and the role of business and government in our community. Volunteers are provided with training and ongoing support and scheduling is based on volunteer schedules.
CAST (Cross Age Science Teaching) – 7th and 8th grade students at Lawrence School are trained to teach hands-on, inquiry-based science lessons to elementary school students. The focus is forces of motino--part of the third grade energy curriculum. Throughout the school year, groups of 8th graders will make visits to Falmouth's four elementary schools to work as "science buddies" to third graders as they learn about electricity.
Skill or Interest-Based Opportunities
Many VIPS volunteers have experience or talents in subjects ranging from business to music to woodworking. If you have an interest in working with students in a particular subject or skill set, we'd love to hear from you. We currently have volunteers who assist our staff and students in the following areas: art, digital media, career guidance, video, culinary arts, drama, writing, fitness, gardening, music, sports, translation services, languages, woodworking, finance, and more.
Assisting VIPS Staff
If you are someone who enjoys working as part of a team, organizing or planning events, raising funds and raising awareness about Falmouth VIPS and our model programs, we'd love to meet you! Falmouth VIPS has opportunities for volunteers who are interested in committee work and helping plan for the future.
Before you start your volunteering, please fill out a CORI form. You can get started by printing out and completing the form, then take it, in person, to any of our schools or the VIPS office along with a valid, current photo ID. If you'd like to schedule a time to meet with us, you can reach us by email or by calling (508) 548-1621 to set up an appointment.
