PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION …VOLUNTEERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Welcome back to the 2007-2008 school year. There are a host of volunteer needs at Westside, and we welcome all parents, grandparents, and guardians to participate in our VIPS (Volunteers in Public Schools Program). Volunteering is a great way to be an active participant in your child’s educational experience. It is a known fact that schools with an active volunteer base are more successful than those without this support. We encourage you to give of your time and expertise.

To volunteer at Westside, you will need to complete the following:

• Westside High School Volunteer Interest Form
• Houston Independent School District Volunteer Access to Police Records -- must be picked up from Westside. Volunteers must have a valid picture ID (Drivers' License).
  If you have previously registered with the HISD VISITS system (on the HISD website) or have submitted a background check form at another HISD school you do not need to have a new background check form.
• Register with the HISD VISITS system by going to the HISD website www.houstonisd.org and clicking on the VIPS red apple on the right hand side. Your background check cannot be processed until you complete this step. Note-if you have completed this step in a previous year, you do not have to register again. Please check with Sandra Vargas in the Main Office as to your clearance status

Both of these forms are included in the forms packet. Please note that the Volunteer Access to Police Records must include a copy of a photo ID. This will help us match your interests with the needs of the school. As our main method of communication is by e-mail, it is very important that we have an accurate e-mail address. Return these forms to the Main Office at the school. If you have already been cleared by HISD this year to volunteer at any other HISD school, you will not need to submit this form. Everyone should complete the Volunteer Interest Form as this will help us match volunteers to particular areas according to need.

When you come to the school to volunteer, please check in at the welcome desk or Main Office and wear an ID badge. If you will be a recurring volunteer, you may have an ID badge made in the attendance office after the first two weeks of school.

A sampling of areas where Westside needs your help include: Library, Book Room, Tutoring, Food and Baked Goods, Landscaping, Homecoming, Attendance Office and Football Ticket Sales. Many other areas are listed on the Volunteer Interest Form.

Check the Westside High School Website at www.westsidewolves.org often for updated volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact Gary Birchfield, Westside PTO VIPS Coordinator, at gbirchfield@houston.rr.com.