Volunteering in District 11
Together, we support student success through strong community and family partnerships.
Why Volunteers Matter
Why Volunteers Matter
Colorado Springs School District 11 believes that students thrive when schools and communities work together. We are committed to using the power of community partnerships to:
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Increase student achievement
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Maximize learning opportunities
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Create safe, supportive learning environments
All volunteer and partnership efforts align with District 11’s Strategic Plan to ensure every student can succeed.
Volunteers are essential to our mission. While they do not replace District staff, they enhance the learning experience in meaningful, impactful ways.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Come Volunteer in District 11 Schools!
Volunteering allows you to connect to the schools in your community as you assist teachers in providing students with excellent educational opportunities.
Our volunteers are role models and motivators for our students. Your support in the classrooms contributes to student success—both now and in the future.
Volunteer Information
Volunteer
Welcome to Colorado Springs School District 11 Volunteer Program!
We're so glad you're interested in supporting our students and staff. We are excited to welcome new volunteers! Whether you're helping in the classroom, leading clubs, or supporting events, your involvement matters.
We use Visitor Aware to manage volunteer registration across all D11 schools.
Learn more about Visitor Aware
Basic Volunteer Information
All individuals who wish to volunteer with D11 must complete the Visitor Aware Online Volunteer Registration before beginning service.
Volunteers will need to:
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Complete the online Volunteer Registration Application.
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Review and agree to a required disclosure paragraph, including consent for the District to perform a random background check.
Need the Link in Another Language?
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Once you click the registration link, look at the top right corner of the page for a flag icon.
Click the flag and choose the language you need from the list. -
Fill out all required information and submit the form.
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You’ll receive email updates along the way, so you’ll always know where you are in the process.
You can complete the registration:
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From any computer or mobile device.
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By scanning the Visitor Aware Volunteer Registration Code QR code posted in each school office, as well as below.
Volunteer Registration QR Code
Already Registered?
- If you have already registered for the school year, the system will give you an error stating you're already in the system. The school office Admin can verify that you are already registered.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact D11's Volunteer Coordinator, Tasha Brandt, at 719-520-2202.
Background Checks
Background Checks
A preliminary background check is conducted on all newly registered volunteers.
Per Board Policies IJOC, IJOC-R, and IJOA, any volunteer who will be working without the direct supervision of a D11 employee (for example, on overnight field trips or off-campus activities) must also complete an extensive background check, which includes fingerprinting.
Background Checks
A preliminary background check is conducted on all newly registered volunteers. This background check allows you to volunteer with staff present ONLY. You may not be alone with students. If your volunteering role requires you to be alone with a student, you must complete an Extensive Background Check.
Per Board Policies IJOC, IJOC-R, and IJOA, any volunteer who will be working without the direct supervision of a D11 employee (for example, on overnight field trips or off-campus activities) must also complete an Extensive Background Check, which includes fingerprinting.
Extensive Background Check
Schedule Fingerprints
Extensive Background Check Details
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Standard Volunteer Cost: $54.50
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$5.00 per alias/maiden name
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Charter School Volunteer Cost: $72.40
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$5.00 per alias/maiden name
(as directed by Business Services)
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Fingerprints are valid for 5 years.
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Payment is due at the time of fingerprinting.
Important:
DO NOT make fingerprinting payments before you have scheduled your appointment with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Payment Options:
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In person: Check or money order only.
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Preferred: Online via MySchoolBucks (no account required) — please note a $2.60 program fee is added to the total.
Results of all background checks are shared with school administrators.
Required Paperwork
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All D11 volunteers must complete security paperwork at D11 Engage. Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Tasha Brandt for assistance.
- Charter volunteers must choose Non-D11 Charter Volunteer ($72.40) when paying in MySchoolBucks, then bring their receipt to D11 Engage.
Volunteers needing an extensive background check (including fingerprinting) must schedule an appointment.
Fingerprinting appointments are available:
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Tuesdays: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
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An appointment can also be made through Tasha Brandt with third-party fingerprinting.
To schedule fingerprinting, please contact:
Volunteer Coordinator:
Tasha Brandt
Natasha.Brandt@d11.org
Office: 719-520-2202
Extensive Background & Fingerprint Details
Extensive Background Check Details
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Standard Volunteer Cost: $54.50
-
$5.00 per alias/maiden name
-
-
Charter School Volunteer Cost: $72.40
-
$5.00 per alias/maiden name
(as directed by Business Services)
-
-
Fingerprints are valid for 5 years.
-
Payment is due at the time of fingerprinting.
Important:
DO NOT make fingerprinting payments before you have scheduled your appointment with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Payment Options:
-
In person: Check or money order only.
-
Preferred: Online via MySchoolBucks (no account required) — please note a $2.60 program fee is added to the total.
Results of all background checks are shared with school administrators.
Required Paperwork
-
All D11 volunteers must complete security paperwork at D11 Engage. Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Tasha Brandt for assistance.
- Charter volunteers must choose Non-D11 Charter Volunteer ($72.40) when paying in MySchoolBucks, then bring their receipt to D11 Engage.
Fingerprints Cost and Important Need to Knows
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Standard Volunteer Cost: $54.50
-
$5.00 per alias/maiden name
-
-
Charter School Volunteer Cost: $72.40
-
$5.00 per alias/maiden name
(as directed by Business Services)
-
-
Fingerprints are valid for 5 years.
-
Payment is due at the time of fingerprinting.
Important:
DO NOT make fingerprinting payments before you have scheduled your appointment with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Payment Options:
-
In person: Check or money order only.
-
Preferred: Online via MySchoolBucks (no account required) — please note a $2.60 program fee is added to the total.
Results of all background checks are shared with school administrators.
Required Paperwork
-
All D11 volunteers must complete security paperwork at D11 Engage. Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Tasha Brandt for assistance.
- Charter volunteers must choose Non-D11 Charter Volunteer ($72.40) when paying in MySchoolBucks, then bring their receipt to D11 Engage.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
- Volunteer Drivers
- Field Trips
- GrandFriends
- Tale Tellers
- Science Fair Judges
- Reading Initiative
- Tutoring
- Mentoring
- Student Practicum Hours
- Court Ordered Community Service
- Could you be a Guest Speaker?
Volunteer Drivers
Anyone transporting students in Colorado Springs School District Eleven needs to complete a Volunteer Driver form.
- A volunteer driver must have a form on file at each school/location where they drive.
- All volunteers, including volunteer drivers, must have completed the Online Volunteer Registration.
- Volunteer drivers must provide a valid driver's license and proof of insurance.
- Volunteer drivers must complete a comprehensive background check, including fingerprints. To schedule an appointment, call Tasha at 719-520-2202.
- Volunteer drivers are NOT covered or insured by Colorado Springs School District Eleven
- Only adults 25 or older may drive students on a school-sponsored trip.
Please fill out the requested information on the form below, print and turn it in to the school office you will be a volunteer driver for. (School Admin office keep volunteer driver information on file, with necessary documentation) Fingerprint backgrounds must be cleared before transporting students.
Field Trips
Field Trip Volunteers
Students are getting on the school bus for a field trip.
Join the fun and help keep students safe and supported!
Volunteering for field trips is a great way to engage with students in real-world learning experiences. Whether it’s a museum visit, a science center, or an outdoor adventure, volunteers play a key role in supervision, logistics, and safety.
Volunteer Responsibilities Include:
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Supervising and guiding small student groups
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Helping students stay on task and safe
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Assisting with transitions, meals, or check-ins
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Supporting teachers and trip leaders
Please Note: All field trip volunteers must follow District 11 guidelines.
Learn more about our district’s field trip expectations and safety procedures:
IJOA Field Trips Policy
IJOA-R1 Field Trips Regulation
To volunteer, you must be a registered and approved D11 volunteer. Some trips may require additional training or forms.
Field trips that are overnight, out of state, require Volunteer Drivers or Chaperones must complete an Extensive Background Check with Fingerprints.
If you haven't done so already, start or update your volunteer application here
GrandFriends
Connecting Generations to Inspire Growth
The mission of GrandFriends is to unite two vital parts of our community, our elders and our youth. By combining the wisdom and life experience of our seniors with the creativity and energy of students, we work together to enhance academic achievement and social development.
Many children come to school without the foundational experiences essential to learning. In the classroom, some students need extra support, encouragement, and confidence to thrive. GrandFriends help fill that gap.
These retired and senior volunteers become meaningful members of the educational team. They share their talents, stories, and attention, mentoring students one-on-one or in small groups. These relationships enrich both the student and the volunteer, creating purpose, joy, and success across generations.
Teachers regularly celebrate the impact GrandFriends have in their classrooms. Students gain support and connection, seniors find renewed purpose, and the entire community benefits from children who are more confident, prepared, and empowered to succeed.
Interested in becoming a GrandFriend?
Call Tasha Brandt, Volunteer Coordinator, at 719-520-2202
Volunteer working with students.
Tale Tellers
Do Your Students Love Imagination and Adventure?
Schedule a Storytelling Performance with the Tale Tellers!
Bring the magic of storytelling to your classroom! The Tale Tellers are a group of experienced volunteer storytellers who perform captivating tales for grades K–5, and they’re available FREE through May!
About the Tale Tellers
Now in their 19th year, this dedicated group shares classic and contemporary stories, cultural tales, holiday favorites, and even Colorado History (Wednesdays and Fridays for grades 3–5). Each performance is rooted in standards-based education and supports learning in:
- Sound and language patterns
- Plot development and story elements
- Vocabulary and paraphrasing
- Listening, social skills, conflict resolution, and values
Performance Details
- 30-minute sessions
- Max 30 students per session
- 1-3 sessions per visit (10min break between) Example: 9:00-9:30, 9:40-10:10,10:20-10:50
- Tale Tellers are available through the end of May
Important Guidelines
- Performances must be in a classroom or a quiet, enclosed space
- Teachers must remain with students during sessions
- Tale Tellers are scheduled and coordinated by D11 Engagement
Click here to Request a Tale Teller Session
Contact Volunteer Coordinator Tasha Brandt with any questions at
719-520-2202 or Natasha.Brandt@d11.org
Science Fair Judges
Reading Initiative
Tutoring
Mentoring
Student Practicum Hours
Court Ordered Community Service
Court-Ordered Community Service
Court-ordered community service is assigned to individuals as a result of appearing before a judge in District or Municipal Court. Board Policy IJOC-R allows these individuals to complete their community service requirement IF:
- The offense does not involve children in any way.
- The offense is a Misdemeanor Offense.
- The individual is registered with Front Range Community Service due to a sentence received in District Court.
- The service is received as a result of a sentence received in Municipal Court.
ALL court-ordered community service individuals must be screened through D11 Engagement before beginning the community service assignment so that the District is assured that they are properly registered and a Misdemeanor Offender ONLY.
Contact Volunteer Coordinator Tasha Brandt at 719-520-2202 for more information
Could you be a Guest Speaker?
✨ Be a Guest Speaker in D11
Inspire. Educate. Connect.
Are you passionate about your career or expertise? Want to make a meaningful impact on students?
Become a classroom guest speaker in Colorado Springs School District 11!
About the D11 Speakers Program
The D11 Speakers Program connects community members with classrooms to share real-world insight and experiences that enhance student learning.
Benefits of participating:
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Bring curriculum to life with real-world connections
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Offer teachers valuable content support
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Help students explore career paths and diverse perspectives
How to Get Involved
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Fill out the Online Registration Form
Share your topic, availability, grade preference, and a brief summary of your presentation. -
Submissions may be reviewed by our Curriculum & Instruction Department.
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Visits are scheduled and confirmed through the D11 Engage Department.
Speaker Guidelines
To ensure a safe, respectful, and engaging experience for all:
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Scheduling: All visits must be coordinated through the D11 Engage Department.
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Advertising: Materials with promotional content require prior approval. If your topic involves a business or attraction, references must be relevant.
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No Promotion: Do not collect student names, emails, or phone numbers.
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Neutrality: Avoid promoting religious or political views.
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Sensitive Topics: Must be reviewed by a D11 Curriculum Facilitator.
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Supervision: A D11 staff member or teacher will be present for all presentations.
✨ Thank You for Making a Difference! ✨
Your story can spark ideas, inspire curiosity, and expand a student’s world.
We look forward to partnering with you!
Logging Volunteer Hours
Logging Hours
Volunteers no longer need to log their hours. When you check in at the school's front office on the Visitor Aware Kiosk.
Volunteer hours are automatically tracked when you:
- Sign in as a Volunteer at the front office using Visitor Aware
- Sign out as a Volunteer at the end of your visit
- As a volunteer, it is IMPORTANT to sign in at the front office Kiosk
Be sure to check in and out every time you volunteer to ensure your hours are recorded accurately.
Have questions?
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator:
Tasha Brandt
Natasha.Brandt@d11.org
Office: 719-520-2202