Volunteer Opportunities
Fill out this form to learn more about opportunities for volunteering throughout the year!
Volunteer Clearances
Please be advised that the Abington School District has implemented the policy that parent volunteers are required to have volunteer Clearances. “Parent volunteers” include: room parents, field trip chaperones, classroom volunteers, library volunteers, volunteers for school events during the school day, and volunteers for school events during afterschool/evening hours.
Click below for a complete description of how to obtain Volunteer Clearances
The following clearances are required:
1) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Background Check. Go to the State Police website to get your clearance.
2) Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance. Go to the Child Welfare Portal to get your clearance.
3) One of the following:
- Federal Criminal History Record provided by the FBI after fingerprinting using the IdentoGO website.
OR - Statement of exemption form which can be obtained from the Overlook Office or at the Reception Desk of the Administration Building. This option is only available for volunteers who have never been convicted of a qualifying offense and have been a resident of PA continuously for the past 10 years. The waiver can be found in Attachment B of the Abington SD document.
Once you have obtained all 3 of your clearances, please bring the original documents to the Office of Human Resources located in the Administration Building at 970 Highland Avenue, Abington, PA 19001. Originals are required by state law. A copy will be made and the originals returned to you. You will receive a volunteer ID badge after you submit all of your clearances to Human Resources.
Volunteer Sign Up
Our chair people often use Sign Up Genius to organize volunteers for their programs. Please visit SignUpGenius.com to set up a profile and check back here for links and volunteer opportunities. To volunteer, contact the chairperson of the event, click the Sign Up Genius link to register, or email the PTO if you are not sure who to contact. Thanks!
Volunteer Responsibility Definitions
Classroom Parents
Classroom parents coordinate your child’s classroom parties as well as assist in other special activities such as class field trips, field day, SUN Center events (West) and collecting contributions for classroom parties and class gifts to the teacher.
AGEPAC
Abington Gifted Education Parent Advisory Council- An advocate within PTO and the school for the students with gifted needs. Representative attends quarterly district AGEPAC meetings in the evenings and report back to PTO and families of APEX students.
Assemblies
Assemblies enrich our children’s learning. Volunteers assist in researching and bringing in appropriate and relevant school assemblies for our children.
School store (year round)
Volunteers work in the school store to assist students wanting to purchase school supplies. The store is open weekly or bi-monthly during lunch periods. There is no school store during PSSA testing.
Community Service Liaison
The chair of this committee communicates and organizes community support for school functions and can work with the school’s K-Kids and/or student council community service projects.
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops are worth 10 cents each, which can add up to a few hundred dollars towards the 5th grade fund. Volunteers encourage families to download the Box Tops for Education app and scans receipts for rewards.
Directory (September/October)
This committee helps gather and organize family information from families who register to be in the PTO directory, works with the school staff to include the class lists. Volunteers comfortable with the computer are needed to type set and organize the directory.
Library (year round)
Volunteers are needed to help re-shelve and check out books for students and assist the librarians with other tasks as needed.
Hospitality/Welcoming Committee (year round)
This committee helps organize refreshment and staffing of refreshment tables at a variety of functions. The focus of this committee is to create a welcoming and appreciative atmosphere at back-to-school nights, American Education Week, Teacher Appreciation Day, and at any time of the year a "pick-me- up" is needed (i.e gearing up for PSSA's, appreciation of teacher support of a fundraiser) Examples would include providing cookie trays to the teachers' lunchrooms in each school as a gesture of "holiday cheer", remembering the office staff on "Administrative Professionals Day. This committee offers congratulations/condolences to families and staff in our Rydal community.
Fifth grade committee
Volunteers help with several 6th grade events and activities. Committee chairs and a treasurer are needed to plan and execute the different events. Some committees are: yearbook, service learning projects, class trip, photo montage, promotion ceremony.
Spirit Wear
Volunteers are needed to help with the organization and sale of Rydal spirit wear. Tasks may include contacting the suppliers, sending out flyers, organizing the delivery of the spirit wear items, and selling spirit wears at various school functions.
SUN Center
This committee plans events and activities to enrich our young students with hands-on experiences in understanding of wildlife in its natural habitat. Committee members are needed to plan and coordinate the fall Pumpkin Fest, January’s pine cone bird feeders, spring Earth Day Celebration, and special assemblies (such as Whale Lady or Bug lady) as well as help maintain and improve the Rydal gardens. Support for the students’ R.E.A.L. group (environmental club) maybe needed, too. This committee’s needs evolve along with the changing needs of the garden. Volunteers are needed to assist in the special events and working in the garden. All are welcome regardless of your gardening abilities.
SWPBS (Bee program)
Committee member support the Rydal School Wide Positive Support Program (Our "Bee Program") which focuses on rewarding and praising good behavior. PTO members on this committee attend planning meetings and help run the "reward" program. When students are observed demonstrating any of the "four B's" (Be responsible, Be respectful, Be thoughtful and kind, Be Bully-free"), teachers reward this behavior with tickets. These "bee tickets" can be redeemed by the students for small prizes. Parent volunteers participate in purchasing those prizes and coming in one day a week to distribute them.
Treasurer’s Audit
The treasurer’s audit determines the accuracy of the PTO finance books, detects inconsistencies or errors, provides recommendations for corrective action, protects the financial officers, verifies that funds were sent through channels as appropriate, and assures the membership that the association's resources were managed in a businesslike manner within the regulations established for their use.
Website
Volunteers with web computer knowledge are needed to update and maintain the Rydal PTO website and to assist with informative e-mail blasts, “Buzz Blast” which are sent out every other week.
Raccoon Rally (Fall)
This is a huge job with many volunteers needed as it is our one big fundraiser for the year. Race for Education is a sponsored jog-a-thon, which invites our students to walk or jog around a designated area for one hour. Co-chairs are needed to buy all necessary paper and supplies, create mailers, multiple flyers, coordinate scheduling with offices in both schools, communicate needs with teachers, distribute information, coordinate the scheduling of mailer writing, application of stamps and mailing labels, and folding and sealing before mailing day. Delegating tasks to room parents or other volunteers is crucial. Also needed are volunteers to collect mailers from office, process cash/checks, and organize the mailers for future reference. On Race day, help is needed to set up the course, coordinate refreshments, and cheer on staff and students. After Race day, help is needed to distribute any student rewards (e.g. homework pass)
Book Fair (Fall & Spring)
The Scholastic book fair connects students with a wide variety of books while raising funds for the school. Co-Chairs work directly with Scholastic, co-create and distribute information, set-up, decorate, and take-down the fair, and coordinate the teacher preview and classroom visits. Volunteers are needed to help staff two fairs: one in fall & one in spring. Volunteers, who help kids pick out books, figure sales, and keep track of and straighten stock, usually work a morning or afternoon shift, but any amount of time is appreciated
Ringo Night (March)
This is a fun family game night for our Rydal families. Co-chairs fill out required permit with office at least 6 weeks in advance, create and distribute flyer information, coordinate door prize collection, organize the set up and clean up as well as coordinating volunteer help. Volunteers are needed to help run the games, sell refreshments for purchase, and monitoring the students during the event.
Fall Festival (October)
A volunteer committee helps to put together a fun evening of fall activities and trunk-or-treat on the grounds of Rydal West. Volunteer coordination and event planning is needed to create a fantastic event for all.
Multicultural Night (April)
This is a great evening to travel around the world and experience cultural diversity. Stroll the hallways at Rydal East while exploring different cultures, tasting food, and enjoying performances. Co-chairs and volunteers are needed to fill out the required permit with the office at least 6 weeks prior to the event, encourage and organize family volunteers to display/present countries, distribute and collect flyers, organize the layout of the event, and create a performance schedule. They also need to purchase any necessary items for the event. Volunteers are needed to help setup, to help run the event, and cleanup on that night.
Winter Formal (February)
The dance is a special evening filled with dancing, refreshments & photo ops the girls can share with a special adult guest. Co-chairs fill out required permit with office at least 6 weeks in advance, coordinate the DJ, photo ops, purchasing of gifts and refreshments. Volunteers are needed to help set up and take down the decorations, stocking refreshments, and help wherever needed.
Sports Night (May)
The fun outing with an adult guest is filled with playing games, enjoying refreshments and building memories together. Co-chairs coordinate the event location, reserving dates and time, create and distribute information and coordinate any food or items needed. Some past events have included bowling and dodge ball & games at Sports Zone. Volunteers are needed to help wherever needed.
Nominating Committee (Spring)
This committee oversees the nomination process for our PTO executive board. Chair is needed to collect the nominating forms and help execute in the nomination each spring.
Plant Sale (May)
Plant sale connects students and Rydal families to a wide variety of beautiful flowers, vegetable & herbs while raising funds for the school. Co-Chairs create and distribute information, contact the flower vendors, set-up & take-down the plant sale, coordinate the classroom visits schedule and help with sales. Volunteers are needed to help kids pick out flowers, figure sales, and keep track of and straighten plants, usually work a morning or afternoon shift, but any amount of time is appreciated.
Special Persons’ Day (May)
Special person’s day is a day when each child invites his/her special person (grandparents, uncle/aunts, close family friends, etc) to his/her class for an activity together. The special person has the opportunity to have lunch with the student at East and to have a snack with the student at West. Co-chairs are needed to create and distribute information, contact vendors for any food or decoration needs, coordinate the setting up & cleaning up, organize the selling & distributing of lunch purchases, and coordinate volunteer help. Volunteers are needed to help decorate, set up and clean up, direct special persons to the right location and as needed tasks.
Carnival (May)
An evening of fun carnival activities provided for our Rydal families. Co-chairs fill out required permit with office at least 6 weeks in advance, create and distribute carnival information, contact vendors, organize the selling & distributing of tickets, set-up, take down and coordinate volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help run the fair. Some tasks includes selling tickets, stocking refreshments for purchase, figure sales and assist in different game booths.
Classroom parents coordinate your child’s classroom parties as well as assist in other special activities such as class field trips, field day, SUN Center events (West) and collecting contributions for classroom parties and class gifts to the teacher.
AGEPAC
Abington Gifted Education Parent Advisory Council- An advocate within PTO and the school for the students with gifted needs. Representative attends quarterly district AGEPAC meetings in the evenings and report back to PTO and families of APEX students.
Assemblies
Assemblies enrich our children’s learning. Volunteers assist in researching and bringing in appropriate and relevant school assemblies for our children.
School store (year round)
Volunteers work in the school store to assist students wanting to purchase school supplies. The store is open weekly or bi-monthly during lunch periods. There is no school store during PSSA testing.
Community Service Liaison
The chair of this committee communicates and organizes community support for school functions and can work with the school’s K-Kids and/or student council community service projects.
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops are worth 10 cents each, which can add up to a few hundred dollars towards the 5th grade fund. Volunteers encourage families to download the Box Tops for Education app and scans receipts for rewards.
Directory (September/October)
This committee helps gather and organize family information from families who register to be in the PTO directory, works with the school staff to include the class lists. Volunteers comfortable with the computer are needed to type set and organize the directory.
Library (year round)
Volunteers are needed to help re-shelve and check out books for students and assist the librarians with other tasks as needed.
Hospitality/Welcoming Committee (year round)
This committee helps organize refreshment and staffing of refreshment tables at a variety of functions. The focus of this committee is to create a welcoming and appreciative atmosphere at back-to-school nights, American Education Week, Teacher Appreciation Day, and at any time of the year a "pick-me- up" is needed (i.e gearing up for PSSA's, appreciation of teacher support of a fundraiser) Examples would include providing cookie trays to the teachers' lunchrooms in each school as a gesture of "holiday cheer", remembering the office staff on "Administrative Professionals Day. This committee offers congratulations/condolences to families and staff in our Rydal community.
Fifth grade committee
Volunteers help with several 6th grade events and activities. Committee chairs and a treasurer are needed to plan and execute the different events. Some committees are: yearbook, service learning projects, class trip, photo montage, promotion ceremony.
Spirit Wear
Volunteers are needed to help with the organization and sale of Rydal spirit wear. Tasks may include contacting the suppliers, sending out flyers, organizing the delivery of the spirit wear items, and selling spirit wears at various school functions.
SUN Center
This committee plans events and activities to enrich our young students with hands-on experiences in understanding of wildlife in its natural habitat. Committee members are needed to plan and coordinate the fall Pumpkin Fest, January’s pine cone bird feeders, spring Earth Day Celebration, and special assemblies (such as Whale Lady or Bug lady) as well as help maintain and improve the Rydal gardens. Support for the students’ R.E.A.L. group (environmental club) maybe needed, too. This committee’s needs evolve along with the changing needs of the garden. Volunteers are needed to assist in the special events and working in the garden. All are welcome regardless of your gardening abilities.
SWPBS (Bee program)
Committee member support the Rydal School Wide Positive Support Program (Our "Bee Program") which focuses on rewarding and praising good behavior. PTO members on this committee attend planning meetings and help run the "reward" program. When students are observed demonstrating any of the "four B's" (Be responsible, Be respectful, Be thoughtful and kind, Be Bully-free"), teachers reward this behavior with tickets. These "bee tickets" can be redeemed by the students for small prizes. Parent volunteers participate in purchasing those prizes and coming in one day a week to distribute them.
Treasurer’s Audit
The treasurer’s audit determines the accuracy of the PTO finance books, detects inconsistencies or errors, provides recommendations for corrective action, protects the financial officers, verifies that funds were sent through channels as appropriate, and assures the membership that the association's resources were managed in a businesslike manner within the regulations established for their use.
Website
Volunteers with web computer knowledge are needed to update and maintain the Rydal PTO website and to assist with informative e-mail blasts, “Buzz Blast” which are sent out every other week.
Raccoon Rally (Fall)
This is a huge job with many volunteers needed as it is our one big fundraiser for the year. Race for Education is a sponsored jog-a-thon, which invites our students to walk or jog around a designated area for one hour. Co-chairs are needed to buy all necessary paper and supplies, create mailers, multiple flyers, coordinate scheduling with offices in both schools, communicate needs with teachers, distribute information, coordinate the scheduling of mailer writing, application of stamps and mailing labels, and folding and sealing before mailing day. Delegating tasks to room parents or other volunteers is crucial. Also needed are volunteers to collect mailers from office, process cash/checks, and organize the mailers for future reference. On Race day, help is needed to set up the course, coordinate refreshments, and cheer on staff and students. After Race day, help is needed to distribute any student rewards (e.g. homework pass)
Book Fair (Fall & Spring)
The Scholastic book fair connects students with a wide variety of books while raising funds for the school. Co-Chairs work directly with Scholastic, co-create and distribute information, set-up, decorate, and take-down the fair, and coordinate the teacher preview and classroom visits. Volunteers are needed to help staff two fairs: one in fall & one in spring. Volunteers, who help kids pick out books, figure sales, and keep track of and straighten stock, usually work a morning or afternoon shift, but any amount of time is appreciated
Ringo Night (March)
This is a fun family game night for our Rydal families. Co-chairs fill out required permit with office at least 6 weeks in advance, create and distribute flyer information, coordinate door prize collection, organize the set up and clean up as well as coordinating volunteer help. Volunteers are needed to help run the games, sell refreshments for purchase, and monitoring the students during the event.
Fall Festival (October)
A volunteer committee helps to put together a fun evening of fall activities and trunk-or-treat on the grounds of Rydal West. Volunteer coordination and event planning is needed to create a fantastic event for all.
Multicultural Night (April)
This is a great evening to travel around the world and experience cultural diversity. Stroll the hallways at Rydal East while exploring different cultures, tasting food, and enjoying performances. Co-chairs and volunteers are needed to fill out the required permit with the office at least 6 weeks prior to the event, encourage and organize family volunteers to display/present countries, distribute and collect flyers, organize the layout of the event, and create a performance schedule. They also need to purchase any necessary items for the event. Volunteers are needed to help setup, to help run the event, and cleanup on that night.
Winter Formal (February)
The dance is a special evening filled with dancing, refreshments & photo ops the girls can share with a special adult guest. Co-chairs fill out required permit with office at least 6 weeks in advance, coordinate the DJ, photo ops, purchasing of gifts and refreshments. Volunteers are needed to help set up and take down the decorations, stocking refreshments, and help wherever needed.
Sports Night (May)
The fun outing with an adult guest is filled with playing games, enjoying refreshments and building memories together. Co-chairs coordinate the event location, reserving dates and time, create and distribute information and coordinate any food or items needed. Some past events have included bowling and dodge ball & games at Sports Zone. Volunteers are needed to help wherever needed.
Nominating Committee (Spring)
This committee oversees the nomination process for our PTO executive board. Chair is needed to collect the nominating forms and help execute in the nomination each spring.
Plant Sale (May)
Plant sale connects students and Rydal families to a wide variety of beautiful flowers, vegetable & herbs while raising funds for the school. Co-Chairs create and distribute information, contact the flower vendors, set-up & take-down the plant sale, coordinate the classroom visits schedule and help with sales. Volunteers are needed to help kids pick out flowers, figure sales, and keep track of and straighten plants, usually work a morning or afternoon shift, but any amount of time is appreciated.
Special Persons’ Day (May)
Special person’s day is a day when each child invites his/her special person (grandparents, uncle/aunts, close family friends, etc) to his/her class for an activity together. The special person has the opportunity to have lunch with the student at East and to have a snack with the student at West. Co-chairs are needed to create and distribute information, contact vendors for any food or decoration needs, coordinate the setting up & cleaning up, organize the selling & distributing of lunch purchases, and coordinate volunteer help. Volunteers are needed to help decorate, set up and clean up, direct special persons to the right location and as needed tasks.
Carnival (May)
An evening of fun carnival activities provided for our Rydal families. Co-chairs fill out required permit with office at least 6 weeks in advance, create and distribute carnival information, contact vendors, organize the selling & distributing of tickets, set-up, take down and coordinate volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help run the fair. Some tasks includes selling tickets, stocking refreshments for purchase, figure sales and assist in different game booths.