Volunteer at PPS
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Portland Public Schools! Our volunteers play an important role in supporting students, staff, school programs, events, athletics, field trips, and other district activities.
To help provide a safe, positive, and supportive environment for everyone, all volunteers must complete the District’s volunteer approval process, receive current ICHAT approval, review the Volunteer Handbook, and submit the signed acknowledgment form before participating in a volunteer activity.
The Volunteer Handbook provides important information about student safety, confidentiality, appropriate boundaries, volunteer responsibilities, check-in procedures, and other District expectations. Please carefully review the handbook before completing the required acknowledgment form.
We appreciate your willingness to share your time and talents with our schools. Your support helps strengthen our school community and makes a meaningful difference for Portland Public Schools students.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Central Office at (517) 647-4161.
PPS Volunteer Opportunities
Oakwood
Book Fair
Love books and seeing students excited about reading? Our Oakwood Book Fair is a great opportunity to get involved!
During the school day, Book Fair Helpers lend a hand as students visit the fair with their classes. You might help students find books, assist with purchases, keep displays organized, or simply help our young readers navigate all the exciting choices.
It’s a fun and easy way to spend some time at Oakwood while helping make the Book Fair a great experience for our students.
Come share in the excitement and help our Oakwood Raiders find their next great read!
Building Times: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
Field Day
Love being outdoors and cheering on our students? Field Day is one of the most exciting days of the year at Oakwood, and we could use your help making it a great one!
Our Field Day Helpers assist with a variety of activities throughout the day. You might help run a game or station, keep students organized, hand out supplies, encourage participants, or help students move from one activity to the next.
It’s a busy day filled with plenty of energy, laughter, and fun—and having extra helping hands makes all the difference!
Come spend the day with us and help make Field Day a fun and memorable experience for our Oakwood Raiders!
Building Times: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
Water Days
Ready for some sunshine, splashes, and lots of smiles? Water Day is always an exciting day at Oakwood, and we’d love to have some extra helping hands!
Our Water Day Helpers assist with activities and help keep the fun running smoothly throughout the day. You might help at a water station, organize supplies, guide students between activities, or simply be an extra set of eyes as our students enjoy the day.
Be prepared to get a little wet! It’s a fun-filled day and a great way to get involved while helping create special memories for our Oakwood Raiders.
Come join the fun and help us make a splash!
Building Times: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
Holiday Celebrations
Help us bring a little extra holiday cheer to Oakwood! Our Holiday Celebrations are a fun and exciting time for our students, and an extra set of hands can help make the festivities even more special.
Our Holiday Celebration Helpers may assist with classroom activities, games, crafts, treats, setup, cleanup, or simply help keep things running smoothly while students enjoy the celebration.
It’s a great way to spend time at Oakwood, join in the holiday fun, and help create special memories for our students!
Come celebrate with us and help make the season a little brighter for our Oakwood Raiders!
Building Times: TBD
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
Field Trips
Love exploring new places and making memories with our students? Field Trips are an exciting part of the school year, and we appreciate volunteers who can come along for the adventure!
Our Field Trip Helpers provide an extra set of hands and eyes while students are learning outside the classroom. You might help supervise a small group, assist students throughout the day, keep everyone together and on schedule, or simply help make sure the experience is safe, positive, and fun.
Each field trip is a little different, but one thing is always the same—our students are excited to learn, explore, and have you along for the ride!
Come join the adventure and help make field trips memorable for our Oakwood Raiders!
Building Times: TBD
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
Parent Drop Off
Are you an early riser who enjoys starting the day with a smile? Our Parent Drop-Off Helpers help give Oakwood students a warm and welcoming start to their school day!
Volunteers may help greet students as they arrive, assist with keeping the drop-off area moving smoothly, help students get where they need to go, and provide an extra set of eyes during the busy morning arrival.
It’s a simple way to get involved and make a difference before the school day even begins. Sometimes a friendly face and a cheerful “Good morning!” are all it takes to start a student’s day off right!
Help us welcome our Oakwood Raiders to school each morning!
Building Times: 8:35 am - 8:55 am
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
Parent Pick Up
Looking for a way to lend a hand at the end of the school day? Our Parent Pick-Up Helpers help make dismissal at Oakwood safe, organized, and smooth for everyone!
Volunteers may help students get where they need to go, assist with keeping the pick-up area organized, and provide an extra set of eyes as students head home for the day.
Afternoons can be busy, and having a few extra helping hands can make a big difference in keeping things moving smoothly!
Help us send our Oakwood Raiders home with a safe and positive end to their school day!
Building Times: 3:35 pm - 4:10 pm
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
Westwood
Daily Playground Supervision
Playground Helpers Needed!
If you enjoy spending time with kids and don’t mind a little fresh air and fun, this could be a great fit for you!
Our Westwood Playground Helpers help keep recess safe, positive, and fun for everyone. You might find yourself helping students navigate a disagreement, encouraging a new game, keeping an extra set of eyes on the playground, or helping make sure transitions back into the building go smoothly.
Elementary students bring plenty of energy to the playground, so a watchful eye and a little patience go a long way. In return, you can expect lots of smiles, laughs, and the chance to make a positive difference in a student’s day!
Come spend some time with our Westwood Raiders. We would love to have you!
Building Times: 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
Daily Lunchroom Supervision
Looking For Lunchroom Helpers!
If you enjoy spending time with kids and don’t mind a little lunchtime hustle and bustle, this could be a great fit for you!
Our Westwood Lunchroom Helpers lend an extra hand to help lunchtime run smoothly for everyone. You might find yourself opening milk cartons and food packages, helping students find what they need, encouraging good lunchroom habits, or helping with transitions to and from the cafeteria.
Lunchtime can be a busy part of the school day, but a little extra help can make a big difference! In return, you’ll get plenty of smiles, conversations, and the chance to brighten a Westwood Raider’s day.
Come join us for lunch. We’d love to have you!
Building Times: 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
Popcorn Helper
Friday Morning Popcorn Helpers!
Looking for a fun way to lend a hand at Westwood? Join us on Friday mornings for popcorn!
Our Popcorn Helpers help prepare and package popcorn so it’s ready for our students to enjoy. Whether you’re popping, scooping, bagging, or helping keep things organized, an extra set of hands makes Friday mornings run smoothly.
It’s a simple and fun way to get involved, meet other volunteers, and help make Fridays a little more special for our Westwood Raiders!
Come pop in and help!
Building Times: 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
Middle School
*Daily - up to every day of the week
*Weekly Basis - 1-2 days per week
- Raider Creator Support
- Lunch & Recess Helper
- Morning Greeter
- Tutoring Helper
- Event & Activity Helper
- School Beautification Helper
Raider Creator Support
Raider Creator volunteers support hands-on, creative learning opportunities for our students. Volunteers may assist with preparing materials, organizing supplies, helping students with projects, or providing an extra set of hands during activities. No special expertise is required, just a willingness to help students explore, create, and problem-solve.
*Weekly Building Schedule: 1:40 pm - 2:35 pm
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
Lunch & Recess Helper
Lunch and recess volunteers help create a positive and welcoming environment during one of the busiest parts of the school day. Volunteers may assist with general supervision, help students during lunch, and support staff during recess activities. This is a great opportunity for volunteers who enjoy interacting with students and being part of the daily school community.
- 11:00 am - 11:35 am
- 12:00 pm - 12:35 pm
- 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
Morning Greeter
Morning Greeters help start the school day on a positive note by welcoming students as they arrive. Volunteers may greet students at entrances, offer a friendly smile, and help create an upbeat and supportive atmosphere. This role is perfect for those who enjoy making connections and helping students feel seen and welcomed each morning.
Tutoring Helper
Tutoring Helpers provide additional academic support to students who may benefit from extra practice or encouragement. Volunteers may work with individual students or small groups under the direction of school staff. This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy helping students build confidence and strengthen their academic skills.
*Weekly Building Schedule: 2:35 pm - 3:30 pm
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
Event & Activity Helper
Event and Activity Helpers provide additional support during special school events, including dances and other student activities. Volunteers may assist with supervision, setup, cleanup, check-in, or other needs identified by school staff. This is a great option for volunteers who may not be available during the school day but would still like to be involved in the school community.
Building Schedule: As needed
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
School Beautification Helper
School Beautification Helpers assist with projects that make our school a welcoming and inviting place for students, staff, and families. Opportunities may include helping with bulletin boards, displays, landscaping, seasonal projects, or other improvement efforts around the building. This is a great option for volunteers who enjoy creative or hands-on projects and would like to contribute behind the scenes.
*Weekly Building Schedule: As needed
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
High School
Lunch Monitor
As a PHS Lunch Monitor, you’ll support our students in grades 9–12 during lunch. We’re looking for someone who can be a positive presence with students, help keep the cafeteria clean and organized, and assist with monitoring doors and student passes. Lunch is a busy and social part of the school day.
Having an additional adult present helps us make sure the cafeteria remains a safe, positive, and welcoming environment for our students.
Daily Building Schedule: Monday–Friday from 10:00 am –12:15 pm.
Documents Required: iChat Form & Handbook/Acknowledgement Form completed
