FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: I would like to get involved and volunteer at Cherry Chase. What’s my first step?
A: Good for you! Our strong culture of parent involvement is what makes Cherry Chase such a special and enriching school. Check out our website or weekly eBlasts for more information on volunteer opportunities, especially for special events hosted and sponsored by the PTA (e.g. Fall Festival, International Night, Walk-a-Thon, etc.). There is also an open list of open job descriptions for the PTA here.
Q: Do I need TB testing to volunteer at Cherry Chase?
A: TB Clearance is required for in-school volunteering during school hours. Proof of TB clearance (negative test or assessment questionnaire signed by Physician) must be uploaded to complete and submit this form (test results are good for 4 years so keep a copy to submit in future years). Well in advance of your volunteer date, you would also need to complete a volunteer registration form online to submit your clearance paperwork.
Q: Do I need to be fingerprinted to volunteer at Cherry Chase?
A: If you will be alone with students at any point (such as field trip chaperone or after school program) you must have been fingerprinted for our school district. Print out our district’s Live Scan Volunteer Request form and take it to any Live Scan service provider. Fee applies. You will only need to be fingerprinted one time for volunteer clearance with Sunnyvale School District (SSD) for the duration of your child/children’s enrollment (TK-8).
Q: I would like to get fingerprinted but am concerned about the cost. What can I do?
A: Check with school for any reduced rate opportunities. There is a Free Live Scan on 10/27/2023(Fri) from 4 PM to 7 PM onsite at Cherry Chase sponsored by the Sunnyvale School District, free of charge, for a limited number of participants. Check in at the Multipurpose Room.
Q: I have been fingerprinted already for another organization (e.g. Cub Scouts). Do I need to be fingerprinted again to volunteer at Cherry Chase?
A: You will only need to be fingerprinted one time for volunteer clearance for the Sunnyvale School District (SSD). However, if you’ve been fingerprinted for another organization, such as Cub Scouts, you will still need to be fingerprinted again, specifically for SSD.
Q: I would like to chaperone for field trips. What do I need to do?
A: To be a field trip chaperone, you must be fingerprinted and be TB cleared, since you may be left alone with students during the field trips.
Q: I would like to help out with Class Parties or ABC Readers. What do I need to do?
A: To volunteer in the classroom during school hours, you must be TB cleared. Since the teacher will be present in the classroom supervising the students during class parties or ABC Readers, fingerprinting is not required for volunteers.
Q: I would like to help with administrative tasks such as filing for the classroom or the PTA. What do I need to do?
A: To volunteer outside of school hours, you don’t need TB clearance or fingerprinting. These tasks can be done on your own time outside of school.
Q: I would like to help out at PTA events such as Fall Festival, STEAM Night or International Night. What do I need to do?
A: Special clearance is not required to be on campus after school hours. Sign up to join the planning committee, or sign up for a shift or two the day of the event and enjoy!
Q: I would like to attend a PTA meeting. What do I need to do?
A: Special clearance is not required to be on campus after school hours.
Come join us on Association meeting nights (Wed at 7pm) on the following dates (details here):
September 20, 2023
November 15, 2023
January 17, 2024
March 20, 2024
May 15, 2024
Q: Do I need to submit my volunteer hours for company matching?
A: Cherry Chase Elementary School is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Many companies will match your donations to Cherry Chase Elementary and some will even pay the school directly for your volunteer hours!
Cherry Chase Elementary School PTA.
Employer Identification Number: 94-6171785
Volunteer Hour Matching Programs:
Volunteers, if you work for a company listed below or one with a volunteer time matching program, please submit your hours before the end of December. The volunteer hours should be from the current school year starting in mid-August. It adds up fast! You already did the volunteering, now Cherry Chase can get paid for it too! Employers like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Genetech, Starbucks, and GAP will donate money for every hour you volunteer.
Examples: Microsoft $25/hour, Apple $25/hour, Google $10/hour, Levis $10/hour, Genetech $10/hour.
And, if your company matches and you don’t see it above, please let us our team know.
Again, please submit your volunteer hours to your company programs before the end of December.
Other possible programs.
https://doublethedonation.com/list-volunteer-grant-companies/
https://360matchpro.com/volunteer-grant-companies/
If you have questions about Volunteer Hour Matching Programs, please contact development@cherrychasepta.org
Q: I have a question that’s not answered here. Where can I seek clarity?
A: Please reach out to communications@cherrychasepta.org with any additional questions you may have.
