Volunteer Services

DPS Volunteer Services provide resources to the DPS Community that support the engagement of volunteers in ensuring that Every Learner Thrives.

Team DPS welcomes your involvement in our school community. The ongoing social, academic, and emotional success of our kids rely heavily on this amazing network of individuals. Everyone benefits when parents, families, and the community are engaged in our children’s education.

DPS Volunteers, Together Every Learner Thrives!

See below for an orientation to Volunteer Services. If you are viewing this webpage from a mobile device, you can access this interactive orientation by clicking this link: Volunteer Orientation (Mobile Device) The orientation includes audio narration with available closed captioning.

Contact Us

Sarah Rice, Volunteer Services Manager

Email Volunteer Services

Schools and volunteers should use this Sterling Volunteer link to start the background check process. You may select the link to access the background check online forms. School volunteer coordinators please reference the Denver Public Schools Sterling Volunteers Guide for assistance, or contact Volunteer Services. If you are receiving a "Good Deed Code" request during your submission you are utilizing the wrong link and should update it with the one in the guide above.

If you are interested in supporting DPS through volunteering please start our application. If you are already associated with a school, or want to volunteer at a specific school, please contact that schools Volunteer Coordinator.

Volunteer Opportunities

DPS offers community members, and employees numerous volunteer opportunities to connect with our students and schools. For more information about individual volunteer opportunities, contact Volunteer Services unless otherwise noted. All volunteer opportunities require a background check.

Volunteering Opportunity Highlight!

Castro Elementary School

What: Help run a small group, assist with logging into computers, and read with students.

Contact: Jamie Walker (Kindergarten ELA-E)

Email: jamie_gentry@dpsk12.net

Assignment: Kindergarten Literacy and Math Support

Experience: Teaching experience is a plus, but not required.

Volunteers Need: 1-2 volunteers

When: Wednesday mornings

What: Assist with Spanish language support (bilingual volunteer preferred).

Contact: Carolina Hernandez (ELA-S Teacher)

Email: andrea_hernandez4@dpsk12.net

Assignment: Foreign Language Support (Spanish)

Volunteer Need: 2 volunteers

When: Tuesday and Thursday mornings

Munroe Elementary School

What: Bring your special abilities and skills to support assemblies for students with outstanding attendance! Show off your special skill, can you preform a magic show, puppet show...etc.

Days and Times Needed: First Week of the Month

Number of Volunteers Needed: 1-2

Point Of Contact: Norma Garfio-Saenz, Family and Community Liaison, 720-424-5260, nsaenz@dpsk12.net

East High School: A+ Angels Mentor Program

Main Contact:
Aimee Arens, Coordinator of A+ Angels Mentor Program
Email: aarens@dpsk12.net

Assignment:
Social, Post-Secondary One-on-One Mentoring

Volunteer Need:

  • 3 male mentors for Junior boys

  • 1 female mentor for a Junior girl

  • 1 female mentor for a Sophomore girl
    Total Volunteers Needed: 5-6

When:

  • Juniors: Thursday mornings

  • Sophomores: Wednesday mornings
    Duration:
    Mentors will work with their student until they graduate—approximately 2 years for Juniors, 3 years for Sophomores.

Role:
Mentors will meet with their assigned student in a classroom setting once a week for an hour and a half. This is a wonderful opportunity to guide and support students as they navigate high school and prepare for life beyond graduation.

Godsman Elementary

Main Contacts:
Nancy Ramirez, Office Assistant
Email: nancy_ramirez@dpsk12.net

Ronda Bailey, Teacher
Email: ronda_bailey@dpsk12.net

Assignment:
Kindergarten Literacy & Math Tutoring

Volunteer Need:

  • Literacy tutoring (possibly in small groups of 3-4 students)

  • Math support for small groups of 1-2 students

When:

  • Tuesday and Wednesday mornings

Role:
Volunteers will assist with Kindergarten literacy and math instruction, either in small groups or one-on-one settings, helping students build foundational skills in these subjects.

Columbian Elementary School

Main Contact:
Charmaine Keeton, Principal
Email: charmaine_keeton@dpsk12.net

Program Overview:
The Lunch Bunch program offers students a fun, safe, and engaging environment during their lunch break. It's an opportunity for students to socialize, build friendships, and engage in enriching activities that foster teamwork, creativity, and communication skills.

Your Role as a Volunteer:
As a Lunch Bunch volunteer, your primary responsibility will be to engage with students and create a positive, inclusive, and enjoyable environment.

  • Facilitate Activities: Help organize and oversee small group activities, such as games, arts and crafts, or instructional activities like reviewing flashcards or reading together.

  • Encourage Positive Social Interactions: Guide students in respectful communication, active listening, and teamwork.

  • Be a Role Model: Demonstrate kindness, patience, and positive behavior, setting an excellent example for the students.

  • Provide Support: Be available for students needing someone to talk to, helping to foster a sense of belonging.

Schedule & Time Commitment:

  • Time: 11:20 AM - 12:05 PM

  • Days: Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one day per week, though flexible schedules can be accommodated.

Morey Middle School

Main Contacts:
Leah Prochnow or Ashley OS III
Email: lprochn@dpsk12.net

Program Overview:
Lunch time at Morey Middle School is buzzing, and we need your help to make it a positive and enjoyable experience for our students! Volunteers assist staff in ensuring that our young Mustangs get their nutritional and recess/recreational needs met during lunch.

Your Role as a Volunteer:

  • Supervise students during lunch to ensure a safe and fun environment.

  • Help students with various lunchtime activities and ensure they have an enjoyable break.

  • Assist with keeping the lunch area orderly and ensuring students transition smoothly to recess.

Schedule & Time Commitment:

  • When: Monday - Friday, 12:15 PM - 1:05 PM

  • Role: Daily lunchtime supervision

Why Volunteer?
Take a break from the office and spend time with our cool middle schoolers! It’s a fun way to interact with students and support staff while contributing to a positive school culture.

McGlone Academy

Main Contact:
Anaisa Arroyo, Family Liaison
Email: anais_arroyo@dpsk12.net

Program Overview:
Volunteers are needed to assist with lunch and recess supervision, helping ensure a positive and safe environment for students during their break.

Your Role as a Volunteer:

  • Supervise students during lunch and recess to ensure safety and positive interactions.

  • Help students stay engaged and participate in activities during recess.

  • Support staff in maintaining an orderly and fun lunchtime atmosphere.

Schedule & Time Commitment:

  • When: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday

5 Hours, Every Month, Every Denverite

During the 2024 State of the City address, Mayor Mike Johnston proudly announced the launch of Give5 Mile High, a new citywide volunteer initiative led by First Lady of Denver Courtney Johnston. This program empowers Denverites to come together and strengthen our community through collective service. 

Give5 Mile High Back-to-School Volunteer Kick-Off

Upcoming Done In A Day Volunteer Events

  • Volunteers of America, City Harvest Food Bank Monthly Volunteer Delivery

    • DPS Hubs would benefit from volunteer resources to deliver, unload, and restock their stores.

      Volunteer Services is looking for dedicated volunteer groups to commit to a monthly drop off and restock effort.

    • Event Date and Time: Deliver once per month on Wednesday – time TBD.

    • Location: VOA, City Harvest Food Bank

Current Volunteer Opportunities

More opportunities are listed in the Volunteer Application.

DPS Spellbinders  are a group of passionate volunteers trained in the art of oral storytelling.  Spellbinders mission is to use the art of oral storytelling to enhance literacy, encourage character development and build inter-generational communities.

Interested individuals can get more information from the above links.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

Extracurricular Activities

Academic

Administrative

2024 National Volunteer Appreciation Week!

Please see appreciation announcement from Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero

Thank you Community Collaborators!

VOA