A Letter from our Principal
Dear Volunteer,
Thank you for your involvement with our children. As you may be aware, for the past several years the Diocese of Richmond has required that all volunteers who work with children and youth complete a screening process. This was the first step in implementing the United States Conference of Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
A second requirement of the Charter is to have a program that promotes a safe environment for children and young people. The Diocese has selected the VIRTUS program “Protecting God’s Children” to meet this requirement. The VIRTUS program assists the Church in teaching how to create a safe haven for children and how to prevent child sexual abuse within the Church and in our community. More information can be found in this brochure. It is mandated that all school volunteers who have contact with our students or youth attend this training. This four-hour training session is offered periodically throughout the diocese.
To begin this process, go to the VIRTUS site (www.virtus.org) and register by selecting First Time Registrant from the home page. When prompted, select “Richmond, VA (Diocese)” as the organization. As you make your way through the registration process, you will be prompted to read and acknowledge a Code of Conduct and you will be prompted to sign up for a training session. There is no charge for this training. You must register before attending the session as participation in each session is limited. If you have already completed the training, please provide the office with a copy of your certificate. At the next section, you will be prompted to submit information for a Screening One background check. This background check is mandatory and can be completed online.
If you would rather not complete the background check online, you may download it here or fill it out and print it here and return it to the school office.
In addition to the above, the Diocese also requires a signed acknowledgement form for receipt of Diocesan Safe Environment Regulations booklet. Please use the links above to read and/or download. Please sign and date the form and turn it into the school office. Be sure to fill out the consent portion on the second page and sign.
We appreciate your contribution to our faith community. Thank you again for your willingness to be of service to the children and youth of our school.
Sincerely,
Louis L. Goldberg
Principal
Diocesan policy states that anyone volunteering to work with children must have all of the following forms on file. St. Matthew’s will pay the cost involved in filing these forms.
- Volunteer Application-Screening One Background Check
- Virtus Training Certificate
- Safe Environment Regulations Acknowledgement Form
How Do I Get Involved?
Choose the areas of volunteer opportunities in which you are most interested. Descriptions and listings on this page should help you select your favorite activities. Fill out this form and someone will be in contact. Continue to watch the Friday Flash for other opportunities and if you have some other talent you would like to share, please just email us!
Specific Date Fundraisers
Eagle Open Golf Outing –
Come out and swing a club “fore” SMS! Enter a team of four players, become a sponsor, and/or volunteer. For more information, please contact LaDonna Sinsabaugh at [email protected] or Liz Allen [email protected]
Auction – November
Auction Leads are needed for each grade to create Live Auction Class Packages that will be bid on the night of the Auction. SMS friends and families donate money and items. Sponsorships are available at various levels. Volunteer Coordinator and volunteer opportunities include Acquisitions, Balloon Buy Out, Wine Pull, Check – Out, Decorating the gym and cafeteria, VIP and Buffet Service, Silent Auction Package creation, Raffle, PowerPoint, Bar Servers, and Clean Up. This is one of our most successful and fun events!
Please contact Liz Allen for more information at [email protected]
Santa Shop – December
Help is needed in shopping for items, obtaining donations, and handcrafting goods, as well as in helping the school children select gifts for their families during the sale itself.
Carnival – May
All families agree to volunteer a minimum of two hours time during the weekend for each of their children. Sponsorships are available. Please contact LaDonna Sinsabaugh at [email protected] for information.
On-Going Fund Raisers
Matthew’s Money
Contact: LaDonna Sinsabaugh
Located in the White House on the school campus. Take and fill orders that are sent in. Help promote overall sales and grade-level contests throughout the year. Purchasing Matthew’s Money also counts 1 hour for each $300.00 purchased.
Spirit Shop
Contact: LaDonna Sinsabaugh
Located in the White House on the school campus. Open daily from 8:00 – noon when school is in session.
Other Opportunities
Athletics
Contact: Mike Fencil
There are many opportunities to help in the areas of coaching, coordinating, clean up, and cheering on the St. Matthew’s Eagles.
Cafeteria
Contact: Ms. Taylor
Help the cafeteria staff between 11:15 and 12:30 with ice cream sales, food distribution, collecting tickets, etc.
Class Parties
Contact: Room Parent Coordinator
Bake cakes, send in party supplies, plan games, or assist in party preparation or on party day itself.
Clubs
St. Matthew’s offers several after-school clubs. Examples are Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Lego League, etc.
Field Trip Chaperones
Contact: Classroom Teacher
Help drive/chaperone your child’s field trips.
Grandparents’ Brunch
Contact: Mrs. Taylor
Held at the end of January. Help with reservations, decorations, serving, and clean up.
Library
Contact: Mrs. Ziegenfuss
Stack and repair books, read to the children, and help with Book Fair.
Maintenance – Building
Contact: Office
Help keep our school in tip-top shape. Come paint or help in repairs and maintenance.
Musicales – Christmas & Spring
Contact: Mrs. Alberto
Our two musicales each year are at Christmas and in the spring. Help is needed in setting up and decorating, as well as in making costumes for participants.
Office
Contact: Office
Put your organizational skills to work. help our hard-working staff keep things running smoothly. Come collate, stuff, type, or run equipment with the best of them.
Parent and Teacher Guild
Plan the school year events and help coordinate the fundraisers. The officers are President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Everyone is needed.
Parking Lot Duty
Contact: Office
Assist student patrol in maintaining traffic flow and protecting our children. Assistance is needed in the morning and in the afternoon.
Reading / Math Assistance
Contact: Classroom Teacher
Help in the classroom or with small groups of children.
Room Ambassador
Contact: Classroom Teacher
Help your child’s teacher in many ways. Examples are holiday party planning, field trips, special events, phone tree, and Carnival sign-ups.
Teach a Class
Contact: Office or Classroom Teacher
Do you have special knowledge that you’d like to share with our student body or faculty? We’d love to have your come in and teach a class in your area of expertise.
Teacher Appreciation Day / Teacher Luncheon
Contact: PTG
Help let our teachers know how much we appreciate their efforts. Help is needed with the luncheon – food preparation, serving, watching the classes for the teachers, and clean up, during Catholic Schools week in January.
Teacher Assistance
Contact: Classroom Teacher
Assist teachers in classroom work such as creating bulletin boards, punching letters, etc.
Tutoring
Contact: Office or Classroom Teacher
Every subject can use help. Share your talents.
Uniform Swap – All Year
Contact: LaDonna Sinsabaugh
Turn in your gently used uniforms that no longer fit your child and acquire the next size at a discounted price. Located in the White House on the school campus. Open when school is in session from 8:00am to noon.