Become an LWSD Approved Volunteer
Ready to get involved at Wilder Elementary? That’s awesome! Whether you’re eyeing a Board position, want to be a classroom Room Parent, or just help out at the occasional event, there’s one important first step: becoming an LWSD approved volunteer.
Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds! Every single volunteer, from our dedicated Board members to one-time carnival helpers, needs to go through the same approval process. Think of it as your golden ticket to volunteer anywhere in the Lake Washington School District.
Why Do We Need Approval?
The Lake Washington School District takes student safety seriously, and honestly, so do we! Washington State law requires background checks for anyone working with students in schools. This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it’s about creating the safest possible environment for our kids to learn and grow.
Once you’re approved, you’re good to go district-wide for two whole years. That means you can volunteer at Wilder, help out at a middle school event, or even pitch in at the high school if your older kids need you there. Pretty convenient, right?
The Application Process Made Simple
Getting approved is actually pretty straightforward. The whole thing happens online through a system called Raptor Technologies, and it typically takes about 5-8 minutes to complete located here
Here’s what you’ll need to have ready:
Your government-issued photo ID. This could be your driver’s license, state ID, or passport. You’ll need to upload an electronic copy, so take a clear photo with your phone or scan it ahead of time.
Basic personal information. Nothing too invasive—just the standard stuff like your name, address, and contact details.
A little patience. The approval process can take a week or more, especially at the beginning of the school year when everyone’s trying to get their volunteer status sorted out. Pro tip: don’t wait until the last minute if you want to help with those first-week-of-school activities!
Special Notes for Student Volunteers
Got a middle or high school student who wants to volunteer at Wilder? That’s fantastic! Student volunteers bring such great energy to our events. However, students have a few additional hoops to jump through.
On top of the standard online application, K-12 students need to complete a separate Student Volunteer Application. This form requires a recommendation from their principal or counselor, plus a parent or guardian signature if they’re under 18. Unlike the online application, this one requires actual ink-on-paper signatures.
Here’s a little-known fact that might save you some time: if your student only plans to volunteer at their own school, they can skip the student volunteer application entirely. Pretty neat, right?
What to Expect During the Background Check
Let’s address the elephant in the room—background checks can feel a little nerve-wracking. The good news is that LWSD makes decisions on a case-by-case basis. Having something in your past doesn’t automatically disqualify you from volunteering. They look at the whole picture and consider factors like how long ago something happened and whether it’s relevant to working with kids.
The most important thing is to be honest on your application. Any falsification or deliberate misrepresentation is grounds for automatic rejection, and that’s way worse than being upfront about past issues.
After You’re Approved
Once your application goes through, you’ll get an email confirmation from Raptor Technologies. Keep this handy! Some events or volunteer coordinators might ask to see proof of your approval status.
If you ever need to check whether you’re still approved or when your status expires, you’ve got several options. You can log into your Raptor Volunteer Portal online, call the district volunteer office at 425-936-1270, or send an email to volunteers@lwsd.org.
Renewal is a Breeze
Remember how we mentioned approvals last for two years? When that time comes around, renewal is super easy. You just submit the same application again—no need to reinvent the wheel. The system remembers most of your information, so it’s even faster the second time around.
Mark your calendar for about a month before your approval expires so you don’t accidentally let it lapse right before you want to volunteer for something important.
Getting Started at Wilder
Once you’re LWSD approved, the Wilder volunteer world is your oyster! We have opportunities that fit every schedule and comfort level. Maybe you want to commit to being a Room Parent and help out in the classroom regularly. Or perhaps you prefer one-off events like helping at Carnival or chaperoning field trips.
Don’t know where to start? Our VP of Volunteers, Bethany Maloney, is your go-to person. She can match you with opportunities that fit your interests and availability. You can reach her at volunteers@wilderptsa.net, and she’s always happy to chat about how you can get involved.
We also have a quick volunteer interest form where you can let us know what kinds of activities appeal to you. Are you a behind-the-scenes organizing type? Do you love interacting with kids? Are you great at setup and cleanup? There’s truly something for everyone.
A Few Pro Tips
Apply early in the summer. Beat the back-to-school rush by getting your application in during late spring or early summer. The approval process moves faster when they’re not swamped with hundreds of applications.
Keep your contact info updated. If you move or change your email, make sure to update your information in the system. You don’t want to miss out on volunteer opportunities because communications aren’t reaching you.
Don’t have an email address? No problem! You can use LWSDVolunteer@lwsd.org in the email field. Just keep in mind that you won’t receive automatic approval notifications this way, so you’ll need to check your status manually.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
Navigating new systems can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone in this process. If you run into any snags with your application or have questions about the approval process, Chris Robison is the district’s Volunteer Program Supervisor. You can reach him at crobison@lwsd.org or 425-936-1270.
For Wilder-specific volunteer opportunities and questions, Bethany Maloney is your best resource. She knows all the ins and outs of our school’s volunteer needs and can help you find the perfect fit.
