Volunteering at Parkside
See which opportunities align with your interests and skills. Each household is expected to commit a minimum of 30 volunteer hours per year, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding.
Sign up to volunteer
Select the roles that interest you on this form. The Historian or the role's coordinator will reach out to you directly with more information.
Log volunteer hours
Your time and talents play a vital role in enriching the Parkside Montessori community. We thank you for your partnership!
Volunteer Opportunities
PTA Open Board Positions
VP of Community Development
Oversee Parkside's community events and partner directly with event committees. Responsibilities include guiding event planning, ensuring clear communication, and keeping events on track and within budget.
Drop-In Opportunities Available Year-Round
Tigers Play Jr Lead
Oversee the program and cover or find coverage for days needing volunteers.
➤ FULFILLED
Tigers Play Jr at Recess
For TK and K families only
Time Commitment: Drop-in volunteer shifts are Wednesdays from 11:05 AM to 12:00 PM
Duties: Lead or supervise blue blocks, art activities, or games
Tigers Play Lead
Oversee the program and cover or find coverage for days needing volunteers.
➤ FULFILLED
Tigers Play at Lunchtime
For grades 1–6 families only
Time Commitment: Drop-in volunteer shifts are Mondays and Fridays from 11:10 AM to 12:45 PM
Duties: Lead or supervise art activities and games
Lego Lab Co-Lead(s)
Time Commitment: Drop-in volunteer shifts are Thursdays from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Duties: Set up and oversee the program with guidance from Julie Park. Visit our Lego Lab page.
Courtyard Supervisor
Time Commitment: 2-hour drop-in volunteer shifts are available Monday to Friday, between 9:00–11:10 AM and 12:30–2:15 PM.
Duties: Oversee the courtyard while students complete outdoor tasks or take their snacks. Read more about supporting students in the courtyard.
➤ Contact Principal Tahai to sign up
Lunchtime Supervisor (1st–8th Grade)
Time Commitment: 1.5-hour shifts are available Monday to Friday, between 11:10 AM and 12:30 PM
Duties: Oversee students during lunch. (Paid Position)
Project-Based Opportunities Throughout the Year
Videographer / Editor
Time Commitment: 10–20 hours
Duties: Create a video that shows what Parkside Montessori is all about to attract new families to our school.
➤ Contact Historian to express interest
Audit Committee Members
Time Commitment: School year
Duties: Semi-annual financial review for specific periods from home.
➤ Contact Treasurer to express interest
Monthly Auditor
Time Commitment: 1 hour per month
Duties: Bank reconciliation from home.
➤ Contact Treasurer to express interest
Yearbook Lead
Time Commitment: School year
Duties: Oversee Yearbook team.
➤ FULFILLED
Yearbook Team
Time Commitment: March–April: 5–10 hours per week; May: 10+ hours per week for final push
Duties: Finalize layouts, proofread, photo placement, verify student names, meet print deadlines, and submit to publisher.
➤ Express your interest on this form
Move-A-Thon
Visit our Move-A-Jog page for all the event info.
➤ Thank You for voluneering
International Event
Friday, November 6, 2026
Visit our International Event page for all the event info.
➤ Sign up to bring a dish or volunteer. Email Michelle Carothers to host a country table or participate in the fashion show.
Spring Auction
Saturday, March 6, 2027
➤ Express your interest on this form
Peace Earth Parkside
April 16, 2027
➤ Express your interest on this form
AAPI Festival
Coming May 2027
➤ Express your interest on this form
Teacher Appreciation Week
May 2–7, 2027
➤ Express your interest on this form
End-of-Year Gathering
Coming June 2027
Year-Long Positions
Cohort Representative
Reps for each cohort: Primary (TK–K), Lower Elementary (Gr 1–3), Upper Elementary (Gr 4–6), Adolescent (Gr 7–8)
Time Commitment: 1–2 hours per week
Duties: Plans and coordinates cohort events with budget funds.
➤ FULFILLED
Classroom Representative
2 reps for each classroom
Time Commitment: 1–2 hours per week
Duties: Act as a point of contact for the teacher, other parents, and the PTA; facilitate communication, volunteer coordination, and event planning, and attend PTA meetings.
➤ FULFILLED
Classroom Assistant
Prerequisite: Completion of an online training program through the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector
Time Commitment: 3–6 hours per week on a set schedule
Duties: Supporting Montessori teachers, ensuring the learning environment is prepared for students, observing learning, and modeling grace and courteous interactions. Read Parkside's Plan for Parents as Classroom Assistants Program.
➤ Contact Principal Tahai to express interest
Staff Appreciation Lead
Time Commitment: Approximately once a month + Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8, 2026)
Duties: Coordinating lunch on staff professional development days.
➤ FULFILLED
Lost and Found Lead
Time Commitment: School year
Duties: Maintain the lost and found.
➤ FULFILLED
School Site Council (SSC) Representative
SSC is a group of teachers, parents, administrators, and community members who work together to develop and monitor a school's improvement plan. It is a legally required decision-making body for any school receiving federal funds. Visit the SSC and ELAC page.
Duties: Working with the principal to develop, review, and evaluate school improvement programs and budgets.
➤ Contact Principal Tahai to express interest
San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation Liaison
The San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1989. The mission of the Foundation is to support and enhance public education across the district. Visit the Education Foundation page.
Duties: Facilitate communication and partnership between Parkside and the Education Foundation to support educational opportunities for students.
Volunteer Requirements
View or download the official Parkside Campus & Events Volunteer Requirements Guide (PDF).
*Families in need of financial assistance, please speak with the front office for support.
1. Complete Fingerprinting
- The school office will provide a Live Scan form with the school name on it.
- You will need to provide a Driver's License/CA ID or passport at your Live Scan appointment.
- Submit the yellow copy of the Live Scan form to the office after completing the scan.
- Fingerprinting clearance lasts for the duration of your children's enrollment in SMFCSD.
2. Complete Confidentiality Form
- The school office has copies of this form.
- You need to fill out a new form each year.
3. Provide Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance
Volunteers must provide documentation showing they are free of infectious tuberculosis (TB). They may provide one of the following:
- Certificate of Completed TB Risk Assessment and/or Examination Form (questionnaire) signed by a medical provider.
- A negative TB Test (PPD or QuantiFERON).
- A statement from a medical provider that states that the volunteer is free of infectious tuberculosis.
- If there is a documented history of a positive TB test or TB disease, additional screening should be performed by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
- If you have Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance, you can complete the TB risk assessment questionnaire via your online health portal.
- You can also reference the San Mateo County Mobile Health Clinic webpage.
Your TB clearance is good for up to four years.
4. Complete CA Mandated Reporter Online Training
Complete the Child Abuse-Volunteers Module.
Once completed, your training clearance is good for two years.
