Partners

Apply

We look forward to welcoming you to our schools! Please complete the volunteer application in Frontline as a first step.

Apply to Volunteer

Complete a Background Check

The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. A one-time background check is required for adult volunteers who:

• attend field trips with students away from the Orono Schools campus
• supervise and work with students in a building on the Orono Schools campus (not required if inside the regular classroom setting)

The cost for a volunteer background check is $10 through our provider Trusted Employees. A background check will follow the parent through their childrens' years at Orono Schools. However, based on administrative discretion, volunteers may be required to complete an additional background check for varying circumstances. If you are unsure whether you need to complete a background check, please discuss with the staff member coordinating the volunteer position.

Apply for a Background Check

Review the Volunteer Handbook

The volunteer handbook includes important information to ensure your volunteer experience is smooth and enjoyable. Thank you for your interest!

review the volunteer Handbook

Orono Schools' active parent-teacher organizations have a myriad of volunteer, leadership, and support opportunities for parents, guardians and community members. Please select an organization, below, for details and a link to their website. Thank you for your interest!

Thank you for your interest! We appreciate your willingness to share your time and talents to increase opportunities for students.

SPARKS

SPARKS is an after school, neighborhood-based program for elementary and middle school-age students. The goal is to provide extra time and support to students. Community mentors are matched with students to provide academic support, organizations help, and encouragement with onsite licensed teacher and volunteer coordinator. For more information about getting involved with SPARKS, please contact Genna Torney at genna.torney@orono.k12.mn.us.

STRIVE

The Orono STRIVE program, offered in partnership with the Orono Rotary Club, matches adult mentors with Orono High School students. Mentors provide encouragement and support to help students discover their own strengths and take charge of their education, career and goals. Mentoring occurs once per month during the school day. For more information about getting involved with STRIVE, please contact Genna Torney at genna.torney@orono.k12.mn.us.

Senior Spartan Experience

The Senior Spartan Experience is an opportunity for Seniors to develop professional skills and to learn more about a field of interest through a job shadow/internship experience. Orono High School is seeking industry professionals to share their expertise from all professional areas (business, government, education, healthcare, technology, and more). Mentors work with high school seniors through a 20-hour experience. 

These experience could look like:

• Informational interviews with different members of your company
• Observing a procedure or sitting in on meetings/events
• Performing research or completing tasks related to the job
• Volunteering with your students/patients/animals/other
• The sky's the limit!

Mentor sign-up form

Volunteer Handbook and Background Check

In an effort to continue to value and protect the safety of our schools and students, Orono Schools are requiring that all volunteers read our Volunteer Handbook, and complete a background check if necessary. We appreciate your compliance and dedication to Orono Schools and its students.

SPARKS

SPARKS is an after school, neighborhood-based program for elementary and middle school-age students. The goal is to provide extra time and support to students. Community mentors are matched with students to provide academic support, organizations help, and encouragement with onsite licensed teacher and volunteer coordinator.

Youth in Action

Youth in Action is a service learning club for high school students where students prepare group projects and individually volunteer in the community.  Students can earn 1/4 credit each year for their service experience- minimum of 45 service hours and a group project is required for credit. Last year, Orono Youth in Action students provided 564 hours of service by mentoring at SPARKS our after school program, creating a program to make dance attire accessible and organizing the We Scare Hunger food drive. Students also assisted with community events.

Contact

For more information about SPARKS or Youth in Action, please contact Genna Torney at genna.torney@orono.k12.mn.us.