Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQs for Potential Partners

Question: What is the process for becoming a partner with Prince George’s County Public Schools?
Answer: To become a partner, complete the Office of Community Partnerships interest form. After you complete the form, one of our Specialists will contact you to guide you through the partnership process, including the required agreements and approval steps.

Question: What are the benefits of partnering with a school?
Answer: Partnering with a school allows businesses and organizations to directly impact student success. Benefits include the opportunity to provide valuable resources, improve educational programs, and build strong community ties while receiving recognition for your support.

Question: What types of partnerships are available?
Answer: We offer various partnership opportunities, including resource donations, volunteerism, tutoring, mentoring programs, and sponsorship of school events. We will work with you to find the best way to match your strengths with the needs of our schools.

Question: How can I learn more about the Adopt a School program?
Answer: The Adopt a School program connects businesses and organizations with specific schools to provide tailored support. Complete the inquiry form to discuss your interest, and we will help you find a school that aligns with your objectives.

Question: Is there a formal agreement required to become a partner?
Answer: Yes, all partnerships require a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or a formal agreement, which outlines the scope of the partnership and ensures all legal and procedural requirements are met.

Question: How can I get involved in the Back-to-School Drive?
Answer: To volunteer for the Back-to-School Drive, reach out to the Office of Community Partnerships. We welcome volunteers to help distribute supplies, manage donations, and support the event.

Question: How can I donate to Prince George’s County Public Schools?
Answer: To make a donation, complete the PGCPS Partnership Inquiry Form.  We will work with you to determine the most impactful way to support our schools based on current needs.

Question: Can I specify where my donation will go?
Answer: Yes, donors can specify a particular school, program, or initiative they wish to support. 

Question: Are donations tax-deductible?
Answer: Yes, all donations made to Prince George’s County Public Schools are tax-deductible. The school will provide the necessary documentation to confirm your contribution.

FAQs for Parents

Question: How can I volunteer at my child’s school?
Answer: We encourage parents to get involved by volunteering! To begin, please contact your school’s Site Volunteer Coordinator for guidance on the required background check and training procedures.  Directions for our requirements can be found here: https://www.pgcps.org/offices/ograc/volunteer#volunteer-process

Question: How do I find out what partners are supporting my child’s school?
Answer: You can contact your school directly and ask the Volunteer Site Coordinator.

Question: How can I help my child’s school secure more partnerships?
Answer: Parents play an important role in connecting schools with potential partners. If you know of a business or organization that might be interested in partnering, reach out to us, and we’ll assist in facilitating the connection.

FAQs for Volunteers

Question: How can I volunteer at a Prince George’s County Public School?
Answer: To begin volunteering, visit our Volunteers page or contact your school’s Site Volunteer Coordinator. They will guide you through the required steps, including training and background checks.

Question: What Do I need to do to volunteer?
Answer: Most volunteer opportunities do not require specific qualifications, but some roles (such as mentoring or tutoring) may require expertise in certain subjects. All volunteers must complete a fingerprint background check and training session before participating.

Question: What are the requirements for volunteering?
Answer: All volunteers must undergo a fingerprint background check,CPS clearance and complete the required SafeSchool training. This ensures the safety and well-being of our students.  More information about the Volunteer Process

Question: Do I have to sign up to volunteer every school year?
Answer: Yes, all volunteers are required to renew their application in the Safety Management System (SMS) and complete SafeSchools training EVERY school year.

Question: What is a VIN number?
Answer: Your Volunteer Identification Number (VIN) is assigned the first time your register in the Safety Management System (SMS).  You will keep your VIN through your years volunteering with PGCPS.

Question: What if I forgot my VIN? Where do I go to find it?
Answer: If you cannot remember your VIN, contact your school Volunteer Site Coordinator.  If they do not have on file they will be able to direct you where to go next.

Question: Do I have to have my fingerprint background check every year to volunteer?
Answer: No, volunteers only have to have their fingerprint background check done once as a new volunteer. Returning volunteers will not have to complete this step every year.

Question: What if I have had my fingerprint background done for my place of employment, do I still have to have it done to volunteer at my child’s school.
Answer: Yes, all fingerprint background checks must be completed by PGCPS or their approved vendor. We do not accept outside background checks.

Question: What if I completed my SafeSchools training in May of the school year? Do I still have to complete it again for the new school year? 
Answer: Yes, SafeSchools training is required every school year, not by the calendar year. If you completed your SafeSchools training in June, you will still be required to complete it again for the new school year, which begins in July.

Question: What’s Wrong?  I tried signing in to take my SafeSchools training for this year and it says my account is inactive or expired!
Answer: Volunteers must have an active application on file in the Safety Management System for the current school year. Once the volunteer application has been submitted the SafeSchool account will be reactivated within 24-48 business hours.  

Please  DO NOT create a new account using an email address.  This account will not be electronically connected to the SMS and your volunteer application will not be moved forward towards approval.

Question: How do I know when I have been approved?
Answer: New & returning volunteers will receive an automated email letting them know they have been approved for the current school year.  The volunteer should keep this email readily available to share with the school Volunteer Site Coordinator, office personnel and or teachers. 

Question: What types of volunteer opportunities are available?
Answer: There are various ways to get involved, including:

• Assisting with school events and programs.
• Tutoring or mentoring students.
• Supporting classroom activities.
• Helping with administrative tasks.
• Contributing to the Back-to-School Drive and other community initiatives.

Contact your school’s Site Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

Question: How often can I volunteer?
Answer: The frequency of volunteering depends on your availability and the needs of the school. You can choose to participate in one-time events or make an ongoing commitment.  Contact your school’s Site Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

PGCPS School Directory

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Question: Can I volunteer at more than one school?
Answer: Yes! You are welcome to volunteer at multiple schools, provided that you have been approved in the Safety Management System for the current school year. Contact the school’s Site Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

Question: How can I get involved in the Back-to-School Drive?
Answer: To volunteer for the Back-to-School Drive, reach out to the Office of Community Partnerships. We welcome volunteers to help distribute supplies, manage donations, and support the event.

Question: Can I suggest new ways to volunteer?
Answer: Absolutely! We are always open to new ideas for how volunteers can support our schools.  Contact your school’s Site Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

FAQs for Schools

Question: What does the Community Partnership Office do?
Answer: The Office of Community Partnership facilitates collaborations between schools and external organizations to support student achievement, improve school resources, and foster community engagement.

Question: How can my school benefit from a partnership?
Answer: Partnerships provide access to additional resources, services, and expertise that support school goals. These can range from mentoring and tutoring programs to financial support, and in-kind donations.

Question: How do I find a partner for my school?
Answer: You can identify organizations whose mission aligns with your school’s goals and reach out to them directly. Once a potential partner expresses interest, they should complete the Partnership Inquiry Form, and a specialist from the Office of Community Partnership will assist with the next steps.

Question: What is the Partnership Inquiry Form, and why is it important?
Answer: The Partnership Inquiry Form is the first official step in the partnership process. It allows our Office to collect information about the potential partner and assess how their services can support your school’s needs. The Organization should complete this form.

Question: What happens after the Inquiry Form is submitted?
Answer: After the form is submitted, a specialist from the Office of Community Partnerships will contact both the school and the organization to discuss the partnership’s goals, terms, and how to formalize the collaboration.

Question: How do I know if an organization is a good fit for my school?
Answer: Consider how the organization’s services align with your school's needs and strategic goals. The Office of Community Partnerships can also help assess whether a potential partner is a good match based on the scope and impact of their offerings.

Question: What is the role of the Community Partnership specialist?
Answer: The specialist helps facilitate communication between the school and the partner, ensures the partnership aligns with district policies, and provides guidance throughout the process, from initiation to ongoing collaboration.

Question: What types of partnerships are available?
Answer: Partnerships vary and may include mentoring, professional development, financial contributions, in-kind donations, student internships, curriculum enrichment, extracurricular activities, and more, depending on the school’s specific needs.

Question: Can partnerships be customized to fit the unique needs of my school?
Answer: Yes, partnerships are flexible and can be tailored to meet your school's specific needs and goals. The Office of Community Partnerships will work with you to ensure the collaboration is beneficial for both the school and the partner organization.

Question: Who do I contact if I need assistance or more information about partnerships?
Answer: If you need further assistance or have questions, contact the Office of Community Partnerships directly at 301-952-6380 or email us at partnerships@pgcps.org.