In an effort to keep students in school and able to learn, state officials issued a health order on Aug. 11, 2021 that requires all individuals who provide services to California schools either be fully vaccinated or test on a regular basis. 

Which volunteers does the health order apply to? 

The health order applies to all volunteers regardless of their volunteer role, frequency of volunteering or past volunteer experience. 

How does a volunteer meet the state health order's requirements? 

Volunteers who are vaccinated can provide a copy of their vaccination record during the volunteer verification process. The record will be reviewed by district staff and the state's health order requirements will be considered met. 

Volunteers who are not vaccinated, or who decline to state their vaccination status, will be required to provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test administered within the seven days prior to each volunteer experience. This is an ongoing requirement and a valid test result must be presented each time the volunteer participates in a school function or event. 

Is COVID-19 testing offered to volunteers?  

Yes. The district offers FREE COVID-19 testing to all volunteers regardless of whether vaccinated or not. All individuals, including those who are vaccinated, are encouraged to test on a regular basis to help detect asymptomatic infections before they spread widely. Those who are unvaccinated and must test to meet the state health order requirements can do so for free. 

All volunteers are sent a COVID-19 testing pass as part of the volunteer verification process. They can register in the district's testing system and present this pass to test at their school site or a district testing location. Sites and times can be found at https://www.sanjuan.edu/covidtest.  

Volunteers may be required or requested to have a background review completed depending on what they'll be doing. Background reviews consist of completing a form and submitting visiting a local office to submit fingerprints for verification. The district then receives reports from the California Department of Justice and/or Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Who needs a background review? 

Any volunteer who has the potential to provide services, even momentarily, outside the supervision of a district staff person must have a background review completed. 

Volunteers who will be in close contact with students such as those who are providing transportation for trips, athletic coaches, and certain interns or mentors require an enhanced review. 

How does a volunteer get a background review? 

Volunteers must first complete the volunteer verification form found at www.sanjuan.edu/volunteer. If they have not previously completed a background review and will be in a volunteer role that requires it, they will receive instructions and the necessary forms as part of the verification process. 

Is there a cost to the volunteer for a background review? 

No. San Juan Unified pays the cost of a background review for all volunteers. 

• Sign in immediately upon arrival (at the school office or other designated sign-in area)
• Wear or show appropriate identification 
• Act in the best personal and educational interest of every child encountered
• Maintain confidentiality outside of the school; do not discuss student issues, concerns, or behaviors with anyone except teachers or school administrators
• If you have concerns about student welfare or safety, discuss those concerns with teachers or the school administrator
• Promptly inform the teacher and school office when you are unable to attend or when you are no longer interested or available to volunteer. 

If you are interested in completing a self-help project, please see the Principal or Site Administrator for additional information regarding the district's self-help application process.