LRES PTA: Celebrate Volunteerism
→→Click here to see all our of SignUp opportunities available right now!←←

Questions & Answers

Q: Do I have to apply through Volunteer FCPS in order to volunteer with the LRES PTA?
A: You can read about FCPS' policy here. The short version is this:

• Level 1 & 2 Volunteers (cafeteria, library, field day, field trips, etc.):
  • Must complete the FCPS volunteer application and orientation
  • No background check or fingerprinting required
  • Check in at the front office with your driver’s license (and grab your PTA volunteer lanyard!)

• Level 3 Volunteers (overnight, unsupervised roles):
  • Must complete the FCPS volunteer application and orientation
  • Plus a background check and fingerprinting appointment
  • Check in at the front office with your driver’s license (and grab your PTA volunteer lanyard!)

Q: Why has the PTA created this Volunteer Program?
A: We have great volunteers and would like to show them some appreciation throughout the year, add some fun, and encourage more families to get involved volunteering! We are also excited to make our volunteers more visible during events with the addition of our new volunteer lanyard and ID badges. 

Q: I'm interested in volunteering but I've never done it before. Where do I start?
A: We're so excited you're ready to jump in! All of our volunteer opportunities live at SignUp.com/go/LRESPTA — and that link stays fresh all year with new ways to get involved.

Some volunteer shifts are as short as just one hour, some are a one-time need, others are as-needed, and some are longer commitments for those who are ready for more. Don't see something that fits? Reach out and we’ll help you find your perfect volunteer match!

Q: I've volunteered in the past but this volunteer program is new to me. What do I need to know?
A: The heart of our volunteer program is the same — we’re still offering lots of great ways to help! What’s new is how we organize everything:

• All opportunities are now in one place on our SignUp page to make it easier to find, track, and even swap shifts with others.

• Our volunteer lanyards and ID badges help make volunteers more visible and approachable during school events.

• Button pins are a fun, visual way to celebrate and spotlight all the great volunteering happening.

Our goal is to make volunteering simpler, more rewarding, and more community-focused — so that together, we build a strong, engaged school family.

Q: Ok. I've signed up for a spot on SignUp. What do I do on the day I volunteer to make sure my time is counted?
A: On the day of your volunteer shift, you will check-in at the front office using your driver's license/ID. This part is required by FCPS. Once you've checked in and gotten your visitor sticker, grab your PTA volunteer lanyard & ID Badge from the drawer below the check-in screen. If this is your first time, grab a blank set and use the sharpie to write your first name on the ID Badge (this will be yours to use every time you volunteer). You will also receive an e-mail from SignUp asking you to verify the hours you volunteered that day. Once you're done volunteering, please remember to check-out at the front office kiosk by scanning your visitor sticker and return your lanyard & ID badge to the drawer so that it is there for you on your next time volunteering! Thanks for volunteering with us. Your impact is immeasurable! 

Q: When I checked in, the button pin I needed to collect wasn't there! How can I get one?
A: Oops! We are trying our best to make and keep up with the button pins. If the pin you need isn't in there, please e-mail us so we can get it to you (this also helps us realize we need to be making more! Thanks!)

Q: Who can volunteer? Can grandparents or other relatives volunteer?
A: Of course! Anyone who has a student they care about and that wishes to volunteer is welcome to join in on the fun!

Q: How are my hours and points calculated? What kind of rewards are students getting for them?
A: Every hour you volunteer through a SignUp shift usually earns 1 point for your student’s grade level. If you have more than one student enrolled at LRES, we will give one point to each of your students' grade levels. We’ll share monthly updates on how each grade is doing in our newsletter, on social media, and right here on this page.
At the end of each semester, we’ll total the points — and the winning grade level will earn a fun reward! Prizes will change each semester, but it’s always an experience-based reward that the students will enjoy. It’s a lighthearted way to encourage friendly competition, get families involved, and give students something to celebrate!

Q: Do I need to register on SignUp to be eligible? 
A: You do not need to make an account on SignUp in order to volunteer or have your hours tracked. Just your name and e-mail address will let you sign up for a shift, swap spots with others, see all our available volunteer opportunities, and more! Please use the same e-mail address every time so that your sign up shifts and hours can all be easily tracked.

Q: Which activities count towards the rewards?
A: Any SignUp opportunity you choose where you to volunteer your time counts! All year, we will update the same page (SignUp.com/go/LRESPTA) with our most up-to-date volunteer opportunities. Everything from cafeteria volunteering, event volunteering, Thanksgiving luncheon volunteering, and more will all be through SignUp and count towards your rewards. 

Q: Can I buy the volunteer shirt if I haven't volunteered yet? 
A: Yes, of course! The volunteer shirt is part of our Roar Store spirit wear and is available for purchase year-round for just $10. Once you've volunteered 10 hours or more, you'll receive the shirt as a thank-you gift from us — it’s our way of showing appreciation for your time and support!

Q: I volunteered over 10 hours but I don't want or need the volunteer t-shirt. What are my options?
A: The volunteer shirt is our thank-you gift to you for reaching 10 volunteer hours. If you’ve already bought the shirt, don’t want one, or prefer to purchase one later, you can choose a $10 Roar Store coupon instead — the same value as the shirt.

Q: I want to volunteer but I work full time. How can I get involved?
​A: We aim to have many opportunities available with a variety of timeframes. We'll have some that are on weekdays, weekends, during the school day, as well as after school hours. If you want to get involved, we'll be sure to find something that works for you!

Q: I checked SignUp but nothing works with my schedule. What can I do?
A: We totally get it — finding time to volunteer can be tricky! We’re always adding new opportunities, so be sure to check back often. In the meantime, feel free to email us at hello@laurelridgepta.org if you have a different way you'd like to help, want help finding a role that fits your schedule, or have questions about what to expect while volunteering. We’d love to connect with you to find a way to get you involved!

Q: I signed up for a volunteer shift but now I can't make it! What do I do?
A: No problem! SignUp lets you cancel your shift, change it to another date/time, and even swap shifts with another volunteer! Please e-mail us if you have any issues managing the SignUp site. 

Q: I want to volunteer but I don't want button pins / a t-shirt / Roar Store credit. Can I still volunteer?
A: Absolutely — you’re always welcome to volunteer, with or without the extras! The button pins and the t-shirt/Roar Store credit are simply small tokens of our appreciation, but they’re completely optional. We do kindly ask that all volunteers wear their lanyard and ID badge while actively volunteering — it helps staff, students, and families easily identify who is volunteering that particular event or program. 

Hours tracked as of 11/4/2025