Volunteer Background Check Authorization Form

The Novi Community School District values the continuous support of our parent/guardian community. In an effort to ensure the safety and security of our students, we are continuing our safety procedure for field trip chaperones and building/classroom volunteers, but are transitioning to a new digital process.

While we welcome parent/guardian volunteers, It is important for us to follow Board policy specific to volunteers which states, "... every individual volunteer is required to undergo a criminal background check through the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) before s/he is permitted to volunteer...". The district will also utilize the Raptor System for all in-person volunteers, which involves a search of each non-employee volunteer in the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW).

Your child's school will be able to access a list of parents/guardians that are eligible to act as chaperones and volunteers for that school.  Except where disclosure is required by law, the list of approved chaperones and volunteers will be shared only with staff on a 'need to know' basis and will be kept only for the current school year.

Parents/guardians may elect not to be screened.  Please note that if you are not screened, you will not be able to chaperone on field trips or volunteer in a classroom or within the building. By completing the Chaperone & Volunteer Background (ICHAT) request electronically, you agree to abide by all Board policies and District guidelines while on duty as a volunteer. This includes, but is not limited to, following the sign-in process established at each building, wearing proper identification while volunteering, maintaining confidentiality of each student, reporting all behavior concerns to the lead teacher and/or building principal, refraining from disciplining or touching students in a corrective manner, and wearing appropriate attire for a business atmosphere.

Your submission of this form reflects your agreement that should you become ill or suffer an accident while doing volunteer work for the District, you shall be responsible for any and all hospital and medical charges that may accrue. It also reflects your understanding that you are not covered by the District's health insurance policy, nor are you eligible for workers' compensation. Additionally, you understand that you are not in any manner considered an employee of the District or entitled to any benefits provided to employees. You further release the Board of Education from any and all liability for any damage, whatever their nature, which may result as a consequence of identifying volunteer services. 

Please allow up to 3 business days for your submission to be processed. If you have children in multiple buildings and plan to volunteer at more than one school, please submit a separate form for each school. The Novi Community School District reserves the right to "approve" or "deny" any volunteer service upon review of the results of the background check. The determination will be based upon individual fitness to have responsibility for the safety and well being of children. Providing false information, or information contradicting the background check information, is grounds for immediate volunteer denial. 

If you have any questions, please email Dr. Laura Carino, Assistant Superintendent of Talent Management and Development or call 248-449-1205.

Thank you for your continued support of our Novi Wildcats and school community.