Volunteer
Spectrum Family Alliance
What is the Spectrum Family Alliance (S.F.A.)?
The Spectrum Family Alliance (S.F.A.) is a district-wide initiative dedicated to strengthening the vital relationship between our schools and families. This partnership is incredibly important, profoundly impacting a student's educational journey and overall well-being. When schools and families work closely together, it creates a powerful support system that extends learning far beyond the classroom.
The SFA committees function much like a traditional PTA, PTO, or PAC, actively fostering social interaction and strong connections within our school community through organized events and activities. Spectrum Family Aliance comittees consist of dedicated volunteers: parents/guardians (who are SFA Members), an administrator, an office staff member, a teacher, and a related service provider. This collaborative team works together to unite students, staff, and families by leading a variety of crucial activities throughout the year.
The Purpose of the SFA
Communication
The Spectrum Family Alliance (SFA) acts as a central communication hub, fostering open dialogue between parents and teachers. By facilitating this vital connection, the SFA ensures both parties are well-informed about all school activities and special events. This clear, transparent communication builds trust and strengthens our essential school culture.
Community Building
The SFA actively organizes events and activities that unite parents, teachers, and students. From back-to-school nights to family engagement programs, these initiatives create vital opportunities for social interaction, forging strong connections throughout our school community. This sense of belonging and shared experiences is key to fostering a positive and welcoming school environment.
Positive School Culture
The collective efforts of the SFA cultivate a truly positive and engaging school atmosphere. From well-organized events to improved facilities, the tangible outcomes of SFA initiatives create a welcoming environment that inspires enthusiasm among students, parents, and staff alike.
Create Change through Enhanced Parental Involvement
The presence of a robust SFA naturally encourages greater parental involvement in school activities. As parents become more deeply engaged in their children's education, students benefit immensely from a strong, unified support system that spans both home and school. This powerful collaboration between parents and educators directly enhances student achievement and overall well-being.
Make a Difference through Fundraising
The SFA coordinates fundraising initiatives to secure additional resources for our school. These efforts directly support vital areas such as extracurricular activities, classroom supplies, and positive enrichment resources. The tangible impact of this work significantly enhances our school environment, making it even more conducive to effective teaching and learning.
SFA Membership
Membership in the Spectrum Family Alliance is completely free, and participation is entirely voluntary. As a member, you'll have the flexibility to support one or multiple areas of need, based on your availability and interests. Meetings are held monthly, during school hours, at the school. Budgets are overseen by the Development Administrator. SFA Members commit to supporting the Spectrum Academy mission and agree to abide by the standards outlined in the Spectrum Academy Volunteer Policy.
SFA Members are willing to assist in one or more of the following areas:
- Recruiting and Welcoming New SFA Members: Invite families to join the SFA.
- Social Media Content Creator: Submit content via the ClassIntercom App
- Teacher Dinners: Coordinate food donations to provide dinner during PTC (6)
- Book Fair Support: Assist the Librarian with the Book Fair three times per year.
- Dances - for Secondary Age students
- High School Senior Activities - Grad Night, etc.
- Employee Recognition: Assembling/distributing gifts during Appreciation Weeks.
Join the SFA
SFA Elementary School
When school and families work together, incredible things happen for our children. We’d love to invite you to join the Spectrum Academy Elementary School SFA! Whether you have an hour a month or a few hours a term, your voice, ideas, and energy make a real difference. Joining the SFA is a fantastic way to stay connected with what’s happening at school, meet other parents, and help shape events and initiatives that enrich our kids' experience.
SFA Secondary School
Why Join? Connect: Build a strong network with other parents and teachers. Impact: Help organize fundraising and memorable school events. Have a Voice: Share your ideas on programs that directly benefit your child. Flexible Roles for Busy Schedules: From event planning to occasional weekend setup, every contribution counts!
SFA STARS
One of our biggest goals is to strengthen our school community. A vital part of that bridge is our SFA (School and Family Association). We know how busy life gets, which is why we value every level of involvement. You don't need prior experience—just a desire to support our students and school culture. Joining the SFA isn't just about fundraising; it’s about creating a welcoming, fun, and supportive environment for all our families.
Background Check Requirements
The state requires all volunteers to have a Live Scan background check on file with the school.
Here is how it works:
- Visit your campus front office staff. They'll give you an authorization form.
- Schedule an appointment at any location of Y.U.P. fingerprinting.
- You take the form and your ID to your appointment. Tell them to bill Spectrum Academy for the fingerprinting. They will run your fingerprints.
- Once the fingerprinting is complete, inform Brenda Labrum via email (brenda.labrum@spectrumcharter.org) so she can watch for it. She'll notify you once you are cleared to volunteer. This could take up to 5 days.
- Before you start volunteering, you will also need to sign our Volunteer Code of Conduct agreement. This will be given to you at the office.
You only need to do this once for the entire time you have students at Spectrum.