?How many volunteer hours are required per family each year

Each family is asked to contribute 40 volunteer hours per school year. This requirement is per family, not per parent. A family with only a preschooler are asked to contribute 20 hours per year.

Do volunteer hours have to be completed by parents only, or can grandparents and other relatives help?p

Yes! Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other adult family members may complete hours on behalf of your family, as long as the service is connected to a school activity.

What type of activities qualify for volunteer hours?s

Volunteer hours count when they directly benefit the school community. Examples include:
- Assisting in classrooms or the school office
- Helping at school fundraising events 
- Serving on committees (e.g., PTO, School Commission)
- Coaching or assisting with sports teams
- Helping with maintenance or grounds projects
- Chaperoning field trips

Do donations of items count toward volunteer hours?s

Yes, if pre-approved. Families that donate items or assist with BASH procurement may be able to convert item value to volunteer hours at a set rate. Please contact the BASH chair for more information. [email protected]

Can professional services (like photography, carpentry, landscaping, etc.) count?t

Yes, professional services may count if the work benefits the school and has been approved in advance by administration.

How do I track and submit my volunteer hours?s

Families are responsible for recording their hours using the provided form found here: https://app.jotform.com/251898440970165

Hours should be logged as soon as possible after completion to ensure accuracy.

Is there a deadline for completing and reporting hours?s

All hours must be completed and reported by May 31 of the current school year. Hours submitted after this date may not be credited or will be credited to the following year. Please call the office for a determination.

What happens if my family cannot complete all the required hours?s

Families who do not complete the required hours will be billed a “buy-out” fee of $25 per hour for each unfulfilled hour.

Do parish service hours count toward school volunteer hours?s

Yes, if the service benefits parish events that directly support the school such as participation in school coffee hours. Parish liturgical ministries (lector, altar server, choir, etc.) are valued but do not count toward school volunteer hours unless connected to a school-sponsored event.

Are volunteer hours available outside the school day for working parents?s

Yes. We offer evening, weekend, and at-home volunteer opportunities to ensure all families can participate. Examples include baking, preparing materials, serving on committees, and helping with parish events. PTO meetings have a staff member available to watch children to make meetings accessible for all families.

Do hours spent attending meetings (like PTO, School Commission, or fundraisers) count?t

Yes, attendance at approved meetings counts toward volunteer hours. Please be sure to sign in at the meeting to receive credit.

How do I learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities?s

Opportunities are shared through the weekly school newsletter, school Facebook page, ALMA parent portal, and sign-up sheets (often via SignUpGenius or similar tools).

Can older students earn hours on behalf of their family?y

Yes, middle school and high school students may serve as helpers at school events and those hours can count toward the family’s requirement.

Are chaperoning field trips or driving for events considered volunteer hours?s

Yes. Chaperoning, driving, or otherwise supervising students in addition to your own student as designated by the teacher, during school events qualifies for volunteer hours.

What criteria make hours ineligible?e

The following do not count toward required hours:

 - Activities done solely for personal benefit

- Driving your own child on a field trip or for a school event

- Volunteer service outside of school/parish not connected to school programs
- Hours not logged or submitted by the deadline