1. Send a brief e-mail to graduate assistant Chris Speckman explaining your interest in volunteering. You are welcome to begin tutoring at any point during the semester; however, if you are available for the duration, we welcome you to reach out before the start of the school year.
2. Download and complete the 2012-13 Indianapolis Public Schools Volunteer Form. Please note, this is different from last year’s forms, as it combines the basic volunteer information sheet with the criminal background check request. For your convenience, several of the entries have already been filled in (including Shortridge’s school code and Butler University’s institutional information). Print off the form as a two-sided document (this is important as it will be discarded by IPS if instructions are not followed correctly) and carefully complete the rest. Note: on the second page, be sure to check the box for Community Volunteer and College Student (if applicable) in the Affiliation section and circle Academic Tutor for the Volunteer Preference section.
3. Bring your completed two-sided form and valid personal ID to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters (located in Room E101 of the City-County Building, 200 East Washington St.) On-street metered parking is available on the streets surrounding the main entrance of the building, which is located on East Market Street between Delaware and Alabama. Upon entering the City-County building, you will be subject to an airport-like security checkpoint. At the police station, you will have their fingerprints scanned digitally. All charges are waived for IPS volunteers. The background clearances will only be sent to IPS schools once a week this school year, so allow for more time for your paperwork to clear.
4. Once you have received notice of your clearance from graduate assistant Chris Speckman, you will receive e-mail notices (including times and a short agenda) for the days that Butler students and staffers plan to be at Shortridge. The dates for the Fall semester can also be found on the calendar in the right-hand column. Please RSVP whenever possible.
5. Before your first session at Shortridge, you will receive instructions about where to park and enter the school, as well as what to do if you arrive in the middle of a particular session (which is perfectly fine, if necessary). Any other questions should be directed to director Chris Speckman or graduate assistant Luke Wortley.