ADMISSIONS
2025–2026 Volunteer Policy FAQs
Why is there a new volunteer policy at Burns Sci-Tech?
Burns Sci-Tech receives approximately $2,400 less per student than traditional public schools, totaling an annual shortfall of about $2.64 million. To help bridge this funding gap, we are expanding our volunteer program. By donating time, families play a vital role in supporting students, programs, and school operations.
What kinds of volunteer opportunities are available?
We offer a wide range of flexible opportunities, including:
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On-campus: classroom help, event support, lunch duty, club sponsorships
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Off-campus: donation drives, business partnerships, community outreach
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At-home: prepping materials, planning activities, writing thank-you notes
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Leadership: Booster roles, advisory committees, program planning
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Professional: mentoring, guest speaking, skill-based support
I have a busy schedule. Can I still help?
Yes. We offer many ways to volunteer that can fit any schedule:
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Helping from home
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Supporting special projects during evenings or weekends
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Donating materials or supplies
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Taking part in short-term or one-time events
We’ll work with you to find a good fit.
How do I get started?
Our full program will launch in August 2025. You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to sign up, find volunteer opportunities, and track your hours using Microsoft Forms.
Do I need a background check to volunteer?
Yes. For the safety of our students, all on-campus volunteers must complete a background screening through Volusia County Schools. The process is simple, and instructions will be provided before the school year begins. Volunteers who are only supporting off-campus or at-home tasks may not require clearance, but we recommend all interested volunteers complete the process to stay flexible for opportunities.
What are the suggested volunteer hours for families?
We encourage families to contribute the following number of hours each school year:
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Families with 1 student: 20 hours
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Families with 2 or more students: 30 hours
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Single-parent households: 10 hours
Every Hour makes a difference!
How do I track my volunteer hours?
Volunteer hours will be logged using Microsoft Forms. A link to the form will be available on our school website, and families will receive monthly reminders to help keep track of their time.
Will volunteers be recognized?
Yes. Volunteers will be celebrated throughout the year, including recognition at school events like our Volunteer Breakfast. We will also spotlight individuals and families in school communications and social media.
Why is volunteering important at Burns Sci-Tech?
Volunteers bring energy, creativity, and care that help us thrive. Your time supports academic programs, school events, and the kind of student-centered learning that makes Burns special. Simply put, we couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please email communications@burnsscitech.org with any questions or suggestions, or to express early interest.
BST Volunteer Program
Dear Burns Sci-Tech Families,
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Volunteer Program starting in August 2025! This program is a great way to get involved, help bridge important funding gaps, and strengthen the connection between school and home—all while supporting the success of our students.
Volunteer Approval & Check-In Procedures
To keep our campus safe and organized for everyone, please note the following:
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All volunteers must be approved before beginning any on-campus activities.
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To get approved, bring a valid photo ID (like a driver’s license) to the front office.
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Once approved, check in at the front office every time you volunteer.
These steps help us maintain a secure environment while making it easy for you to stay involved and make a difference.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at communications@burnsscitech.org.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we make Burns Sci-Tech a place where students, families, and staff can thrive.
Warmly,
The Burns Sci-Tech Team
Burns Sci-Tech currently receives $2,400 less per student than other schools in Volusia County. This results in a funding shortfall of nearly $2.64 million each year.
However, your time and talents can make a big impact.
By contributing just 10 volunteer hours per student per year, our families can collectively provide more than $350,000 in non-monetary support to our school. This is a powerful way to invest in your child’s education and be part of something truly meaningful.
1. Why This Is Important
Create a culture of volunteerism where families are encouraged and empowered to participate and become stakeholders in student success.
· Provide information to our school community so they are better educated on how our school receives funding and why volunteerism is so vital for our continued success.
· Build deep family engagement with flexible, meaningful volunteer opportunities.
· Create a clear path to view, sign up for, and track volunteer opportunities.
· Offset budget shortfalls through non-monetary support.
· Recognize and express gratitude for
2. Volunteer Program
Goals
Each family’s involvement :
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Families with one student: 20 hours per year
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Families with two or more students: 30 hours per year
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Single-parent/guardian households: 10 hours per year
Volunteer Opportunities:
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On-Campus: Classroom help, traffic/morning/afternoon duty, lunchroom support, field trips, school events
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Leadership & Extracurriculars: Coaching, club support, ENO/PTO, School Advisory Council, Board of Directors
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At-Home & Off-Campus: Creating materials, grant writing, coordinating sponsorships, fundraising support
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Professional Involvement: Guest speaking, mentoring, hosting business tours, student workshops
3. Expectations & oppotunities
Logging volunteer hours:
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Sign up for volunteer opportunities through our Volunteer Tab on the school website
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Log hours quickly and easily using a Google Form
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Track your contributions with a real-time family dashboard
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Receive recognition and rewards for your time and dedication.
Recognition will include:
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20+ hours (or 10+ for single guardians): Featured in our newsletter and on the website
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30+ hours: Invitation to our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
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Top 3 families: VIP parking, school swag, and special recognition
4. Tracking & Recogniton
Burns Sci-Tech Volunteer Guide
Step 1: Find Volunteer Opportunities
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Visit the School Website
Go to the Burns Sci-Tech website and click on the Volunteer Opportunities tab (usually located in the main navigation menu). -
Review Opportunities
Browse the list of current opportunities. These may include:-
Classroom support
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Special events
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Lunch or carline help
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At-home prep tasks
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Club and athletics support
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Leadership roles (like Boosters or advisory boards)
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Choose What Works for You
Pick an opportunity that fits your schedule, interest, and availability. Some will be one-time tasks; others may be recurring.
Step 2: Volunteer!
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Sign In at the Front Office
Before you begin volunteering on campus, please sign in at the front office. You will receive a visitor badge to wear while you're on school grounds. -
Participate and Enjoy
We’re so grateful for your help—your time makes a meaningful difference for our students and staff!
Step 3: Log Your Volunteer Hours
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Return to the Website
After completing your volunteer activity, head back to the Volunteer Opportunities section of the Burns Sci-Tech website. -
Click the Hour Tracking Form
Look for the link titled “Log Volunteer Hours” or “Volunteer Hours Submission Form.” This will open a Microsoft Form. -
Fill Out the Form
Enter your:-
Name
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Student(s) name(s)
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Date of volunteer activity
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Type of activity
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Number of hours served
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Submit the Form
Click Submit to officially log your hours. You can submit a new form each time you volunteer.
How to Find Opportunities & Log Hours
Welcome to our volunteer program! Your time and support help us provide a dynamic, hands-on learning environment for all our students. Here’s a simple guide to get you started and make your volunteer experience smooth and successful.
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Tips for Tracking Your Hours
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You can log your hours any time after volunteering.
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You’ll receive monthly reminders to help stay on track.
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Signing in at the front office is required for all on-campus activities.
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Need help? Contact the school office or Volunteer Coordinator.
Thank You for Volunteering!
Burns Sci-Tech runs on innovation, energy, and community—and that includes YOU. Every hour you give is an investment in our students' futures. We are so grateful for your partnership!
VOLUNTEER AT BST
Burns Sci Tech offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to support our students, staff, and community. Whether you're interested in helping with events, assisting in classrooms, or contributing your unique skills, there's a role for everyone. Each opportunity will have its own dedicated sign-up link to make it easy for you to choose the best fit for your interests and availability. We appreciate your willingness to make a difference at Burns Sci Tech!