A parent's presence and participation in learning is vital to your child's success in school. A simple way of expressing this value is to observe your child's classroom. We encourage parents to visit the classroom at least one time per year. To visit a classroom, please check the class calendar and contact your child's teacher. We allow a maximum of two volunteers visiting in a class per day.

Observation, though, is only a visit. True involvement is action and children respond to such action. Studies consistently demonstrate that parental involvement in their child's education equals academic success. FHM requests 30 hours of volunteer work by parents each year and offers a myriad of opportunities to fulfill this commitment. 

Serving on a Leadership Team: FHM has three leadership teams that together with the administrative team form the core of the leadership and organization of FHM. More information can be found on the School Leadership page.

Board of Directors - The role of the FHM Board of Directors is to set policy and direction for the School and to assure the School is run in compliance with its charter, all applicable laws, and contractual obligations.

School Accountability Committee - If you are a number-cruncher at heart, this is the perfect place for you to fulfill your 30-hour/year volunteer commitment for your family. The SAC is primarily focused on three areas: academics, safety, and creating a school environment that is welcoming for FHM families.

Community Support Network/FHM Foundation - The CSN is similar to a PTO but so much more. It is a Parent-Teacher partnership supporting the students of Free Horizon Montessori through fundraising and volunteerism. The CSN board is made up of parents/guardians and a staff liaison – all dedicated to making Free Horizon Montessori the best school for our children.

Parent Assistants in the Classroom and Chaperones: Within the classroom, parents read with children, make materials, give unit related assessments, fulfill secretarial responsibilities for the classroom teacher, and much more. (Generally the $7.00 Background Check!)

Sub and Club: This is a fingerprint / FBI full background check that allows you to run a club and sub in the classroom. See Below!  

Traffic Management: These vitally important volunteers help ensure the safety of our children during our morning drop off and afternoon pick up times. Training is provided. We award double volunteer hours for those who assist in this essential capacity. Check in with the front office for scheduling details.​

Special Events: Various events are held throughout the school year. Whether school-wide or classroom based, we usually need volunteers to assist with planning and implementing the event, set up and clean up, marketing, and various other activities. Examples of events held in the past include: Fun Run, Back-to-School Night, Book Fair, Science & Engineering Fair, Spring Fling Auction Fundraiser, Field Day, and more. 

Other Volunteer Opportunities:  Watch the Fox Flash for volunteer opportunities, ask your child’s teacher to help in the classroom, attend the Volunteer Fair (usually in September), and Check the CSN website for up to date volunteer opportunities

Don't want to complete the paperwork? 
We have many Volunteer Opportunities without a Background Check!
Classroom Laundry
Stuff Folders
Pet Care -either over breaks or weekly
Staff Workroom copies etc.
Material Prep at home


To Volunteer: 
1.  Watch the Volunteer Orientation Video located here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yzyuPh3HkE&feature=youtu.be&disable_polymer=true

2.  Finish and Submit the Orientation Quiz:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fWBQxA3W9FdAXeUQX45NHA2PVrcTGHHoTnZ1KRivsR8/edit


3.  Complete Jefferson County Public Schools Person of Interest form:
POI - school based.pdf

Please check "School Support Volunteer"
Do not fill out the Student Teacher portion 
Fill out the "Demographic Portion" for the actual Background Check


4.  Place paperwork and $7.00 check (made out to FHM) in an envelope, bring the envelope into the front office from 7:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.  No Cash will be accepted.  POI forms are processed once a month on the first Friday - March 1 & April 5.  No forms will be processed in May.  No Fingerprinting necessary, just the POI form!





If you are interested in a Sub & Club Fingerprinting -
The Rules have changed!  - Fingerprints cost between $65- $80 and may take up to eight weeks to clear for volunteering NEW
-    Fingerprints are a full picture of your background from 18 years to present
- Fingerprints will need to be re-done every five years NEW
-  Fingerprints allow a volunteer to run a club or be utilized as a substitute 

Please only do fingerprints if you are planning on running a club or subbing in the classroom on a regular basis.