Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Certification is now an annual process starting in 2024-2025

We encourage a partnership between home and school to create a strong foundation for learning. To provide a layer of safety and support to the students of our district, we will begin an annual volunteer certification process. Even if you have volunteered in the past, you must recertify each school year. The Mentor Program certification process and volunteer process are two separate approvals.

What kind of volunteer opportunities are available at Unit 40?

All Unit 40 Schools use volunteers according to the needs of their buildings. Speak with your child's teacher to understand the volunteer opportunities in your specific building. Some of the most requested reasons for volunteers include: Field trips, Band Boosters, and Classroom volunteers - at the discretion of each teacher.

How do I apply to volunteer?

Families in the Effingham Unit 40 district will receive an email that has a volunteer certification link on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. If you desire to volunteer in the schools this school year, follow the detailed direction in the link to complete your volunteer certification and background check. Bushue Background Screening and Fingerprinting will maintain the background check process and information.

How will I know if I am cleared to volunteer?

The secretary in each building will manage the approved volunteer list. Teachers will not have access to volunteer approvals. If an application is flagged, you will receive a letter in the mail informing of such. The Director of Security will make the final decision if a volunteer that has been flagged is cleared to be a volunteer or if clearance is revoked. You can call the BOE office and speak with Tammie Line at 217-540-1500.

Central School PTO

Our Parent Teacher Organization at Central School is amazing! They volunteer, plan, and raise funds for our Central School PTO. These funds provide positive and memorable experiences for students while they attend Central School by offering extra activities for our students and staff. Central School is very fortunate to have the extra support available. Here is a list of items the PTO contributes on an annual basis:

$4500 for staff to purchase reward and classroom supplies

$3800 for the Discovery Education classroom licensure

$3710 for the Central School students and staff to attend a movie at RMC Cinemas. This experience also pays for popcorn and a drink for all in attendance.

$2200 for staff Christmas luncheon and Teacher Appreciation meals

$1700 for Umbrellas for Peace t-shirts for the entire Central School staff

$1200 for the purchase of new Library Books for the Library

$1200 to support AR and Behavioral reward treats

$995 for Dennis Regling Magic of Science Show assembly for all grade levels at Central School

$200 for Bingo Cards for Central School reward activities

$166 for portable DVD players that can be checked out from the library

$150 for pizza parties for individual students that reach 100 AR points

Volunteer and plan our Central School Book Fair

Please ask your student's teacher how you can become a part of the Central School PTO!