Volunteer Update
October 2026
Hello, Volunteers!
The Volunteer Program is in full swing for the 2026–27 school year! More than 105 volunteer shifts have already been filled and completed across the district—an incredible start!
Last week, I had the opportunity to connect with returning mentors throughout the district. It was wonderful to hear your stories and see the excitement as students reconnected with their mentors for the first time this school year. I’m so excited for the year ahead! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!
Take care,
Christe Spera
Meet Lucas Jablonski
For Lucas Jablonski, volunteering with Pella Community Schools is a meaningful way to give back to the district that helped shape who he is today. Lucas is a 2025 Pella High School graduate and a sophomore at Central College, where he is also a member of the baseball team. After college, he hopes to become a high school teacher—making his time volunteering in our schools especially valuable.
“My favorite part of volunteering is getting to interact with the students and getting to know them,” Lucas shared. Some of his favorite moments include playing soccer and football with students, joining them during lunch, and simply taking time to sit and talk. Volunteering has also given Lucas a firsthand look at working in a school and valuable experience leading and connecting with students.
Thank you, Lucas, for making a difference—and best of luck as you work toward becoming a teacher!
Lunch Buddy
Looking for a simple way to make a big impact? Become a Lunch Buddy volunteer! Spend time reading, chatting, and connecting with our 3- and 4-year-old students during lunch. If you enjoy young children and want to help them feel loved, encouraged, and supported, we'd love to have you volunteer!
Available: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Shift: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Clerical Assistance
Put Your Organizational Skills to Work!
Enjoy office tasks and staying organized? Help with printing, laminating, preparing classroom materials, and more. Your behind-the-scenes support makes a big difference for our teachers and students!
Available: Tuesdays or Fridays
Shift: 8:30–10:30 AM
Prize Cart Helper
Help students cash in their golden pennies and celebrate positive choices! Volunteer with our PBIS Prize Cart on Wednesdays! Help students choose prizes, count their pennies, and celebrate their good choices. Weekly help is appreciated, but occasional volunteers are welcome too!
Available: Wednesdays
Shift Options: 10:00 - 11:00 AM, 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Mileage Club
Get Moving with Mileage Club!
Walk, run, and cheer students on as they complete laps and build healthy habits! Bring your energy and encouragement for a fun, active volunteer experience—outside when weather permits or in the gym.
Available: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays
Shift: 7:45–8:15 AM
Grades: PreK–3
Mentoring
Spend just 30–45 minutes each week connecting with a student in grades PreK–3. Share lunch, play a game, join them at recess, and have fun while building their confidence and making a lasting impact!
Mileage Club
Join the Mileage Club Crew!
Help students stay active and have fun during recess! Punch lap cards, guide runners along the route, and cheer them on as they work toward their goals. Bring a chair, dress in layers, and come ready to share plenty of smiles and encouragement!
Available: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Shift: 7:45 AM - 8:15 AM or 11:30 AM–12:45 PMAvailable: Wednesdays (early out)
Shift: 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Clerical Assistance
Put Your Organizational Skills to Work!
Enjoy office tasks and staying organized? Help with printing, laminating, preparing classroom materials, and more. Your behind-the-scenes support makes a big difference for our teachers and students!
Available: Tuesdays
Shift: 9:30–10:15 AM
Literati Book Fair
The Literati Book Fair is coming to Madison October 15–21!
Help students explore the fair, discover exciting new books, and create their wish lists during their class preview time in the library. It’s a fun way to share your love of reading and help students find their next great adventure!
Shifts: Vary; check the volunteer portal for specifics days and times
Lunch Supervision
Bring Smiles to the Lunchroom!
Connect with students, share a few smiles, and help make the lunchroom welcoming and fun! Assist students in the lunch line, chat with them while they eat, and lend a hand with small tasks like opening milk cartons.
Available: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Shift Times: Vary; check the volunteer portal for specific times.
Recess Supervision
Bring the Fun to Recess!
Join students on the playground for games, movement, and plenty of smiles! Encourage teamwork and fair play, reinforce playground rules, and help create a safe, positive space where every student feels welcome and included.
Available: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Shift Times: Vary; check the volunteer portal for specific times.
Mentoring
Be a Mentor. Make a Difference!
Spend just 30–45 minutes each week connecting with a student in grades 4-6. Share lunch, play a game, join them at recess, and have fun while building their confidence and making a lasting impact!
Recess Buddy
Play. Encourage. Help everyone feel included!
Join younger students in games and activities while promoting teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a fun, inclusive recess experience.
Available: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Shift Options: Lunch A or Lunch B
Buildings: Madison, Lincoln and Jefferson
Lunch Buddy
Encourage. Make lunchtime brighter!
Help create a welcoming lunchroom by talking with students, encouraging positive interactions, and supporting staff.
Available: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Shift Options: Lunch A or Lunch B
Buildings: Little Dutch Academy, Madison, Lincoln and Jefferson
Mileage Club
Get Moving with Mileage Club!
Walk, run, and cheer students on as they complete laps and build healthy habits! Bring your energy and encouragement for a fun, active volunteer experience—outside when weather permits or in the gym.
Available: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays
Shift: 7:45–8:15 AM (before school through Period 1)
Grades: PreK–3
Buildings: Lincoln and Madison
Literati Book Fair at Madison
The Literati Book Fair is coming to Madison October 15–21!
Description: Help students explore the fair, discover exciting new books, and create their wish lists during their class preview time in the library. It’s a fun way to share your love of reading and help students find their next great adventure!
Available: Vary; check the volunteer portal for specific days
Shift Time: Period 6
Mentor Program at Jefferson
Be a Mentor. Make a Difference.
Join the Jefferson Mentor Program to provide academic support to sixth-grade students while serving as a positive and encouraging upperclassman role model.
Available: Early-Out Wednesdays
Shift Option: Period 8
I’m interested in mentoring, but I don’t see any available shifts on the volunteer portal. How can I get involved?
If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, simply send me an email or give me a call. Mentoring is a weekly commitment, and we’ll schedule a time to discuss how the program works and what to expect. Our mentors play an important role in supporting and encouraging students—your involvement can make a meaningful difference!
Have questions about the program or just want to connect? I’d love to hear from you!
Christie Spera, Volunteer Coordinator
Email: christie.spera@pellaschools.org
Phone: 641-628-3639
Volunteer Information and Application
Volunteer Portal: Login Page