HOW DO I SIGN UP?

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​Background Check:

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1. This can be done through the Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) Volunteer Portal. Head to this website: https://mcpsmt.galaxydigital.com/need/. Scroll down to the orange "Qualification Needed" button and click on it. Click on "Sign Up" to begin.

 

2. Create an account. Once you've done that, sign in and click on "Background Check" in the menu on the left.

 

3. Fill and Submit: Fill out the required information and check the box confirming the accuracy of your details. Click "Submit Background Information." This takes about 10 minutes and requires your social security number and an $8 fee via credit/debit card.

 

4. Approval Emails: Passing results come in emails from the MCPS Volunteer Coordinator and from Sterling Volunteers (saying that you’re “eligible”). This usually takes 1-2 days. There will also be an email from the MCPS Volunteer Coordinator asking you to sign a Confidentiality Agreement at some point.

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Ready to Volunteer!

 

1. Back to the Portal: Log back in to the MCPS Volunteer Portal.

 

2. Choose Your School: choose from Lowell, Hawthorne, or Russell Elementary.  (Note for September of 2025:  the only option as of right now is at Hawthorne Elementary, "Lunch and Recess Volunteers."

 

3. Join Midday Move: Click on "Midday Move" for your chosen school and select the shift(s) you'd like to do.  (For September 2025, click on "Lunch and Recess Volunteers" at Hawthorne Elementary.)  Don't worry if you can't make it for the whole recess—one hour is just fine! Just let us know in an email (see next step).

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Important Next Step!

 

Email Peggy Schmidt (mschmidt@missoulacounty.us) as soon as you sign up! Let her know which school you've chosen and the date of your first shift. She’ll connect you with the volunteer supervisor at the school you chose. They’ll meet you at the front office for a quick orientation before your first shift. THANK YOU!

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MIDDAY MOVE FAQs

 

Will I get a $10 gift card as a thank-you? Yes, if you do 3 or more shifts! They’re from Downtown Missoula Partnership and can be used at over 200 businesses in Missoula. Volunteers get a snazzy 5-2-1-0 neck buff to keep, too.

 

Do I have to sign up for 3 or more shifts? Nope. You can sign up for just one shift to see if you like it.

 

Do I have to sign in at the office every time? YES! Please sign in at the front office of the school every time you volunteer.

 

What training is available to Midday Move volunteers? We have an 8-minute training video for you to watch. We have additional, optional training materials for those who sign up for more than 3 shifts.

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Will I have to handle discipline? No, because both the regular playground duty aides and a volunteer supervisor will be there with you on the playground. The training video gives ideas for how to work with kids and manage minor issues that may come up.

 

Does recess get cancelled in case of inclement weather or smoky skies? Yes. Recess will be moved indoors in case of severe weather or high levels of smoke in the air. Midday Move usually still happens on those days, in the gym.

 

Is there special equipment for the Midday Move program? Your volunteer supervisor may have a set of Midday Move playground toys.

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Is the playground ADA Accessible? Yes. The playgrounds are ADA accessible and mostly flat. Part of each playground is paved.

 

Who are the partners who work together to provide Midday Move? United Way of Missoula County, Missoula Parks and Recreation, the Missoula Family YMCA, Missoula County Public Schools and 5210 Let’s Move! Missoula, an initiative of Missoula Public Health.

 

Who funds Midday Move? Run Wild Missoula, Alpine Physical Therapy, Missoula Scheels, United Way of Missoula County, Missoula Bone and Joint, Mountain Kids Pediatrics and 3 Rivers Pediatric Dentistry.

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