Information forwarded to us from the Pencil Foundation reguarding background checks. Please contact emily.graves@mnps.org for more info if needed.

This email is sent on behalf of the PENCIL Foundation regarding school volunteers who require background checks and those who do not. Please read carefully to prepare for the upcoming school year. Background checks are conducted by the PENCIL Foundation as a service to MNPS. For your convenience, the information below has been excerpted from MNPS policies SP 6.151 and IM 4.105. Please refer to these guidelines as you decide who does or does not need a background check and which type of background check is required. NO BACKGROUND CHECK Volunteer Chaperones who attend an activity field trip are not required to submit to a background check, provided that a district employee is in attendance. PENCIL BACKGROUND CHECK 1. Volunteer chaperones who are parents/guardians wishing to attend overnight or out of state field trips must have a PENCIL background check. Chaperones must receive a favorable result prior to departure. 2. Community volunteers must complete the PENCIL background check process upon request of the building principal. In general, volunteers in contact with students (e.g. tutors, mentors, classroom helpers) need this, while one-time guest speakers or volunteers not in direct contact with students (e.g. landscaping volunteers) do not. However, PENCIL always defers to the discretion of the principal. NON-PENCIL BACKGROUND CHECK Volunteer chaperones who are not parents/guardians of students wishing to attend overnight or out of state field trips must submit to a criminal background check and fingerprinting. The fingerprinting and background check may be done at 2601 Bransford Avenue or through another agency that administers fingerprinting. The chaperone or the school will pay the fingerprinting cost. Chaperones must receive a favorable result prior to departure.

NPL posted two great articles:

...one about avoiding summer slide, and another about the importance of diversifying what you read to children. So when you get a break today, sneak a peak at the articles- and please pass along to any other teachers you think would enjoy them. Children’s Choice Helps Summer Slide http://nashvillepubliclibrary.org/bringingbookstolife/2014/05/29/childrens-choice-helps-summer-slide/ Brave Readers Make Brave Hearts http://nashvillepubliclibrary.org/bringingbookstolife/2014/05/26/brave-readers-make-brave-hearts/