Volunteer
Volunteer requirements, current opportunities, and PTO teams.
Start with the district steps
Volunteer opportunities vary in time and commitment. Helping in the school building or around students may require additional district approval through BetterImpact.
Already a district volunteer? Log in to your existing account. Use the username or password recovery options if needed; do not create another account.
1 Apply in BetterImpact
Select Prairie Trail Elementary in the district portal, then choose “Fill in an Application” at the bottom of the school page. Once approved, you can see school volunteer opportunities.
2 Review the manual each year
Read the district’s volunteer information, objectives, policies, and confidentiality expectations. Use the button at the bottom of the manual to agree to the expectations and submit your completion.
3 Complete a background check
The district requires a background check every five years. The online process begins by scanning a government-issued photo ID. Allow up to two weeks for processing.
4 Find your opportunity
After approval, use BetterImpact for school openings and program schedules. The PTO interest forms below offer additional ways to help with events, teams, and classroom connections.
Open district volunteer portal
Prairie Trail application page
2026–2027 manual access instructions
District background check
Current opportunities
The 2026–2027 PTO Volunteer Opportunities form lets you express interest in one or more of these areas.
Events and celebrations
Prairie Dog Dash Planning; Monster Mash Bash Planning; Family Activities Planning, including Skate Night, Urban Air, and Ice Cream Social; Family Fun Night Planning; Senior Breakfast Planning; and Fifth Grade Graduation Reception.
School and classroom support
Teacher Appreciation Committee, Homeroom Parent, and General Help.
Capture the school year
Yearbook and Photography are separate options on the form. Choose either or both.
Future PTO board roles
Express interest in serving as President, Vice President, Treasurer, or Secretary.
Share your volunteer interests
For specific school shifts, check your approved BetterImpact account. Some opportunities require the district steps above.
PTO teams and nominations
The 2026–2027 nomination form invites you to nominate yourself or someone else. Many volunteers have filled several roles for years, and more people are needed. Roles can be divided among smaller teams, shared, or learned by shadowing a current volunteer for a year.
Co-President
Help the organization and events run smoothly, work with the principal and staff, and lead quarterly meetings. Commitment spans the school year and some summer work.
Co-Vice President
Assist the presidents. This is a two-year role, becoming Co-President in the second year, with school-year and some summer work.
Secretary
Take monthly meeting minutes and handle reporting. The board meets monthly.
Finance Team
Keep records and report on the PTO’s financial health during the school year and some summer work.
Spirit Wear Team
Work with local apparel companies on quotes and designs. Choose items in summer for sales at the start of school and before Christmas.
Family Activities Team
Help with activities such as Iowa Wild, Painting with a Twist, and Spirit Night, plus restaurant partner nights throughout the year. Coordinate signs, photos, and flyers for printing and school distribution.
Teacher Appreciation Team
Organize food and other items for teachers throughout the year.
Prairie Dog Dash Planning Team
Recruit volunteers and coordinate the event with Miss Victoria, including decorations and incentives. Help solicit donations if that fits your role; it is not required of every member. Work with AHS cheerleaders and cross-country teams on race day.
Share a skill
Flyers, social media, photography, spreadsheets, decorations, or another talent can help. Small contributions are welcome.
Questions? Email info@prairietrailpto.org.
Help in classrooms and programs
The PTO coordinates volunteers for homeroom support, vision and hearing checks, Picture Day, and other school needs.
Homeroom parents
Two homeroom parents per class help with fall, winter, and spring parties; teacher birthdays and important life events; and communication about teacher needs.
Classroom connections
Complete the class information form to receive classroom updates and share your child’s Prairie Dog Dash T-shirt size.
Prairie Dog Dashers
Help students keep moving through the school running program. See program dates, incentives, and the BetterImpact signup.
Hawk Guys
Fathers and father figures can take part in lunch and recess. Find eligibility, schedules, training, contacts, and the program signup.
Fall parties, October 23, 2026
Parents planning to attend need a BetterImpact account, a party signup, an approved background check and a completed volunteer manual. See the class party schedule, then follow the district onboarding steps above.
Helping hands in our community
PTO volunteer opportunities.
Volunteers welcome families at the PTO check-in table.