Volunteers

Mission Statement
Pinecrest Academy is a private, Pre-K through 12, college-preparatory Catholic school. We provide an atmosphere of academic rigor and critical thinking while offering personalized attention in a Christ-centered environment of faith and reason. Our mission is “To form Christian leaders who will transform society.“ 

We prepare our students to become committed Christian leaders eager to transform a global society. Following the educational philosophy of the Legionaries of Christ, we implement Integral Formation to develop the spiritual, intellectual, human, and apostolic dimensions of the whole person. We challenge our students to identify and use their gifts in service to others.

Our mission embraces the entire family recognizing the parent as the primary educator of the child. We provide a safe, moral, and spiritual environment which leads to positive peer groups and joyful, caring, confident students.

We are here to serve the Archdiocese of Atlanta, our local parishes, and regional Christian and civic communities. We also serve international students, their families, and others who embrace our educational philosophy.
 
Integral Formation
Pinecrest Academy implements the Integral Formation method of education - a proprietary and comprehensive system for developing and operating schools in accordance with the principles of education adopted by the Legionaries of Christ. This method of education is successfully developing authentic Catholic leaders in schools worldwide. Based upon the Christian view of the person, Integral Formation focuses on forming all dimensions of the person: intellectual, human, spiritual, and apostolic, achieving the complete or integral formation of the student. Integral Formation is the means for assisting each student to fulfill the unique mission for which he or she was created.
 
Volunteer Overview
Pinecrest Academy recognizes that the formation of our students comes from many sources.  Volunteers accompany us in our Mission and are vital components to the schools success as well as forming well rounded students.  Volunteers are seen as role models in judgement, dignity, respect, and act in accordance with the Code of Conduct of Pinecrest Academy.  The safety of our students is always a priority. We look forward to you joining us and the many parents, who selflessly offer their time and talents to the Paladin nation.
   
We classify Volunteers into two categories:  Low Access Volunteers and High Access Volunteers.  Please note that Volunteers in the Lower School are ALL considered High Access Volunteers.

High Access Volunteers (all Lower School Volunteers)
High Access Volunteers are individuals who may potentially be alone with a minor, make multiple visits on campus for the same purpose, or make a commitment to work independently on a school related project.  High Access Volunteers must complete Tasks 1-5, as well as sign in at the appropriate reception desk whenever on campus.  Examples include, but are not limited to: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Challenge, Conquest, Community Coach, Field Trip Chaperone, Interns, Kindergarten Circus, PAPA Committees, Room Moms, Library Aide, Pala-teenies, PAPA Board, Mystery Readers, Rocky’s Run, Sr. Mission Trip Chaperone, Paladin Shop, Lunchroom Helper, Spirit Club Helpers.

Low Access Volunteers
Individuals who attend a one-time event, are escorted by a faculty or staff member, or will be working in an area where they are not alone with students are considered Low Access Volunteers.  Low Access Volunteers must complete Tasks 1 & 2 and sign in at the appropriate reception desk during school hours.  They work independently, or will remain in the presence of a faculty or staff member while on campus and have no unsupervised interaction with students. Examples include, but are not limited to:  Concession Stand/Gate Worker, Team Mom, Grade Level Chairs, Development Volunteer, Open House Volunteer, Field Day.
 
Volunteer Agreement
Volunteers will sign a Volunteer Agreement acknowledging their knowledge of volunteer protocols, ability, and behavioral promises. All Volunteers need to complete a Volunteer Agreement at the beginning of every school year. Additionally, Tasks 2-4 must be done annually whereas Task 5 is valid for two years.

Contact Information
Employees across Pinecrest Academy solicit and recruit volunteers (parents, friends and individuals in our community) to help within their department, with our students, or to aid the school as a whole.  Please direct any questions you have about volunteering to the Business Office at 770-888-4477 or email us at hr@pinecrestacademy.org.

Volunteer Tasks

List of 5 items.

  • Task 1: Complete an Application

    All campus volunteers will need to complete one of the two Volunteer Application Forms below every school year.  High Access Volunteers also need to complete Tasks 2-5.  Low Access Volunteers need to complete Tasks 1 and 2.

    High Access Volunteer Application
    Low Access Volunteer Application
  • Task 2: Background Check

    Pinecrest Academy outsources background checks to Praesidium, a noted industry leader.  Your consent allows the School to obtain a “consumer report” that may contain information regarding your criminal history, sex offender registry status, credit history, employment history, education history, social media activity, driving history, professional licenses, and other information about you.

    Please be on the lookout for an email from Praesidium, and follow the steps outlined. Praesidium's process is time sensitive, so please complete this step at your earliest convenience to avoid the link from expiring.

    Background Checks are required every school year, and there is no cost to the Volunteer.
  • Task 3: Mandated Reporter

    In keeping with our efforts to keep our students safe, Pinecrest Academy partners with ProSolutions Training as one of our professional development sources.  Suspected child maltreatment must be handled both discretely and meticulously.  Online classes are available 24/7 to educate faculty, staff and volunteers.  Mandatory Reporter training in the state of Georgia is required annually, every 366 days.

    Please click HERE to access the training site, and follow these instructions: 

    1. Please select the following class:  
      Child Abuse and Neglect: Mandated Reporting Requirements for Employees, Volunteers, and Contractors of Georgia Public Schools.
    2. You will need to sign up for a ProSolutions training account if you don't already have one. Log in to your account. Add the course to your cart (it costs $0), as if you were purchasing an item online and follow the instructions.
    3. Once you've completed the online training please email your certificate to compliance@pinecrestacademy.org

    The end of the course discusses how to make a DFCS report. This part is just more of an "FYI" for you-- the school counselors are PA's designated reporters.  If you suspect abuse or neglect, contact one of the Counselor’s immediately to make the report to DFCS.
  • Task 4: VIRTUS Certification

    VIRTUS programs were created by the National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc. to empower organizations and people to better control risk and improve the lives of all those who interact with the Church.  In support of these endeavors, we ask all who interact with our students to complete the “Protecting God’s Children” certification every school year.  This training program is offered online or in person through VIRTUS. Upon Certification, completion of monthly bulletins will be expected to maintain your active status.

    Click HERE for registration and login instructions for NEW (first time) users.  Returning Volunteers should use your VIRTUS login to complete monthly bulletins as assigned.
  • Task 5: CPR/AED *ONLY for parent volunteers of overnight trips

    Certification in CPR is required for all parent volunteers who will attend any overnight student-related trips.  The school will accept certification from The American Heart Association, Red Cross, or through an online segment combined with an in-person skills assessment with any outside facility our school nurse.

    Click HERE to begin your online certification through the American Heart Association. 

    Once the online portion has been completed, please schedule your in-person skills assessment by attending an in-person skills assessment with an outside facility/agency or by contacting the school nurse at clinic@pinecrestacademy.org.

    Once completed, your final Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you which you must send to compliance@pinecrestacademy.org.

    Certifications are valid for two years.
If applicable, you will receive an email from our Human Resources Department with your Volunteer Agreement once the above tasks are complete.  Thank you, in advance, for your valuable time, commitment and service to the Paladin Nation!