• Complete Your Clearances for Free!

    Effective July 25, 2015, PA background check fees for volunteers have been waived. We are encouraging parents to complete their clearances while they are free. Clearances are valid for 5 years from the issue date.

     Please submit all required documents to the middle school office at one time! Your packet will be sent to the school board for approval. Once approved, you will be able to volunteer for any school related activity.

     If you have lived in the state of Pennsylvania for 10 years or more, you will need to complete the following:

    • PGASD Volunteer Application
    • Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
    • Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

     If you have lived in the state of Pennsylvania for less than 10 years, you will need to complete the following:

    • PGASD Volunteer Application
    • Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
    • Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
    • Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Check

     PGASD Volunteer Application

    Please print and complete the application. The completed application should be submitted to the elementary office with copies of your clearances.

    Click here to print the application form:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5SoPczCWvJ0NV9TMmdkUGhUeDQ/view?usp=sharing

     Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check

    This is a very simple process and a clear record will allow you to print your certificate immediately. Be sure to print a copy for yourself and one to submit to the school.

     Click on this link and then click the yellow “New Record Check” button to complete the process: https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp

     When asked for the Volunteer Organization, please enter Pine Grove Area Elementary PTO. Our phone number is 570-345-2731.

     Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

    This clearance takes a bit longer and requires a two step process. You will first create an account on the Child Welfare Portal and then use it to complete the clearance. You will need an email account to complete this clearance online.

     Follow these directions:

    1. Click on this link to start the process: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
    2. Click on “Create Individual Account”
    3. Click on “Next”
    4. Fill in the required information to create an account
    5. When prompted, check your email for a code
    6. Close your browser so that you are logged out of the system
    7. Click this link:https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
    8. Click on “Individual Log In”
    9. Click on “Access my Clearances”
    10. Click on “Continue” at the bottom of the page
    11. Log in with your user name and the code from the email
    12. Create your own password
    13. Click close
    14. Log in with your username and the password you created
    15. Follow the directions to start your application.
    16. When you are asked, check “Volunteer Having Contact with Children”
    17. Choose “Other” for Volunteer Category
    18. Enter “Pine Grove Area Elementary PTO” for Agency Name
    19. Follow the directions to enter your personal information and sign the application.
    20. When asked if your agency has a code, choose “No.”
    21. After submitting your application, watch your email. You certificate should come in about 14 days. Please print it and submit a copy to the elementary office.

    Please staple all documents together and submit them to the middle school office at one time!