SEPA-DOVE FORM   

DOVES Program Overview

DOVES stands for Dedicated Official Volunteers Emanating Spirit.  This program provides school families with the opportunity to share their gifts and enrich student life at St. Edith Catholic School.  It also gives family members a way to be involved in their children's education and growth.

As a member of the St. Edith School Community, each family is required to serve the required amount of DOVE service hours indicated on the front side of this form and signed by each family.  All DOVE hours must be completed by Field Day held in May.  You will be billed $30.00 per uncompleted hour through FACTS in May 2025, with a mximum of $450. Acceptable hours are found but not limited to the Parent Volunteer List that enhance the quality of education to the social and recreational well-being. St. Edith offers numerous volunteer opportunities which you will find on the Parent Volunteer Activities List.  

Mission of SEPA & DOVE

• To promote the ideals of Catholic education by fostering a better understanding of parental responsibilities in the spiritual and educational development of our children.
• Enhance the quality of education of St. Edith Catholic School by raising funds for school supplies, programs, or equipment that fall outside of the school projected budget.
• Foster positive relationships and school involvement among parents, students, and the community.
• Maintain and enhance open communication among parents, teachers, and school faculty and administration.

SEPA sponsors a number of events throughout the school year. All families in grades Preschool through Grade 8 are required to do DOVE Hours. Any unworked hours will be invoiced at the rate of $30.00 per each volunteer hour not completed through FACTS in May 2025, with a maximum of $450. A separate invoice will be sent and all checks should be made payable to SEPA. A list of volunteer opportunities can be found on the backside of this form.

• Preschool 3: 5 DOVE hours.
• Preschool 4: 10 DOVE hours.
• Kindergarten Prep: 15 DOVE hours.
• Kindergarten through grade 8: 15 DOVE hours.

Acceptable Hours

• Activities on the Parent Volunteer List
• Hours that enhance the quality of education to the social and recreational well-being
• Activities that provide opportunities to contribute to the social and recreational well-being of St. Edith Catholic School Community

Unacceptable DOVES Hours

• Paid Positions, such as regular lunch duty
• Field Trips
• Simply attending but not working at an event, such as attending an open house or school concert
• Volunteer efforts on behalf of other groups/clubs, outside of St. Edith Catholic School

How to Report/Track DOVES Hours

• As a volunteer, please sign the tracking sheet for your chosen activity, provided by the Event/Activity Coordinator. The event/activity coordinator will then turn these sheets in to the SEPA (St. Edith Parent Association) DOVES Coordinator.
• The DOVES Coordinator will track ALL DOVES hours, for all families
• When you have reached 15 hours, you will receive a DOVES completion email, from the DOVES Coordinator. 

If you are unable to complete 15 DOVES hours within the school year, you will incur a charge of $30 per hour, with a maximum of $450.  If this happens, please submit a check, made payable to "St. Edith Catholic School," C/O SEPA, by June 1 of the current school year.  DOVES accounts not settled by that date will roll into the next year's tuition.  If you should have questions or concerns regarding DOVES hours, please contact a SEPA Board Member or Mrs. Ruth Scaramucci, Principal.

Raffle Tickets

All families in grades Preschool through grade 8 will receive raffle tickets to sell or purchase.  This is a required fundraiser supported by all families.  Any family who does not sell the required number of tickets by the deadline will be issued an invoice by SEPA for the unsold tickets.  All families may request additional tickets to sell.  All checks should be made out to SEPA. 

• Preschool 3: requirement of 5 raffle tickets to sell.
• Preschool 4: requirement of 10 raffle tickets to sell.
• Kindergarten Prep: requirement of 15 raffle tickets to sell.
• Kindergarten through grade 8: requirement of 15 raffle tickets to sell.

Requirements to Volunteer

To volunteer you will need:

• Protecting God's Children Certificate (Recertification every 3 years)
• Background Check done annually (Complete form and return to Jackie Slaviero in the School Office)

The Archdiocese of Detroit mandates that all volunteers, parents and grandparents, take the "Protecting God's Children Workshop".  This is a 3 hour class.  If you have not already attended the workshop, please click on the 'Protecting God's Children' link above, register and take a class.  A criminal background check is also required.  Fill out the form and turn it into the school office.