VIPS certification is required to volunteer in any capacity with HISD. This process can take from a few hours to several days (depending on the background check) and only has to be completed once per school year. Follow the steps below to get VIPS certified and start volunteering with the band!

1. Go to the Volunteer with HISD landing page

2. Click "Register for VIPS" and choose your preferred language

3. Complete the course and get the HISD VIPS Online Training Course Certificate. Type your name in the certificate and save it.

4. Complete the VIPS Volunteer Application by clicking "English Application" or "Spanish Application" below the certificate. Once you do the application, you'll get an email confirming the application was received.

5. Once you receive the email confirming your application was approved, forward that email and attach your Training Course Certificate (from Step 3) and send it to mightycardinalband@outlook.com.

Once you are VIPS certified, you can help the band in various capacities, whether as a bus chaperone, field help, or by bringing the kids food. We use SignUpGenius and have all the Fall 2026 dates. Sign up in advance, and someone will follow up with you a week before the event to make sure you're still available!

Note:

• Homecoming is October 9th! We need extra volunteers for the tailgate, including set-up, clean-up, bringing supplies, and cooking. If you are interested, please sign up for the Homecoming Committee.

• We do not have the exact times for competitions yet. Chaperone shifts typically last 4-6 hours, and stadium help requires 1-2 hours. We will update the SignUpGenius as soon as performance times are confirmed.