Confidentiality
As a volunteer, it is imperative to maintain confidentiality in accordance with district policy and good judgement. Volunteers may observe student performance or behavior and it is necessary that all information remain at school. Other than bringing an issue to the attention of the teacher or staff member, the volunteer is expected to not discuss or attempt to discuss the information with anyone.
Some documents should never be seen or handled by anyone other than the appropriate school personnel. These documents include the teacher’s grade book, graded student work, DHS reports, 504’s, Sped records, Read Plans, and discipline files. It is important that volunteers understand the sensitive nature of the information to which they will have access and that nothing may be discussed with anyone outside of the school setting.
Be Flexible and Supportive
Many opportunities involve direct contact with students, but many more are preparation or organization types of tasks. The teacher or event coordinator is in the best position to determine what is needed at a particular time. In support of them, it is helpful that you recognize whatever you are asked to do enhances students’ experiences or opportunities and it of help to the teacher.
Be Non-Disruptive
Particularly in the classroom, it is important to not disrupt students’ normal activities. Entering and exiting the classroom as quietly as possible, speaking softly, and focusing on the teacher or task at hand are all ways to help maintain the structure of the learning environment.
Be Dependable
Your time commitment is relied upon, so it is important that you volunteer at your scheduled time. If you are unable to fulfill your volunteer commitment, please call the school at 234.5600 and we will ensure that your message is relayed to the appropriate person. Schedule volunteer hours in advance and do not show up unexpectedly. If you have multiple shifts in a day, please leave and then return when your next shift begins.
Sign-in and Sign-out
All visitors (including volunteers) are expected to sign in immediately upon entering the building and to sign out at the end of their visit. An accurate record of who is in the building is important in several ways, from locating someone for a telephone call to evacuating in the event of a building drill or emergency.
Communicate
The key to positive experiences for volunteers, students, and staff is communication. Please ask questions if instructions or expectations are unclear.
Wear a Nametag
Volunteers are expected to wear a nametag (RAPTOR-issued) while on school grounds. Any visitor without a nametag can expect to be stopped and asked if they have checked in at the office.
Emergency Procedures
Please be aware at all times of where to exit or assemble in case of a fire drill or actual emergency. Exit maps are posted in every classroom and work area. Should an alarm sound while you are with a student, do not attempt to return the child to the classroom. Instead, you will join the group closest to your location and follow their procedure. Do not leave the student unattended.
Younger Children
For liability purposes, volunteers should not bring children to school when they are volunteering. Volunteers may wish to consider forming a babysitting co-op to care for each other’s children during volunteer times.
Restrooms
Volunteers will not use student restrooms. There are two staff bathrooms for adult use.
Student Discipline
Volunteers should refer any disciplinary observations to the teacher or administration. Discipline is not a responsibility of the volunteer. If you are experiencing a problem with a student, remind the student of the school’s REACH expectations. We encourage our students to behave positively, and we do not speak to them in a way that would demean or embarrass them.
Equipment Guidelines
You are welcome to use any equipment on which you have been trained (binder, die cut etc.) Volunteers are not allowed to use the copy machine with teacher badges. Remember that staff can only use these during their plan time, so offer priority whenever possible!
District Guidelines
Volunteers are guided by the Academy School District Board of Education policies, rules, and regulations, and are under the direction of the school staff. Volunteers are required to complete training, become familiar with guidelines and expectations presented in this Powerpoint, in order to serve the students at AEES.
Calendars
Please utilize the ASD20 school calendar and AEES parent newsletters to identify half-days, vacations, assemblies, classroom parties, and other special events that could change a volunteer’s schedule.
Dress Code
Please dress comfortably, but remember that you are seen as a role model for the students at AEES. No clothing is allowed that advertises alcohol, tobacco, or drug use.
Use of Materials
The teachers and staff will provide you with the materials you need to complete the tasks that have been requested. If you do not have what you need, please ask the teacher or appropriate staff member.
Teacher’s Lounge
The teacher’s lounge is available for your use during the hours of 8:05 – 10:40 a.m. and 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Please try and honor these guidelines as the lounge is a break from for the staff and is used to have confidential conversations. If you need to deliver something to the lounge during other hours, please ask the office for assistance.
Grading Papers
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), volunteers grading student papers in not allowed. Please adhere to this regulation.
Lead and Teacher Meetings
Please note that grade level teachers host weekly team meetings or Professional Learning Communities. Also, teachers often host parent meetings during their planning time. Privacy is important during these meetings. Plan to volunteer at times other than this time or work outside of their classroom during this time.