BCES Volunteer Training | Assist, Engage, Support!

1. Welcome Volunteers Ballenger Creek Elementary School Volunteer Training

2. BCES is a PBIS School BCES Code of Conduct Bobcats are STARS! • Safe choices • Take responsibility • Always ready to learn • Respect self and others • Self control

3. Role of Volunteer Coordinator • Tracks and tallies volunteer hours • Serves as liaison between volunteers and staff • Acquaints school staff with the volunteer program • Provides orientation for volunteers

4. Role of the Teacher • Determines areas in which the volunteer’s help would be beneficial • Establishes the schedule for volunteers in the classroom • Determines specific tasks to be performed by volunteers

5. Role of the Volunteer • Assists in improving the educational achievement of students • Enhances students’ image of themselves through consistent contact with helpful, friendly, positive role model • Expands students’ life experiences • Assists staff by preparing instructional materials

6. Why Volunteers are Important • When families are involved in school, children do better in school • Builds bridges between home, school and community • Helps parents better understand the schooling process • Greatly assists teachers! • Kids learn by example: when families are involved, kids are more likely to grow up and volunteer themselves.

7. Confidentiality • What you see and hear at school, stays at school • Contact an administrator, counselor, or community liaison with any concern that you may have. • Please complete the Confidentiality Agreement

8. Sign in and Reporting of Hours • Please sign in as a volunteer in the white binder, in the front office • A nametag is to be worn at all times while in the building • Hours worked at home, field trips, PTA events should also be tracked. Please submit to the school at the end of the year • Volunteer year ends April 30

9. Blood borne Pathogens • Risk is extremely low in school setting • Allow teacher to care for the situation if possible • Protect yourself before rushing to the aid of a child who is bleeding, vomiting etc. • If you are exposed: notify health room and administration, encourage bleeding & wash the area thoroughly • To report an emergency, please call the office by dialing 62502 or 62503.

10. Food Allergies/Sensitivities Awareness is a necessity. Simply restricting consumption of food is not enough, because any contact with an “unsafe” food, cross-contamination, and hidden trace ingredients can also cause an allergic reaction. • Food allergies among children are rising • Food allergies can be mild to life threatening. • There is no predictable pattern when it comes to the severity of a reaction • The severity of previous reactions is not an accurate indicator of future reactions.

11. Food Allergies/Sensitivities • Several BCES students have health care plans outlining how to intervene • Teachers will alert you if there is a student who has a specific plan or medical needs

12. Food Allergies/Sensitivities Reminders for Volunteers • There may be an allergic child who you might assist, chaperone, mentor, etc. • Immediately seek help if the child shows signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swollen lips, difficulty breathing, paleness, vomiting, loss of consciousness, etc.) or complains of allergic symptoms (‘my tongue feels fuzzy’). • Respect system and school practices regarding permissible foods. • Wash hands after coming in contact with any food to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

13. Volunteers complete the Circle Community School Parents/Guardians/ Volunteers Family

14. Additional Notes • Personal belongings may be kept in the classroom or workroom. • Restrooms are located in the front hallway, outside the volunteer room. • For safety and liability reasons, volunteers are not permitted to bring siblings to school during volunteer work times, including school parties, while chaperoning field trips, etc. • Please use parking lot in front of the school when volunteering. • Materials such as scissors, tape, markers, etc. can be found in the workroom. Paper for coping is supplied by the teacher. Please leave a note on the bulletin board if you notice supplies are low.

15. Additional Notes, continued • Smoking is not permitted on school property. • In the case of a fire drill, everyone must leave the building. Please exit with the nearest class. If you are in the workroom, please exit out of the main entrance. • If you are unable to make it in for your scheduled time, please let us know. You may call the teacher’s extension/e-mail directly or leave a message on the main school line. • You are always welcome to get a drink or snack from the lounge, however, please do not use as a work area.

16. Personal Health Concerns • If you have a personal health concern that you feel we should be aware of, you can complete an emergency health form • All information will be held in strictest confidence

17. THANK YOU !!! • Thank you so much for your willingness to volunteer your time and talents. We appreciate everything you do for our staff, and to promote the academic success of all of the students at BCES!