What is a volunteer?

1. What is a volunteer? • V - Valuable is the work you do. • O - Outstanding is how you always come through. • L - Loyal, sincere, and full of good cheer. • U - Untiring in your efforts throughout the year. • N - Notable are the contributions you make. • T - Trustworthy in every project you take. • E - Eager to reach your every goal. • E - Effective in the way you fulfill your role. • R - Ready with a smile like a shining star. • S - Special and wonderful, that’s what you are!

2. Parent Volunteer Training ) Worthington Elementary School September 2012

3. Outcomes At this training you will become: • Familiar with Worthington’s Volunteer Code of Ethics • More knowledgeable about HCPSS policies • More knowledgeable about Worthington’s volunteer procedures • Registered to be a volunteer at Worthington

4. Volunteer Code of Ethics • Attitude: Please come to school with a good attitude, one that will say to the principal and teachers, "I'm glad you asked me to help you, " and one that will say to the boy or girl you’re working with, "You are so special. I'm glad that I have an opportunity to work with you.” • Behavior: You are another role model for our students. Be sure to dress and act appropriately. • Dependability: Make a professional commitment--please be dependable. The teachers are planning activities for you and the students. Keeping your part of the bargain is very important. Please notify your school office if you cannot come.

5. Volunteer Code of Ethics • Communication: • You will always work under the direction and supervision of a teacher or other member of the school staff. The relationship between the volunteer and the teacher is a professional one--one of the mutual respect and confidence. • We want your volunteer work to be a learning activity for you so if you have questions as to policy and procedures, please ask the appropriate person--the teacher, or administration.

6. Volunteer Code of Ethics • Confidentiality:Any information to which you have access to in the school or classroom is confidential. For example, • You may have occasion to know the children who are succeeding and those who are struggling, so please remember that any information pertaining to a child must be left in the classroom. It is only the teacher’s role to communicate a student’s progress. • Personal reactions to a particular member of staff or child should be confidential. • Never express differences of opinion or dissatisfaction in the presence of others OR through social media such as Facebook or email. Please take all suggestions or matters of concern to the teacher in private.

7. Volunteer Code of Ethics • Respectful Actions: • We ask that you always sign in and out and wear your badge at all times while in the building . • Please leave younger children at home and turn off cell phones, as your attention needs to be on the children and task. • No food or drink in the classroom. • Parent volunteering time is not a time for visiting or to hold parent conferences.

8. Volunteer Code of Ethics • Safe Actions: It is a good practice to never be alone with a child, and to use verbal positive praise rather than touch to recognize good effort. • Support: As volunteers, you are a support to the staff members in the building. They are responsible for the education and discipline of the students at school. Therefore, follow the plan/instructions left for you and communicate any behavioral concerns to the teacher.

9. Important Policies(These can be found on the school system website at www.hcpss.org.) • Confidentiality (Policy # 9050) • As noted earlier, as HCPSS staff we are bound by strict confidentiality guidelines which you agree to follow as volunteers. • Wellness (Policy #9090) • Please keep in mind the content of this policy and avoid bringing in snacks for the students. • Child Abuse and Neglect (Policy #1030) • As service providers we are required to report any suspected abuse. You are another set of eyes and ears to help keep our students safe!

10. What if…??? • A neighbor asks about her child’s reading group. How do you handle that? (All information about students is confidential. See note about Confidentiality Policy 9050 in previous slide)You would tell the parent that he or she should contact their child’s reading teacher to inquire about their progress. • Your math groups are doing so well that you thought to bring in some candy as a reward. Would that be okay? No. We must follow the Wellness Policy 9090.

11. Important Policies Cont. • Civility (Policy #1000) • This helps to remind us that an environment of mutual respect and civil conduct between and among students, school system employees, parents, volunteers, and the general public is critical to the achievement of students and staff. • Weapons (Policy #9250) • No weapons are allowed. • Communicate any concerns to the administration.

12. Our School-Wide Expectations • P - Prepared • A - Always kind • W- Work hard • S- Safety

13. Volunteer Opportunities • One-on-One/Small Group Program • Individual or Small Groups within the Teams • Creating Materials of Instruction • Related Arts/Support Personnel • Special Events • Field Trips

14. .Field Trips • Without assistance from chaperones, field trips would not be possible, so we appreciate parents’ willingness to provide this service. • To assist us in making trips a positive experience for all, all chaperones will be required to read and sign a document that reviews the chaperone expectations and liability insurance coverage provided by the county. • You will be given more information about a specific field trip if you choose to chaperone.

15. What if…??? • Your child wants you to take him to the museum “store” - although that’s not a part of the trip, would it be okay for you to take him to the store to buy him a little something? No. Please follow the planned activities. Participation experience needs to remain consistent for all students. • You decide to meet your child at the museum the day of the trip. Does your child need to stay with his or her chaperone, or can you take your child with you on your own route? For safety and liability reasons, your child must remain with the chaperone but you may accompany your child with the assigned group.

16. Logistical Information • Fire drill plan - you must exit with the students • Use the nearest exit.

17. Conclusion • We thank you for your time, support and adherence to these guidelines. We look forward to partnering with you to provide the best education possible for all our students. • Please click on the link below to conclude this training. • WOES Volunteer Training Feedback