Operation 360

1. Robertson County School Operation 360 Non-Academic Volunteer Hours Presented by Mrs. Karen Brumagen and Ms. Karen King April 14, 2015

2. Supervision • Volunteers always work under the direct supervision of the professional administrative and teaching staff at each school and only with those teachers who have requested services of the volunteer. Robertson County Schools are responsible for the education, safety, and well being of each student.

3. Confidentiality: • Volunteers must protect the teacher’s and student’s right to privacy. Once a volunteer begins to work in a school setting, he/she becomes privy to knowledge about children’s behavior patterns, academic ability, emotional maturity, and relationships with others etc. In some cases, information of this nature is imparted so that the volunteer can work more effectively with the child. In other cases, it is simply acquired in the course of frequent contact in the school.

4. Confidentiality continued… • In addition, volunteers are in a position to learn more about staff members than would normally be learned from their public image. One also forms personal opinions about the professional competency of individual teachers and staff. • Nevershare knowledge and /or opinions about the professional competency of individual teachers and staff in the community or with anyone who has no legitimate need to know. • Never make comments harmful to the reputation of any pupil, professional or other volunteer.

5. Confidentiality continued… • If parents or friends ask about your work, tell them you enjoy working with the children and discuss the activities you do rather than specific information about the child, the teacher, or the school. • If problems develop, the line of communication regarding a situation in the school is always first with the staff member concerned and then, if necessary, with the principal.

6. Confidentiality continued… 5. To make sure that students, staff and families feel comfortable, we all need to respect each other’s privacy. Volunteers must be especially careful to honor confidentiality. Breaching confidentiality can be hurtful to children, their families and the staff. It can also harm the good reputation our volunteer parents have earned over the years. To help, here are sample issues that can arise.

7. Confidentiality continued… • “Wasn’t it cute when John…” No matter how innocent, cute, funny or charming a classroom event may be, it is not okay to repeat stories about students. What happens in the classroom stays in the classroom.

8. Confidentiality continued… • When you see or overhear something… As a volunteer, you might see or hear things from staff or students which they would not want to have repeated outside the school. What happens in the classroom (the hall, the gym, or restrooms etc.) stays at school. If you have concerns about something you see or hear, please talk to the class teacher or principal if appropriate.

9. Confidentiality continued… • When you have a concern….If a student tells you something that causes you concern, tell the classroom teacher. If you observe something that troubles you, tell the classroom teacher. The teacher is in the best position to deal with the issue appropriately.

10. Confidentiality continued… • When parents ask you questions… Many parents are tempted to ask you about how their children behave at school. This is especially likely if you are friends outside school. It is not okay to put volunteers in this awkward position. Don’t ask! Don’t tell! If parents do have concerns, encourage them to talk to the class teacher.

11. Confidentiality continued… • When students tell you about their family, pet, vacation, etc… As students become comfortable working with you, they might decide to share something personal. You need to keep this information private, even if you know the child and their family outside of school.

12. Approach • Be professional and be positive! • Strive to give each child the best you can! • Respect your co-workers and all school employees. • If working in your child’s classroom, try not to single them out for attention as the may make them uncomfortable. • Remember your time and energy is helping to make Robertson County School a great place to learn!!!!!!!!

13. Volunteer Role A volunteer provides support not only to the students, but also to the teacher, the nature of which is based on the discretion of the teacher for whom you are volunteering. As an adult, you have a unique perspective and ability to understand students. However, as a volunteer, you must act in that capacity first and foremost.

14. Professionalism Although the job is voluntary, the commitment is professional. Besides maintaining an attitude of mutual respect and confidence, you should become familiar with school and classroom policies and practices. Working with the teaching staff requires flexibility and a willingness to follow directions.

15. Volunteers • 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!

16. We need you... • Whether your child is just starting kindergarten or entering the first year of high school, there are many good reasons for parents to volunteer at school. It’s a great way to show your child that you take an interest in their education, and it sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause.

17. According to decades of scientific research-including a study from the Department of Education that reviewed 30 years of research – parental involvement in the classroom is a key factor in improving students’ academic performance.

18. There are many reasons to get involved in our school. Parent volunteers offer a huge resource and support base for the school community while showing their kids the importance of participating in the larger community.

19. Not only will the school reap the benefits of your involvement-you will, too. By interacting with teachers, administrators, and other parents, you will gain a firsthand understanding of your child’s daily activities. You will also tap into trends and fads of school life that can help you communicate with your child/children as they grow and change.

20. Even if you haven’t been involved in the past, it’s never too late to start. In fact, it may be more important than ever to get involved when kids reach secondary school. Some parents may experience “volunteer burnout” by the time their kids enter high school or decide that the schools don’t need them as much then. Maybe parents who volunteered a lot of time during their kids’ elementary years return to full-time careers by the time their child/children are teens, so there’s often a shortage in secondary schools.

21. One of the best starting points for getting involved is a parent/teacher conference. Whether you have something to offer, or if you just want to help out in whatever way you can, discuss the possibilities with teachers, FRYSC Family Resource Youth Services Center personnel who might arrange something with you personally or direct you to a person who can answer your questions and make suggestions.

22. Hints for Working with Students • Know their name(s) • They know your name • Be creative and innovative • Be reliable • Build students’ self-confidence

23. If you can….. • Help to organize, cater, or work at fundraising activities such as bake sales or car washes • Act as a lunchroom or playground monitor-an extra set of eyes • Work in the school concession stands-athletic, Halloween Carnival, school fair, etc.

24. Helping with…. • Baking a dessert for Perfect Attendance Dessert Bar and/or help assist in dishing out the goodies • Help with book fairs • Stuffing Easter eggs, hiding eggs • Holiday parties

25. Decorations for front entrance • Prepare bulletin boards • Cleaning up trash/playground/yard • Volunteering in cafeteria

26. Plays-costumes/scenery • Help with Block Party, cook food, hand out materials • Provide materials for Block Party • Making desserts for lunchroom for Halloween Carnival and cakes for the cake auction

27. Helping to collect and wrap Parcel Post donations • Helping to collect donations for Project Prom • Helping to decorate for Prom and Project Prom • Work at Project Prom

28. Help to plan graduation ceremonies • Snow removal • Landscaping • Pick up trash from bleachers after ball games

29. Decorate town for Child Abuse Prevention • Placing pinwheels in yards for Child Abuse Prevention • Assist with field trips • Make puppets

30. Set up or run a school bookstore • Help arrange assembly programs • Organize or assist with a specific club or interest group (if you have an interest in an activity that isn’t currently available to students, offer to help get a group started-for example, a chess club or cycling team)

31. Help the school administrators prepare grant proposals, letter-writing campaigns, or press releases or provide other administrative assistance • Supervise or judge experiments at a science fair • There will be other non-academic areas that are not listed-check in to see about the thoughts you may have.

32. Background Check The state has approved legislation requiring school districts to have volunteers complete Background Checks if they are working with students. All volunteers are required to complete Background Check information forms.

33. Sign In and Sign Out • All volunteers must sign in and out at the main office.