On behalf of all the students and their teachers, thank you for volunteering to help us provide the best possible education for our students. You are an important component in the success of our students. Your presence in the classroom will provide the teacher with valuable help in giving individual and small group assistance. In whatever way you choose to help, whether in the classroom, media center, computer lab, or in other school programs, you can be sure your contribution is needed and valued.
This handbook was prepared to help you in your role as a school volunteer. The role and responsibilities of the school volunteer listed in this handbook will provide you with guidance for making your volunteer experience an enthusiastic success. Basic techniques and strategies you can use to help children learn are discussed briefly. Naturally, the teacher will always be nearby to provide directions and to answer your questions.
School Volunteers Make A Difference!
Across the nation, mothers, fathers, grandparents, businessmen and senior citizens – are finding that their involvement as school volunteers is having a positive influence on student achievement. Volunteers are making a difference in schools!
School Volunteer Tips – Remember To Be:
Honest
in your approach and attitude. It will aid in developing trust.
Patient
when working with students. When they are having difficulty with a subject, they do not need additional pressure.
Flexible
in responding to the needs of students.
Friendly
With a smile and a thank you, you can accomplish miracles.
Respectful
Treat individuals in the same manner you wish to be treated.
Confidential
It is very important that what is observed in the classroom remains confidential and student performance or behaviour is not to be discussed with other parents.
What A Volunteer Does:
Praises and encourages
Tells the child good things about himself
Tries to understand how the child feels
Commits to regular attendance
Builds caring and supportive rapport
Speaks directly to teacher about concerns regarding any student performance
Is considerate of teacher’s time
Makes a difference in a child’s life!
Is There Anything A Volunteer Shouldn’t Do?:
Discipline students
Have access to information in students’ cumulative files
Diagnose student needs or medical conditions
Evaluate student achievement
Counsel students
Discuss student progress and/or behaviour with other parents.
Volunteers are not paid…not because they are worthless,
but because they are priceless.
Procedures for Screening Volunteers
Child Abuse Registry Check
All volunteers working in our school or on school-sponsored activities will be required to complete a Child Abuse Registry Check form. This form will be submitted to the Provincial Child Abuse Registry and returned to Lord Selkirk School Division. The completed responses will be kept in the divisional office. Please note that the presence on the Child Abuse Registry will exclude an applicant from placement as a volunteer. The form is available from the school office.
Criminal Records Check
All volunteers who coach a school team, organize an after-school, organize and after-school club, drive students in their own vehicle, work one-on-one with students, or accompany a group on an overnight trip will be required to complete a Criminal Records Check form. The school division will pay the cost of the fee for the Criminal Records Check when you bring a letter from the Lord Selkirk School Division obtained from the school to the local RCMP office.
Applicants must complete forms at the local RCMP office and return them to the school. The school will then forward them to the Board Office to be entered in our database. The disclosure of a criminal record may not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for placement as a volunteer but disclosure of a sexual office will exclude an applicant from placement as a volunteer.
Pledge of Confidentiality
All volunteers will be required to sign the Pledge of Confidentiality form. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Please do not discuss student performance, teachers, school policies, or your own reactions to the school situations with anyone other than staff with whom you are working. If parents, family or friends ask you about your work, tell them you enjoy your work and share information about the activities you perform rather than the specific information about students, teachers, or the school. Please do not discuss the progress of the children, with whom you are working, with their parent. All reporting to parents is the responsibility of the teachers and must not be undertaken by volunteers. As a students’ tutor, you should not become involved with his/her parents. It is the responsibility of the school to tell parents when a student is receiving tutorial aid. If a parent does contact you, simply refer the parents to the child’s teachers.
