WELCOME TO VOLUNTEERS

 

The staff and students of Tolt Middle School welcome active and visible parent involvement in the life of the school. Voluntarism enriches the leaning environment of our children and the lives of those donating their time.

 

We look forward to your continued interest, support and involvement in our school community. Enjoy your time with us and do not hesitate to share your insights, question and concerns.  We rely on your feedback for the continued improvement of our volunteer program.

 

Volunteerism enhances student self-esteem, increases academic achievement and cognitive development, and improves student behavior and attendance.

 

Teachers come to see parents as valued partners in extending and enriching the educational program. In addition, parents come to know they make a difference through contributions of time and talent. Parent/adult involvement allows staff to draw upon supplemental and often unique adult resources and expertise.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Staff are committed to:

*      Welcoming volunteers

*      Informing them about their tasks

*      Providing materials

 

Volunteers are committed to:

*      Respecting school rules and procedures

*      Performing assigned tasks to the best of their ability

*      Working cooperatively with all staff and seeking clarification when necessary

 

 

VOLUNTEER PROCEDURES

 

Forms

*      Fill out the appropriate Washington State forms.  They must be on file in our main office.  You cannot volunteer at Tolt without these forms filled out and on file.

 

Parking

*      Due to construction please park in our front parking lot or across the street.

 

Entrance (Please call if unable to come when expected)

*      Sign in at main office

*      Pick up name tag and wear at all times on campus

*      Sign out and return name tag when leaving

 

Work routine: (Explained by school staff and on-the-job-training provided)

*      Familiarize yourself with the rules and routines of the school and classroom. Please ask questions if unsure about a direction or routine.

*      Respect the teaching learning process by not using your volunteer time for an informal parent-teacher conference or conversation.

*      Be aware that the staff room is often a workroom for teachers and children are not allowed in this area.

*      When volunteering in classrooms make other arrangements for siblings.

*      Be open and honest in your communication to the staff and administration. If you feel a problem exists, help to identify the problem and communicate your concern directly to a staff member.

*      As a volunteer you are not expected to be responsible for the actions of the children or for administering discipline. If a student is disruptive seek assistance form the teacher or administrator.

*      Confidentiality -- In the course of your volunteer work at our school, you may learn confidential information about students, parents or teachers. You are expected to keep this information confidential in any setting inside or outside the school, just as you would wish your own privacy rights to be respected.

 

 

 

VOLUNTEER CODE OF ETHICS

 

 

Confidentiality

 

A volunteer operates in a position of trust. Personal information pertaining to students must be kept confidential, as well as conversations between parents, teachers and students.

 

Communication

 

Always direct other parents’ concerns to the classroom teacher. It is the teacher’s responsibility to inform parents of student progress. If problems or concerns arise, first discuss them with the specific classroom teacher.

 

Dependability

 

The school relies on your support. Follow through on tasks by attending to scheduled times and please give notice of absence whenever possible.

 

Respect For Others

 

Children learn from watching you. Practice patience and understanding toward the children and staff which helps learners value and apply these qualities.

 

Role

 

At all times a volunteer is there to support the needs of the teachers, students, or program. Observations of staff must never be evaluative in nature, and tasks should be carried out according to the teacher’s request.

 

 

Note: It is important that as a volunteer you are realistic about the amount of time that you can offer the school and what you are unable to handle. Being at Tolt Middle School should be a positive experience; however this may not be possible if your commitments outweigh the amount of time or energy that you have available.