JH HINES ELEMENTARY VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK

2017-2018

Guidelines, Resources, & Opportunities for Volunteers

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WELCOME VOLUNTEERS

We are excited to have you as a volunteer! The district’s theme for 2017-2018 is Hard Work Pays Off! As a volunteer, you can work with students and staff to ensure that progress, no matter how big or small, is made because together HINES WILL RISE UP!We are extremely appreciative of our community resources and volunteers. In addition to parents and community members, 11 businesses and organizations developed or renewed partnerships for the 2017-2018 school year. Volunteers work in every aspect of school operation, from classroom, one-on-one and small group tutors, to organizing and manning special events and extracurricular activities. Please review this handbook. It gives an overview of the Volunteers Program at JH Hines and provides important guidelines you should be aware of prior to volunteering. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Robin Newman at (254) 753-1362 or robin.newman@wacoisd.org.Thank you for providing your precious time, individual gifts, and talents as a JH Hines Volunteer. Hard Work Pays Off!

Sincerely,

Robin NewmanParent and Community EngagementJH Hines Elementary301 Garrison StreetWaco, Texas 76704p: (254) 753-1362f: (254) 750-3799robin.newman@wacoisd.org

Julie SapaughPrincipalJH Hines Elementary

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

School Volunteer Program Framework 4

Important Volunteer Guidelines 6

Making the Right Match 9

Helping Students Learn 11

Frequently Asked Questions 12

Important School Contacts 13

JH Hines Map 13

Volunteer Checklist 14

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VOLUNTEER PROGRAM FRAMEWORKWho is a School Volunteer? A school volunteer is a person willing to take time to share wisdom and experience with those on the threshold of the future. A school volunteer helps to expand and enrich the students' learning experiences by working under the direction of teachers and school staff. According to the Texas Statute 1012.01 (5) –A school volunteer is “a person providing services for or on behalf of a school district, on the premises of the district or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off school property, who does not receive compensation” Occasionally it can be difficult to decide if an individual falls into the classification of a school volunteer. A school volunteer usually meets all of the following criteria: 1. The individual will provide a service to the school. 2. The individual will NOT be compensated monetarily by the school district. 3. The individual will be providing volunteer service for more than one day (except for field trip chaperones). 4. The individual may have access to students while performing the service.

Qualifications You should have: a genuine interest in students, a professional commitment to your volunteer activity, regular attendance, a cooperative attitude, flexibility, good health, and a willingness to attend training sessions, as needed.

Roles and Responsibilities Responsibilities of the Waco ISD Volunteer Programs Department (Stephanie Hines):

Developing and disseminating volunteer materials. Managing district level volunteer applications Running volunteering criminal background checks. Speaking to community groups. Working with school-based coordinators to develop and maintain school programs. Helping coordinate the Adopt-A-School Partner meetings.

At JH Hines- Our volunteer program is designed to meet the needs of the students and teachers at Hines. In cooperation with the principal, the school's volunteer coordinator, Robin Newman directs their volunteer program. Responsibilities of the school Volunteer Coordinator are:

Surveying needs of teachers. Recruiting and registering volunteers - especially parents. Arranging for orientation and training. Placing volunteers by matching their skills/interests to job assignments. Serving as a resource for volunteers. Keeping track of volunteer logs, hours, and donations.

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Volunteers in Schools: Benefits for Everyone The volunteer gains:

Personal satisfaction from helping children learn. Opportunities to learn new skills, polish old ones. Work experience that may lead to a future career.

The student gains: Additional individual attention. An accepting atmosphere for reinforced learning. A chance to succeed, thus building better self-esteem. A warm and caring adult who is a confidant and role model. Academic achievement and enriched learning

The school gains: Positive interaction with the community. Improved student achievement and behavior. Additional services without extra costs. Increased community understanding and support.

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IMPORTANT VOLUNTEER GUIDELINESIf you are not yet a volunteer at JH Hines, contact Robin Newman. You will be given instructions to fill out the online volunteer application and background check or invited to visit the school to complete the online portion if you do not have access to a computer. Volunteers need a driver’s license or state ID to apply. Once you have completed the online portion, please call or email Robin Newman. After Waco ISD completes your criminal background check and you have been cleared to volunteer, Robin Newman will provide an orientation and training on school policies and volunteer procedures.

Getting StartedVolunteers need to know fire drill procedures, restroom locations, school dress code, parking areas, absence procedures, the location of the Volunteer sign-in book/computer and name tags, the opening and closing times of the school, the eating facilities, the use of cell phones, and general regulations in the school.

Volunteer Applications (online) All adult (over age 18) and senior volunteer applicants, one-time including field trip chaperones, must complete an online Application to Volunteer (with the criminal background check). The Keeping Track Management System provides a sexual predator/offender database check to maximize the safety of our students and to meet Texas legal requirements. When Waco ISD employees or retirees plan to volunteer, they should also follow the same application process.

Clearance Volunteers must bring their state issued ID (driver’s license or state issued identification card) each time they come to JH Hines to volunteer. Each time a volunteer arrives, their ID will be scanned into the Keeping Track Management System and a yellow or pink sticker name tag will be printed. This name tag should be worn at all times and will be turned into the front office clerk upon checkout. Passports or out of country forms of identification are not accepted for volunteers.

Renewal Volunteer applications must be completed each school year.

School ProceduresHealth Regulations

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Please do not come to school if you are ill. This includes a cold, sore throat, or cough. You may think you are leaving the teacher shorthanded, and you may want to volunteer even though you are not well, but doing so is not good for you, the children, or the teacher. Please call the school and ask to speak to Robin Newman or leave a message for her if you have an unforeseen absence. Children learn by example, and we ask that you, as a role model, use good health habits when you are at school.

Attendance Punctuality and reliability are expected since students are counting on you. Please inform Robin Newman and the school staff who you work with in advance of planned absences and call the school for unforeseen absences. Students will be disappointed you cannot come, but will be reassured that you cared enough to call.

Appearance and Manner Volunteers are considered non-paid employees and should be well-groomed and dress professionally. If you are not sure how you should dress, please ask Robin Newman. Volunteers should also set a good example to students by maintaining professional conduct and language. The following are not acceptable:

Lewd/offensive tattoos (must be covered) Short or athletic shorts or short skirts or dresses Hats in the building Excessive piercings Low cut tops or exposed midriffs Inappropriate or offensive graphics/language Leggings without coverage

Confidentiality Volunteers must maintain strict confidentiality concerning information they learn about students or faculty including grades, records, attendance, and abilities. Keep information about students between yourself and the teacher. A misplaced comment can be devastating to a student, the family, and the volunteer program. If you have questions or concerns, talk with the teacher, volunteer coordinator, or the principal.

Sign In/Out and Wear a Nametag When volunteering always: 1) report to the school office and have your state ID scanned by the office clerk; 2) sign in the Volunteer Notebook; and 3) wear your yellow or pink sticker name badge. These requirements are necessary because:

Safeguarding our students and maintaining campus security is of the utmost importance. Volunteers who have been approved and follow the school's sign-in procedure are covered

by School Board liability policies while volunteering. Verified volunteer service can be used as work experience for future employment. Individual volunteers will be recognized for their dedication and service to our schools.

Volunteer Orientation and TrainingAfter your volunteer application and criminal background check is cleared through the district, Robin Newman will schedule a volunteer orientation and training. During your new volunteer training, opportunities will be reviewed and school policies and procedures explained. On-the-job training is provided by the school employee (teacher, media specialist, assistant principal, office specialist, etc.) supervising you. Volunteers must sign the Volunteer Agreement before beginning volunteer hours.

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State and District Rules for Reporting Abuse and NeglectIf you have concerns of abuse or neglect, please consult the principal, assistant principals, or the volunteer coordinator. If you do feel the need to make a report, you need to let the principal or volunteer coordinator know.Texas laws states: Any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent, legal custodian, caregiver, or other person responsible for the child's welfare shall report such knowledge or suspicion to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.How do you make a report? Call the Abuse Hotline (1-800-252-5400) or make an online report at www.txabusehotline.org. Additional information can be obtained at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

When Working with Students Volunteers DO NOT discipline students. Provide “instruction” to students regarding

behavior. Report discipline problems to the teacher or other school staff. Volunteers must always be supervised when working with students. They may not

supervise a classroom or give permission for a student to leave a classroom. These are the teachers’ responsibilities.

Volunteers do not diagnose student weaknesses and strengths, prescribe activities for students, or evaluate student progress.

Volunteers are not to bring their babies or younger pre-school children into the classroom during instruction time. This presents a liability issue and is disruptive to the classroom.

Volunteers should set a good example for students by their manner, appearance, and behavior. They should be well-groomed, appropriately dressed, and maintain professional con-duct/language.

Volunteers should never discuss personal religious or faith beliefs with students at school or give out any religious materials.

Volunteers should put their cell phone on vibrate when working on campus. Cellphone ring tones and conversations are disruptive to the learning environment. Also, do not use your cell phone while driving in the school parking lot or when working with students.

Volunteers should be in good physical and mental health. If you have a medical condition which might suddenly impair you, please let the volunteer coordinator.

Volunteers may not give any medication to students. Refer student to a teacher or the school nurse.

Volunteers' comments should not be written on student papers. Volunteers should contact ONLY school staff members with any concerns regarding

students. Comparing and criticizing teachers and students is not acceptable volunteer

behavior. Volunteer may not take photographs of students, unless permit-ted by a school

administrator for a school project. Never post any student photographs or student information on social networks.

Volunteers should never touch students in any way that is aggressive, disciplinary, or sexual in nature.

Safety Guidelines Remember:

Know and follow all of the school's safety rules.

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If an accident occurs, immediately notify a staff member. Never move a child involved in an accident. A member of the school staff will initiate proper

procedures. If you are hurt or involved in an accident while serving in your volunteer capacity, you

should report the incident to the school office and complete an accident report immediately. If you have a medical condition which might suddenly impair you, please let the volunteer

coordinator know. Make sure the school has emergency contact information on file.

MAKING THE RIGHT MATCHFrom preparing materials for a classroom, to reading with students, or tutoring a student one-on-one, there is a volunteer job to suit most interests. The following is an overview of possible volunteer opportunities available at JH Hines Elementary. To help with the placement process, please consider the following:

Would you like to work directly with students? Would you like to be a tutor or a classroom assistant, an office worker, or to work with

exceptional students? Do you have special talents and/or skills that would benefit music, art, physical education,

or an extra-curricular program? Would you prefer younger children (prek-1st grade) or older children (2nd-5th grade)? How much time can you commit to volunteering? What days or hours do you prefer? Can you make a weekly commitment or are you only available occasionally? What experience do you have that would prepare you for your volunteer job? What is your motivation for volunteering?

Volunteer Job DescriptionsClassroom Volunteer(Reading, Basic Math, English, Science, Social Studies)

Reads to children or listens to them read. Uses flash cards to help students learn words, multiplication tables, and word sounds. Assists younger children with learning the alphabet, colors, numbers and in identifying

letters, shapes, rhyming words, etc. Supervises learning centers, games, and other areas where an extra pair of hands are

needed. Assists students with special projects. Assists students in academic work without evaluating. Prepares bulletin boards or hands-on teaching materials.

Field Trip Chaperone Assists teachers during field trips. May take responsibility of a group of students assigned by the teacher.

Garden Volunteer Assists with the school garden and green house. Helps special interest clubs with beautification projects.

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Library Volunteer Responds to teachers' and students' requests for services. Works at the circulation desk; shelves books. Helps students pick out books

Math Class Volunteer Helps with small group instruction during math class. Helps teacher students learn math facts.

Physical Education Volunteer Helps the PE teacher with team games. Helps with field day events.

School Advisory Council Volunteer Serves on the school’s campus decision making council (CDMC). Develops strategies for improving areas of need.

District Parent Involvement Committee Attends district evening Parent Involvement planning meetings Helps plan and develop strategies to improve parent engagement in Waco ISD

Tutor Volunteer Works with small groups to reinforce basic skills. Offers remedial help or reinforcement activities. May provide additional challenges to gifted students.

Lunch Book Clubs Reads and discusses novels with small groups of advanced readers. Serves as a role model and advisor, helping the student understand how education will help

him or her reach personal goals.

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HELPING STUDENTS LEARN- EXPECT & CORRECT

Helpful Tips for Volunteers A student's name is very important. Make sure you say and spell it correctly Make sure your student knows and can pronounce your name. You might give the student a

card with your name written on it. LISTEN! Show that you are interested in each student as a person. Listen carefully to what

the student has to say. Students make mistakes. Assure them that this is part of learning but correct them when

wrong (especially spelling, punctuation, and grammar). Build the student's self-confidence. Praise your student honestly and frequently. Let students try new methods, even if you know an easier way. Give the students as much time as they need to understand new ideas. Be patient! Be reliable. Students will be disappointed when you are absent. Show you care by calling

when you can't go to school when expected. If you are a parent, allow your own child room to grow. Volunteer in a location other than

your child's classroom. Expect student to behave and learn and correct them when they do not.

Students Learn By: Doing - not by passive observing. Asking questions and searching for answers to their questions. Discovering - using all their senses, whenever possible. Experimenting - sorting and combining objects. Repeating experiences. Building confidence in themselves.

Communicating with Students:The following suggestions are provided to help you communicate with students to get positive results.

Be sure the students understand what you're saying. We sometimes use words they do not comprehend.

Keep your voice as low as possible. The students will get louder as your voice increases in volume.

Positive statements greatly influence students' attitudes about themselves and contribute to their success-building experiences.

Some expressions to boost a student's self-confidence:

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"I like the way you're working." "That's right! Good for you." "That's quite an improvement." "Good thinking." "I'm very proud of the way you worked today." "It looks like you put a lot of thinking into this." “That’s respectful behavior. Thank you!”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSHow do I become a volunteer? Contact Robin Newman at robin.newman@wacoisd.org or 254-753-1362. You will be asked to complete the online volunteer application and criminal background check. Applicants may not be placed in a volunteer position prior to clearance from the criminal background check. After the application and background checks have been processed and cleared, Robin Newman will set up a time to meet to discuss opportunities, schedules, and training. I do not have teaching experience. Can I still volunteer? Yes! A teaching background is not required since volunteers work under the direction of the professional staff. Qualifications for a school volunteer are: a personal desire to help, sincere interest in students, ability to follow school procedures and policies, and a willingness to make a definite time commitment. Any necessary training will be provided by the teacher or at a special workshop. I'd like to volunteer, but I can't offer my services on a regular basis. Can I still volunteer? Yes! You may volunteer on special school projects or during family nights after regular school hours. I would like to volunteer, but I have a baby or preschool child. Can I bring my child with me? No. Taking preschool children with you to school presents a liability problem for the school. In addition, having a very young child in a classroom interrupts class procedures, disrupts the students, and prevents the volunteer from giving full attention to the work the teacher has prepared.What do I do about discipline?Disciplinary action is the responsibility of the teachers and school staff. Volunteers do not enforce discipline. Think instruction instead of discipline. Request students to work according to the rules and procedures in the classroom. Immediately notify the teacher if there is a discipline problem.My friends and neighbors will ask me about school. What may I say?We want you to talk positively about your experience and our school, but you may have access to "privileged" information, which must be treated as confidential. Privileged information is important school business and must never be discussed outside of the school. Also, remember that criticizing school personnel and school practices are not acceptable. What if I have a criminal history? We appreciate your willingness to help, but if you do not pass the volunteer criminal background check, you are unable to serve at JH Hines.

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IMPORTANT SCHOOL CONTACTSJH Hines Elementary301 GarrisonWaco, Texas 76704254-753-1362

Julie Sapaugh, Campus PrincipalJennifer Sharp, Assistant PrincipalShelby Lee, Assistant PrincipalRobin Newman, Campus Volunteer CoordinatorRoslyn McGowan, Front OfficeEricka Martinez, Front OfficeElesa Maimbourg, Front OfficeTammy Farmer, School Nurse

JH HINES MAP

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VOLUNTEER CHECKLISTI have completed the following:

o talked with the school’s volunteer coordinator, Robin Newmano completed the online volunteer application and criminal background checko waited for my application to be process and cleared prior to volunteeringo attended a volunteer orientation and training sessiono signed the JH Hines’ Volunteer Agreemento been assigned to a teacher or a supervisor of a project, classroom, or activityo been assigned a specific place and time to work

I know the following:o the school layout, parking, and facilities availableo classroom policies, procedures, and ruleso fire drill procedures and safety ruleso where and when to report to worko where the sign-in book and volunteer check in are locatedo what to do if I must be absento where instructional materials/tools are kepto what is expected of me.

NOTES

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