parent volunteer handbook 2016-2017
PARENT VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK 2016-2017
“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN ALL WE DO!”
Dear Parent Volunteer: Welcome to the Bryan County School System. We are thankful that you have chosen to volunteer your services to our students. With the support of volunteers such as yourself, the opportunity to meet the individual needs of each child is greatly increased. The Bryan County School Staff encourages parents/guardians and other members of the community to share their time, and abilities with our students. Community volunteers in our school enrich the educational program and strengthen our school’s relationship with homes, businesses, public agencies and private institutions. The education of the youth of today takes a whole community. Caring members of our community bring new energies and resources into our schools. All over the country schools are drawing support from their communities through the efforts of volunteers who work in our schools, become career mentors, contribute goods and supplies, and those that support our schools financially through endowments and grants. This handbook is designed to provide you with practical information that will assist you in your volunteer placement. It is our goal that the time you spend with our students is worthwhile for you as well as the students. Once again, thank you for helping make a difference in the lives of students at Bryan County Schools.
“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN ALL WE DO!”
BRYAN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Paul T. Brooksher, Ph.D., Superintendent Eddie Warren, Chairman Joe Pecenka, Vice Chairman Paine Bacon Ellabell Dennis Seger Pembroke Marianne Smith Richmond Hill Amy Murphy Richmond Hill David Schwartz Richmond Hill
Bryan County Schools and Principals School Bryan County High School Bryan County Middle School Bryan County Elementary School Lanier Primary School Richmond Hill High School Richmond Hill Middle School Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary School Richmond Hill Elementary School Richmond Hill Primary School McAllister Elementary School
Contact Information 912-626-5060 912-626-5050
Principal Crystal Morales Dr. Michael Tinney
912-626-5033
Jeff Hodges
912-626-5020 912-459-5151 912-459-5130
Dr. Lynnie Clemens Debi McNeal Dr. William McGrath
912-459-5111
Karen Smith
912-459-5100
Walt Barnes
912-459-5080
Nancy Highsmith
912-851-4040
Mr. Bivins Miller
Goals and Expectations of the Volunteer Program Each schools volunteer program is individualized. This is to meet the specific goals and expectation of the students and staff in each school. The parent volunteer will ALWAYS report to the Volunteer Coordinator in the schools.
Goals:
To enrich the students’ curriculum and broaden their awareness and experiences. To enrich children’s experiences through activities, resources, and the gift of your time. To assist teachers, thus providing more time for instruction. To contribute to a more informed community which actively supports the school program. To model the importance of school and education for your child and all children. To support academic and enhance all aspects of the educational process.
Expectations: Sign in at the beginning of each school visit and sign out prior to leaving school grounds. Wear specific school/site identification while on school property or at school-related activities and return the identification prior to leaving the school and/or activity. Dress appropriately for the educational and work setting in a manner that is not disruptive to the educational process. The principal has the discretion to determine whether attire is disruptive to the educational process. Promote the worth and dignity of all individuals by displaying an attitude of cooperation, friendliness and acceptance. Make every effort to perform volunteer duties in the presence of a BCS employee. Avoid unsupervised, one-on-one student contact. Do not discipline any student at any time. Behavior concerns should be reported to a teacher or school administrator. Refrain from bringing visitors, children, siblings or others in your care to the volunteer site. Notify the school when unable to complete scheduled volunteer time.
“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN ALL WE DO!”
Getting Started: Guidelines to Volunteer at Bryan County Schools
All individuals must complete the Parent Volunteer Training once every two years. The trainings will be hosted at the individual schools.
ALL parent volunteers MUST complete the Mandated Reporting Training every year. Please see designated Volunteer Coordinator in your school for future instructions.
Once parent has completed training and/or mandated reporting power point, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to begin volunteering.
We at Bryan County Schools thank you for giving us you time and energy. Together we can work as a team to make our school better.
Ways Volunteers Can Support Bryan County Schools 1. Helping your child be successful by monitoring homework practices. 2. Attending parent organization meetings. 3. Listening to or reading stories to groups of students. 4. Helping in our Media Center. 5. Putting up displays or bulletin boards in classrooms or hallways. 6. Typing stories or other student work. 7. Participate in fundraising and community outreach programs. 8. Helping teachers make various teaching tools for students. 9. Working with students on teacher-planned activities. 10. Volunteering to share a talent. 11. Volunteering to present to a class or the school about your profession. 12. Contacting community members to share or present at our school. 13. Organizing classroom materials.
“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN ALL WE DO!”
Maintaining Student and Staff confidentiality The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law more commonly known as FERPA, as well as state regulations, protect the privacy of student information. Therefore, Bryan County Schools student records are confidential and must be treated in accordance with these laws. A volunteer is required to protect the confidentiality of all student information. Volunteers will not have unauthorized access to student records or any confidential records in the schools. Maintaining student and staff confidentiality volunteers may not share any confidential information that they learn from their time spent volunteering at a school. If a volunteer becomes aware of information regarding a student that he or she feels need to be shared with a third party, these concerns should be directed to the school principal. If a volunteer feels that a student’s confidentiality has been violated, the volunteer should share his or her concerns with the school principal or the principal’s designee.
Bill of Rights for School Volunteer A dedicated school volunteer has: 1. The right to be treated as a co-worker, not just as free help or as a once-in-a-while convenience. 2. The right to know as much about the organization as possible: its policies, its people, and its programs. 3. The right to training for the job, thoughtfully planned and effectively presented. 4. The right to sound guidance and direction through pre-service orientation. 5. The right to continued exposure to information about new developments. 6. The right to a convenient place to work, conducive to work, and worthy of the job to be done. 7. The right to be heard, to feel free to make suggestions, and to ask questions and get answers. 8. The right to recognition in the form of awards and through day-by-day expressions of appreciation.
“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN ALL WE DO!”
VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT 1. As a volunteer, I agree to keep confidential any information I may learn about a student as a result of volunteering in a school. I understand that all information held by the schools about students is confidential and should be handled with care and in the strictest of confidence. Any questions or concerns I have related to students will be directed only to the classroom teacher or building principal. 2. I agree to follow ALL policy and procedures of the Bryan County School system and the individual schools as well as the requirements of the volunteer program. 3. I will willingly accept tasks assigned to me and to recognize that the relationship with staff members requires mutual respect and confidence. 4. I understand that students have rights and individual needs and will treat each one with courtesy and respect. I will only do what is in the best personal and educational interest of all students. 5. I understand that the teacher is the disciplinarian for the students in the classroom and will refer such matters to the teacher. 6. I realize that I will serve as a role model to the students and that I should demonstrate appropriate behavior, speech, and dress. 7. I will follow safe actions including never being alone with a student in locations where I am not visible to others, and to use verbal praise rather than touch to recognize good effort. 8. I have attended the MANDATED REPORTING training for school volunteers and understand my responsibilities related to this effort. I understand that I must attend this training EVERY school year.
_____________________________
_________________________________
Volunteer’s Name (Please Print)
Volunteers Signature
_________________________ Date
I plan to volunteer in these schools: (Check all that apply) __ Bryan County High School
__ Bryan Middle School
__ Bryan County Elementary School
__ Lanier Primary School
__ McAllister Elementary School
__ George Washington Carver
__ Richmond Hill Primary School
__ Richmond Hill Middle School
__ Richmond Hill Elementary School
__ Richmond Hill High School
“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN ALL WE DO!”
“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN ALL WE DO!”
Dear Parent Volunteer: Welcome to the Bryan County School System. We are thankful that you have chosen to volunteer your services to our students. With the support of volunteers such as yourself, the opportunity to meet the individual needs of each child is greatly increased. The Bryan County School Staff encourages parents/guardians and other members of the community to share their time, and abilities with our students. Community volunteers in our school enrich the educational program and strengthen our school’s relationship with homes, businesses, public agencies and private institutions. The education of the youth of today takes a whole community. Caring members of our community bring new energies and resources into our schools. All over the country schools are drawing support from their communities through the efforts of volunteers who work in our schools, become career mentors, contribute goods and supplies, and those that support our schools financially through endowments and grants. This handbook is designed to provide you with practical information that will assist you in your volunteer placement. It is our goal that the time you spend with our students is worthwhile for you as well as the students. Once again, thank you for helping make a difference in the lives of students at Bryan County Schools.
“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN ALL WE DO!”
BRYAN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Paul T. Brooksher, Ph.D., Superintendent Eddie Warren, Chairman Joe Pecenka, Vice Chairman Paine Bacon Ellabell Dennis Seger Pembroke Marianne Smith Richmond Hill Amy Murphy Richmond Hill David Schwartz Richmond Hill
Bryan County Schools and Principals School Bryan County High School Bryan County Middle School Bryan County Elementary School Lanier Primary School Richmond Hill High School Richmond Hill Middle School Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary School Richmond Hill Elementary School Richmond Hill Primary School McAllister Elementary School
Contact Information 912-626-5060 912-626-5050
Principal Crystal Morales Dr. Michael Tinney
912-626-5033
Jeff Hodges
912-626-5020 912-459-5151 912-459-5130
Dr. Lynnie Clemens Debi McNeal Dr. William McGrath
912-459-5111
Karen Smith
912-459-5100
Walt Barnes
912-459-5080
Nancy Highsmith
912-851-4040
Mr. Bivins Miller
Goals and Expectations of the Volunteer Program Each schools volunteer program is individualized. This is to meet the specific goals and expectation of the students and staff in each school. The parent volunteer will ALWAYS report to the Volunteer Coordinator in the schools.
Goals:
To enrich the students’ curriculum and broaden their awareness and experiences. To enrich children’s experiences through activities, resources, and the gift of your time. To assist teachers, thus providing more time for instruction. To contribute to a more informed community which actively supports the school program. To model the importance of school and education for your child and all children. To support academic and enhance all aspects of the educational process.
Expectations: Sign in at the beginning of each school visit and sign out prior to leaving school grounds. Wear specific school/site identification while on school property or at school-related activities and return the identification prior to leaving the school and/or activity. Dress appropriately for the educational and work setting in a manner that is not disruptive to the educational process. The principal has the discretion to determine whether attire is disruptive to the educational process. Promote the worth and dignity of all individuals by displaying an attitude of cooperation, friendliness and acceptance. Make every effort to perform volunteer duties in the presence of a BCS employee. Avoid unsupervised, one-on-one student contact. Do not discipline any student at any time. Behavior concerns should be reported to a teacher or school administrator. Refrain from bringing visitors, children, siblings or others in your care to the volunteer site. Notify the school when unable to complete scheduled volunteer time.
“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN ALL WE DO!”
Getting Started: Guidelines to Volunteer at Bryan County Schools
All individuals must complete the Parent Volunteer Training once every two years. The trainings will be hosted at the individual schools.
ALL parent volunteers MUST complete the Mandated Reporting Training every year. Please see designated Volunteer Coordinator in your school for future instructions.
Once parent has completed training and/or mandated reporting power point, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to begin volunteering.
We at Bryan County Schools thank you for giving us you time and energy. Together we can work as a team to make our school better.
Ways Volunteers Can Support Bryan County Schools 1. Helping your child be successful by monitoring homework practices. 2. Attending parent organization meetings. 3. Listening to or reading stories to groups of students. 4. Helping in our Media Center. 5. Putting up displays or bulletin boards in classrooms or hallways. 6. Typing stories or other student work. 7. Participate in fundraising and community outreach programs. 8. Helping teachers make various teaching tools for students. 9. Working with students on teacher-planned activities. 10. Volunteering to share a talent. 11. Volunteering to present to a class or the school about your profession. 12. Contacting community members to share or present at our school. 13. Organizing classroom materials.
“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN ALL WE DO!”
Maintaining Student and Staff confidentiality The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law more commonly known as FERPA, as well as state regulations, protect the privacy of student information. Therefore, Bryan County Schools student records are confidential and must be treated in accordance with these laws. A volunteer is required to protect the confidentiality of all student information. Volunteers will not have unauthorized access to student records or any confidential records in the schools. Maintaining student and staff confidentiality volunteers may not share any confidential information that they learn from their time spent volunteering at a school. If a volunteer becomes aware of information regarding a student that he or she feels need to be shared with a third party, these concerns should be directed to the school principal. If a volunteer feels that a student’s confidentiality has been violated, the volunteer should share his or her concerns with the school principal or the principal’s designee.
Bill of Rights for School Volunteer A dedicated school volunteer has: 1. The right to be treated as a co-worker, not just as free help or as a once-in-a-while convenience. 2. The right to know as much about the organization as possible: its policies, its people, and its programs. 3. The right to training for the job, thoughtfully planned and effectively presented. 4. The right to sound guidance and direction through pre-service orientation. 5. The right to continued exposure to information about new developments. 6. The right to a convenient place to work, conducive to work, and worthy of the job to be done. 7. The right to be heard, to feel free to make suggestions, and to ask questions and get answers. 8. The right to recognition in the form of awards and through day-by-day expressions of appreciation.
“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN ALL WE DO!”
VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT 1. As a volunteer, I agree to keep confidential any information I may learn about a student as a result of volunteering in a school. I understand that all information held by the schools about students is confidential and should be handled with care and in the strictest of confidence. Any questions or concerns I have related to students will be directed only to the classroom teacher or building principal. 2. I agree to follow ALL policy and procedures of the Bryan County School system and the individual schools as well as the requirements of the volunteer program. 3. I will willingly accept tasks assigned to me and to recognize that the relationship with staff members requires mutual respect and confidence. 4. I understand that students have rights and individual needs and will treat each one with courtesy and respect. I will only do what is in the best personal and educational interest of all students. 5. I understand that the teacher is the disciplinarian for the students in the classroom and will refer such matters to the teacher. 6. I realize that I will serve as a role model to the students and that I should demonstrate appropriate behavior, speech, and dress. 7. I will follow safe actions including never being alone with a student in locations where I am not visible to others, and to use verbal praise rather than touch to recognize good effort. 8. I have attended the MANDATED REPORTING training for school volunteers and understand my responsibilities related to this effort. I understand that I must attend this training EVERY school year.
_____________________________
_________________________________
Volunteer’s Name (Please Print)
Volunteers Signature
_________________________ Date
I plan to volunteer in these schools: (Check all that apply) __ Bryan County High School
__ Bryan Middle School
__ Bryan County Elementary School
__ Lanier Primary School
__ McAllister Elementary School
__ George Washington Carver
__ Richmond Hill Primary School
__ Richmond Hill Middle School
__ Richmond Hill Elementary School
__ Richmond Hill High School
“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN ALL WE DO!”
