St. Joseph School promotes a positive, structured, safe and nurturing environment in which the whole child may develop. We provide a quality education program with emphasis on the cultivation of Catholic Christian values and virtues helping our students to become the person God intends.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

St. Joseph School is blessed to have a dedicated and active Parent-Teacher-Partnership (PTP), School Advisory Board, and many community volunteers. This tradition of involvement has been beneficial to all members of the school community and is a living example of Christian service to our students.

CONFIDENTIALITY

In the course of service, volunteers may become aware of confidential information about students or staff. It is expected that volunteers will keep any information about students and staff confidential. This policy applies in any setting, inside or outside of school. Volunteers should NOT discuss the school’s confidential information, business or happenings with anyone who is not school management. If there is significant concern, it should be shared with the principal.

Photographs of students may not be shared on social media without the express permission of the administration.

EXPECTATIONS

To arrive on time and to perform the assigned task(s).
To respect school rules and enforce them as directed.
To treat all students the way that Jesus would treat them if He were the volunteer.
To ask for instructions and assistance when needed.
To respect the school’s policies and day-to-day operational practices.

DRESS CODE

Volunteers are expected to dress in an appropriate manner. Although volunteers do not have specific dress code requirements, it is expected that they reflect the image of St. Joseph School and wear modest clothing while working in the school or during school activities. This includes a moderate length for skirts and shorts, conservative blouses and tops, no workout apparel, tank tops, etc.

ATTENDANCE

Volunteers are asked to notify the school if they are going to be late, if they need to leave early, or if they are not able to attend at their scheduled time. In each instance, the volunteer should arrange for replacement coverage by another school-approved Volunteer. Volunteers are required to sign in and out at a designated area depending on their assignment.

TRANSPORTATION

Volunteers are strictly prohibited from transporting students in their vehicles without prior permission from their supervisor. Volunteers should not be alone with a student in a vehicle. Volunteers cannot use cell phones or other devices while driving in their volunteer capacity. Volunteers who drive in their volunteer capacity must have the requisite insurance, be over 21 years of age, have a valid drivers’ license and must be specifically authorized by the School to drive.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

A volunteer may never dispense medication of any kind to a student other than his/her own child, unless the volunteer is a registered nurse or doctor and written permission is on file from the student’s parent.

SMOKING POLICY

The “Smoking Restrictions in the Schools Act” prohibits the use of any substance or item which contains tobacco, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or other smoking tobacco, or the use of snuff or smokeless tobacco. It also prohibits having in one’s possession a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or other substance or item containing tobacco. Tobacco product use is prohibited from all areas of school buildings including, but is not limited to, all school playgrounds, school administration buildings, indoor school athletic facilities, school gymnasiums, school locker rooms, school buses, other school vehicles, and other school buildings where the use is not primarily residential. In addition, tobacco product use is prohibited in all outside areas within twenty-five feet of any school building.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are taken to enhance the educational experiences of the students. Volunteers who are asked to serve as chaperones for school events should remember that their first responsibility is the safety of the students. The following expectations are offered as guidelines to all who serve as chaperones for St. Joseph School:

All school rules are in force, unless the principal has explicitly stated otherwise.
Students are to be grouped by the classroom teacher and are to remain with their assigned chaperone for the duration of the trip.
Chaperones and students are to wear name tags when appropriate.
Chaperones are to sit with their assigned group and supervise them while traveling to and from the event. The chaperone’s attention should always be on the students.
If a chaperone’s child is on the trip, he or she must not be treated any differently than any other child.
Chaperones may never give medicine of any kind to a student other than his/her own child, unless the chaperone is a registered nurse or doctor and the student’s parent gives written permission.

FIRE DRILL PROCEDURE

St. Joseph School has developed a proven procedure for evacuating the school buildings. These procedures meet the Fire and Evacuation Drill Regulations established by the state and have as their purpose the safety and protection of the entire school population. Volunteers are expected to become familiar with the Fire Exit Signs posted in each of the areas to which they are assigned. These signs show primary and secondary evacuation routes. Silence and order are required during all drills.

CHILD ABUSE & CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Volunteers are required to report suspected child abuse, child sexual abuse or child neglect to their supervisor or the principal immediately.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND HARASSMENT

The Most Reverend Bishop of Providence has implemented a mandatory sexual abuse and misconduct reporting policy for everyone associated with the Catholic Church in Rhode Island as a worker or a volunteer, and developed education initiatives and policies for all parish, school and youth programs, along with continuous updating of antisexual harassment policies.

All volunteers must view and sign off on the Safe Environment powerpoint presentation that can be found on the school website, www.sjsww.org. Volunteers are asked to stop by the school office after they have viewed the presentation to sign a form that must be reported to the Diocese. This Safe Environment review is required of school volunteers every three years.
Volunteers must complete and return the Diocesan Disclaimer/Background Criminal Investigation (BCI) form and the Code of Ethical Conduct for the Protection of Children. These completed forms are to be returned to the school office with a copy of the volunteer’s current driver’s license. It takes about 6 weeks to complete the process. The BCI is good for three years.
Volunteers are also required to read, sign and return the Policy and Procedure in Cases of Sexual Misconduct Extract.

SUPERVISION

Volunteers are supervised by the staff members directly responsible for the activities with which they are involved. For example, lunchroom volunteers are supervised by the staff member on duty. Ultimately, the principal is responsible for the operation of the school and therefore supervises all who are in service to the school community.

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

No Harassment/Discrimination. It is the School’s policy to maintain an environment that is free of harassment or discrimination in any form. Harassment or discrimination of or by any volunteer based upon race, color, gender, disability/protected impairment, genetic information, military status, age or national origin is prohibited, unlawful and will not be tolerated. The types of conduct prohibited by this policy include, but are not limited to, the following: Any offensive verbal or physical behavior, treatment or conduct that is based on an individual’s race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, disability or other applicable protected characteristic; Racial or ethnic slurs; Unwelcome personal inquiries, persistent unwanted courting and sexist putdowns;The display or circulation of explicit, offensive or degrading graphic or written material (including calendars, posters, drawings, cartoons, etc.) which reflect disparagingly upon a class of persons or a particular person; Derogatory remarks about a person’s national origin, race, language or accent.

Reporting Harassment. Should you believe that you are being harassed, or should you witness or become aware of such inappropriate conduct you should contact School Principal at 401.821.3450 or Church Pastor at 401.821.4072.

Investigation. The School will investigate all reports of all harassment promptly and thoroughly. The School will also conduct its investigation in as confidential a manner as is practicable.

No Retaliation. There shall be no discrimination or reprisal against any volunteer for making a complaint or reporting an instance of suspected harassment, or for cooperating in an investigation.

If it is determined that inappropriate conduct has taken place, the School will take such corrective and disciplinary action as it deems necessary and appropriate.

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Notify your supervisor of any emergency situation. If you are injured or become sick while volunteering, you must inform your supervisor immediately.
You should adjust and repair School equipment only if you are trained and qualified.
Get help when lifting or pushing heavy objects.
Understand your duties fully and follow instructions. If you are not sure of the safest procedure, don’t guess, ask your supervisor.
Know the locations, contents and use of all first aid and firefighting equipment.
The possession, discharge or display of any firearms is strictly prohibited.
No volunteer shall perform duties, report to volunteer, or be present on School premises, in school vehicles, or engaged in school activities while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance which affects job safety or performance. The unlawful unauthorized manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, sale or use of alcohol or controlled substances on School premises, in School vehicles, or while engaged in School activities is strictly prohibited.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES OF ROOM PARENTS

Room parents support classroom teachers to facilitate individual classroom activities (those planned by the teacher) and in assisting with the fun and fundraising efforts of the Parent Teacher Partnership. For classroom events/activities, the teacher will determine exactly what type of assistance is needed and communicate those needs to the room parents.

COLLECTION OF MONIES

If homeroom teachers are collecting money for a particular event and that money is necessary to purchase supplies, room parents can expect to receive a check from the office for the amount collected for the event.
Room Parents should submit receipts and surplus funds to the homeroom teacher for deposit back into the school account within five days of the event.
If, for some reason, reimbursement is necessary a room parent should submits receipts to the Business Manager. As general practice, room parents should not be expected to “front” funds. Col
Requests for classroom donations, refreshments, special project items, etc. can be simplified using SignUpGenius.com, or a similar group organizing tool.

If you are interested in serving as a room parent review the criteria below, then contact the school office by June 1. Homeroom teachers will contact you before the school year begins.

Must have at least one child enrolled for the next school year
A history or willingness to work collaboratively with the classroom teacher, administration, PTP, other classroom families, and the Parish Community
Serve as a role model and positive leader with the ability to help communicate and organize events

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT AND AGREEMENT

I pledge to volunteer my time and talents in service to the children of St. Joseph School. I will uphold the expectations of the role of volunteer by observing guidelines outlined in the Volunteer Handbook and by being committed to my duties. I promise to respect the confidentiality of the students, faculty and staff.

I have read and understand the St. Joseph School mission statement and will follow the rules, policies and procedures outlined in the Volunteer Handbook to the best of my ability. I received the Volunteer Handbook on the date below OR am aware that it is available on the school website, www.sjsww.org. I understand that this Handbook has been provided to me for guidance purposes only, and that this Handbook is not a contract, nor does it provide me with any contractual rights.

I understand that I am providing services completely without compensation and that such provision of services is completely voluntary. I have not been promised any benefits or compensation, now or in the future, in exchange for my services. I or the School may terminate my volunteer relationship at any time for any reason or no reason at all.

I understand that this Handbook replaces any and all prior handbooks or agreements concerning Volunteers, and I also understand that the policies and benefits contained herein may be added to, deleted or changed by the School at any time in its sole discretion.

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Signature of Volunteer Date