Windham Primary School�Volunteer Orientation

RSU #14 Mission

• Every student leaves our school as:
• A responsible and involved citizen
• A clear and effective communicator
• A creative and practical problem solver
• An integrative and informed thinker
• A self directed and life long learner

Our Vision

• Every student in our schools is actively engaged
• In a safe learning environment
• By highly effective, qualified and passionate staff
• In authentic, individualize and personally relevant learning
• In communicating why their learning is important and articulating their own progress as they reach ambitious individualized goals
• In learning through collaborative, technology-rich experiences no longer defined by traditional boundaries

Opportunities to Volunteer

• Tutoring students on a one-on-one or small group basis under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher
• Using their special musical, artistic, or other talents to provide enrichment experiences and extend student learning
• Reading to children
• Playing instructional games
• Providing support in the library, lunchroom or playground
• Accompanying students on field trips
• Assisting teachers in assembling instructional materials
• Special events such as picture day
• Special short term projects so as book labeling or sewing

How do I become a volunteer?

• Complete a Volunteer Background Form
• This must be done every year
• Attend a Volunteer Training session
• This only needs to be done the first year you volunteer
• Volunteer Applications will be reviewed and you may begin volunteering

Procedure when volunteering

• Sign in at the main office
• Obtain a volunteer badge
• Go to your designated area
• Sign out and return your badge when your activity is complete

Responsibilities as a volunteer

• Become familiar with the school and classroom policies and practices. You may want to review our student handbook on the WPS website. Please refrain from criticizing school procedures.
• Be on time for volunteering, reliable and notify who you directly work with in cases of absences.
• You can use most materials and equipment that teachers can use. Please check out materials like a teacher would do with the appropriate person before using them. If you are going to use equipment such as a laminator or a photocopier, please make sure you have been trained. Fixing our equipment due to improper use can be expensive!
• If you have a particular problem, please contact one of the principals as soon as possible. Please understand that they are busy and may not be able to meet with you immediately but will schedule a time to meet.
• Be capable of adjusting to the teachers’ ways of doing things and follow their directions.
• Be willing to have short discussions, periodically, with a coordinator or a teacher.
• You should dress according to our dress code. You can find our dress code in our student handbook.
• Have a positive tone with students

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Students as Independent Learners

There are a few things we can do to help ensure the success of our learners:

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• Let students do as much of the work as they can do on their own. Provide encouraging words but do not step in too soon. Refrain from completing the work for them or telling them what to write.
• Rather than give students answers when they ask, direct their thinking so they can discover the answer. For example, student says, “How do you spell fell?” Volunteer replies, “What letters do you hear when you say it.” Another example would be when a student asks, “How do bats see at night?” Volunteer replies, “Does your science book have an index? Maybe you could find the information in the index under ‘bats’.”

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Confidentiality

As a volunteer, you are an important part of our learning community. Because of your closeness to the school, you may overhear information that is confidential in nature, both regarding students and teachers. You may also witness behavior that is out of the ordinary. To keep our schools a safe place for learning, we work hard to protect our students, teachers and families. Please honor this and remember to keep information to yourself. If you feel that there is a serious concern, please contact a principal.

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What If I can’t make it?

Teachers plan special activities for volunteers and count on them in their daily plans. Please make every effort to be reliable. If you know in advance or your normal volunteer schedule you will miss a time, please let the teacher know as soon as possible. If there is an emergency or a sick child, email or call the teacher or office and cc the volunteer coordinator. We understand that things come up.

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What if my child acts out while I’m around?

There are times with this happens. Some volunteers prefer to work in a room besides their students’ classroom such as the library or another classroom. There are numerous opportunities to support many students throughout the school. If you find volunteering directly in your students classroom is causing a disruption for your student, speak to the teacher and the Volunteer Coordinator and we will work to find another opportunity for you to volunteer.

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When should I talk to the teacher?

There are times with this happens. Some volunteers prefer to work in a room besides their students’ classroom such as the library or another classroom. This would be an opportunity to be an academic coach. There are numerous opportunities to support many students throughout the school. If you find volunteering directly in your students classroom is causing a disruption for your student, speak to the teacher and the Volunteer Coordinator and we will work to find another opportunity for you to volunteer.

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What if children are arguing?

Many of our students have been taught a process to resolve conflict. The process involves students talking out the problem and finding a solution. Asking students to share how another students words or actions made them feel and encouraging them to discuss what would have been a better choice are effective ways to assist children in conflict. In most discipline situations the teacher will intervene. However, please use your common sense when observing students arguing. If some child has taken another’s belonging or is actually hurting another child, step in and then get the attention of the teacher.

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Do I have to volunteer regularly?

We realize that families have time constraints, too. Many opportunities exist for you to volunteer one time during the school year, weekly, monthly or a few times a year.

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What if someone asks how a student is doing?

As people in the community become aware of your volunteering, they may ask you a question about a student. If someone asks you about a student’s progress or behavior, you should say, “I enjoy working with that student and I am sure the teacher would be happy to talk with you about the student.” Everything that happens within the school is confidential to each student.

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What if a student becomes injured?

No matter how minor the injury is, you should immediately notify the teacher. Do not attempt to administer any type of aid.

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What if I want to visit my child's classroom but not volunteer?

You should contact your child’s teacher to set up a time to visit. The teacher and you can then find a convenient time for you to visit. When visiting, you will need to check in with the office before going to the classroom.

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Thank you for Volunteering at our School!