Falcon Friends
Volunteer Orientation
Welcome to Aviara Oaks Middle School — we're so glad you're here! This orientation will prepare you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.
Orientation Outcomes
By the end of this orientation, you'll feel confident, prepared, and excited to get started. Here's what you'll walk away knowing:
1
Scope & Purpose
Understand what Falcon Friends is all about and why it matters to our school community.
2
Key People
Get to know the important staff and supervisors you'll be working alongside on campus.
3
Your Role
Clarify exactly what's expected of you as a Falcon Friends volunteer — and what to avoid.
4
Routines & Procedures
Learn the daily check-in/out process, station assignments, and emergency protocols.
Our Vision & Purpose
Falcon Friends exists to create a welcoming, joyful school environment where every student feels seen and valued. Our volunteers bring energy, warmth, and consistency to campus life.
🎉 Have Fun
Bring enthusiasm and positivity to every interaction. A smile goes a long way!
🤝 Build Relationships
Get to know students by name. Genuine connection is the heart of what we do.
👀 Offer Presence
Your visibility and positive energy create a safer, more inclusive campus for everyone.
Every student deserves a place to belong.
Falcon Friends volunteers help create that space — one lunch period at a time. Your presence makes a difference.
People to Know on Campus
These are the key staff members you'll work alongside. When in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out — everyone is here to support you!
Leadership
Office Staff
Campus Supervisors
Custodial Staff
What We Encourage
As a Falcon Friend, your presence sets the tone. Here's how to make the most of every shift and help students thrive:
Foster Creativity & Engagement
Encourage students to participate in games and activities. Invite uninvolved students into the fun with a friendly wave or kind word.
Model Positive Behavior
Be an example of the AOMS campus code of conduct. Reinforce great behavior with a genuine compliment or a Falcon Ticket!
Maintain Safety by Presence
Deter negative conduct simply by being visible and engaged. If concerns arise, communicate with administration right away.
Offer a Helping Hand
When an opportunity to help arises naturally, take it. Small gestures of care leave a lasting impression on students.
What to Avoid
Knowing boundaries keeps everyone safe — including you. Here are important things to steer clear of during your volunteer shift:
No Corrective Advice
Resist the urge to coach or discipline students. That role belongs to campus staff and teachers — your role is to encourage, not correct.
Don't Intervene as a Parent
It can be tempting, but avoid stepping in with a parental approach. Stay in the volunteer lane — warm, supportive, and non-authoritative.
Stay in Designated Areas
Do not roam campus outside the gathering areas assigned to you. This ensures student safety and keeps supervision consistent.
Do Not Break Up Fights
If a conflict escalates, call or radio for help immediately. Never physically intervene or apprehend any student for any reason.
Don't Retrieve Balls Over the Fence
If a ball goes over the fence, alert a Campus Supervisor. This is a safety and liability issue — please don't attempt to retrieve it yourself.
Your Role as a Falcon Friend Volunteer
Help maintain a safe and caring environment on campus, while providing opportunities for play, connection, and joy for every student who walks through these gates.
Your presence alone is powerful. Students notice — and they remember the adults who showed up for them.
Confidentiality
As a volunteer at Aviara Oaks Middle School, you'll be trusted with a special window into students' daily lives. That trust comes with responsibility.
🔒 Keep Information Private
Any student information you observe or learn during your time on campus must remain strictly confidential. Do not share details with others outside the school community.
🚫 Respect Student Privacy
Avoid asking probing or personal questions. Do not photograph students at any time. Let students share what they're comfortable sharing — never push.
🤲 Build Trust Safely
The most meaningful connections happen when students feel safe. Honoring their privacy is the foundation of that trust — and of everything Falcon Friends stands for.
Routines & Procedures
✅ Checking In
🔄 Checking Out
🚨 Urgent Matters
Communicate immediately with Mr. Mindlin, Mr. Threatt, or a campus safety assistant if any urgent situation arises.
On the Field
Remember: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water — you'll be outside for both lunch periods!
Getting Set Up
Managing Equipment
Watch the Field
Part of keeping the field fun is keeping it safe and respectful. Here's what to look out for — and how to handle it with care:
⚽ Ball Over the Fence
Get a supervisor. We're grateful for PTA-funded equipment — remind students to show pride and respect, but do not apprehend anyone.
🛁 Lying on the Grass
Kindly remind students that fields are for physical activity — soccer, football, or volleyball. The common area is for socializing and relaxing.
🍕 Food & Drinks on the Field
Gently remind students: no food or drinks on the field or in the foyer gym — water only is permitted on the field.
🎒 Backpacks on the Field
Ask students to keep bags on the asphalt next to the basketball court — not on the field.
🏋️ Pull-Up & Monkey Bars
These are reserved for PE classes only. Kindly redirect students who are using them.
🩺 Injuries
Get a supervisor immediately. Know the location of the Health Office! Never attempt to treat an injury yourself.
We are here to keep them safe while having fun! 🎉
Games @ the Foyer
When enough volunteers are covering the fields (minimum 2), we may open the Game Area in the Foyer — a fun, supervised space where students can enjoy table games and board games during lunch.
Table Games Setup
Board Games
Set up portable tables and chairs for both lunches. We have over two dozen games, including Cornhole — which requires a parent to set up and supervise in the common area.
End of shift: Please help put everything away before you leave!
Have fun with the kids while keeping them engaged and happy! Questions? Contact Guyola T. at falconfriends@aomsptsa.org
Signing Up & Scheduling
Bell Schedule
Schedule | 1st Lunch | 2nd Lunch |
Regular | 11:11 – 11:41 am | 12:04 – 12:34 pm |
Early Release | 10:41 – 11:11 am | 11:24 – 11:54 am |
Volunteer Areas
Soccer field, baseball field, basketball courts, common areas, and the gym for select groups — each shift, you'll be assigned a station by the coordinator.
How to Sign Up
Sign up for time slots through SignUpGenius — links are sent via email monthly by Guyola, Falcon Friends Coordinator. Watch your inbox!
You're making a real difference.
Thank you for giving your time, energy, and heart to the students of Aviara Oaks Middle School. Falcon Friends volunteers help build the kind of campus where every student feels welcome, safe, and happy to be here.
🦅 Show Up
Your consistent presence builds trust with students over time.
😄 Be Positive
Enthusiasm is contagious — students feel it and respond to it.
🎟️ Recognize Good
Hand out those Falcon Tickets and celebrate students doing the right thing.
💬 Stay Connected
Keep in touch with Guyola and the team — you're never alone on campus.
Thanks for Being a Falcon Friend!
Any Questions?
Charles Threatt – Assistant Principal
📧 charles.threatt@carlsbadusd.net
📞 760-331-6198 (office)
Guyola – Falcon Friends Coordinator
@aoms_falcons