Volunteers in Greenfield Schools

Marianne Harcourt, Volunteer Coordinator

141 Davis St. Greenfield, Ma. 01301

Phone: 413-772-1316

VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES

Rules for Volunteers:
Volunteers serving in our schools are expected to follow these rules. / Tips:
Here are some tips to enhance your volunteer experience.
ü  Support the School Staff: Your role is to support and supplement the curriculum offerings at the direction of the professional staff.
ü  Attendance and Punctuality: Teachers and students depend on you. Please be PROMPT AND REGULAR. Contact the teacher or the school if you are not able to come in, or may be late.
ü  Checking in: Each school has a sign in/sign out sheet in the main office. Please sign in and out each time. Use a Volunteer name tag each time you are in the school.
ü  Track Your Hours: Keep an accurate record of your attendance. We track volunteer hours and report it to the school district.
ü  Conform to Scent, Nut Rules: Some schools/rooms are scent-free and/or nut free due to serious allergies. Ask the teacher, or school nurse, about any restricted areas.
ü  Observe School and Classroom Rules: Learn your school’s rules for fire drills, lunch, student restroom use, cellphones, etc. Report any behavior problem to the teacher.
ü  Professionalism: Please dress according to school guidelines and model behavioral expectations for students. Maintain confidentiality of students, teachers, or families.
ü  CORI Check: You must have an approved CORI on file to volunteer. CORIs are good for three years.
ü  Ask for Help: Speak to the teacher, principal or the Volunteer Coordinator about problems or suggestions related to your volunteer experience.
ü  Personal Belongings: All valuables, purse, cell phones, etc. should be left locked in your car while you are at the school. Coats, hats, etc. can be hung in an agreed upon space. / v  Follow the Teacher’s Lead: Keep the students headed in the direction of the teacher. Hold the students to the same class standards of behavior and work.
Communicate Regularly with the Teacher: Be willing to help, ask for directions, follow instructions, and try a variety of approaches and techniques when working with students.
Select Your Name: Determine what you would like the student(s) to call you write it on your name tag. Example: Ms/Mrs. Mr. X, or your first name, or Ms/Mrs/Mr + first initial of your last name.
v  Be Accepting: Children learn at different rates and it is expected that there will be a range in each classroom. Avoid comparisons between students. Teaching styles differ widely across the school system as well.
Be Patient and Kind: Keep your promises. Teach appropriate behavior by example.
Give Positive Reinforcement: Try to be specific when letting students know they have done something well or are on the right track. For example: You did a great job checking over your work. You found your mistakes and fixed them.
Build Self-Confidence: Students make mistakes. Let them know that making mistakes is a part of learning.
v  Be Warm and Friendly: Your welcoming attitude and smile can be the highlight of a student’s day!
Revised 11-6-13