Volunteer Guidelines

The volunteer program at Saint Rose Catholic School consists of classroom volunteers and general volunteers. The classroom teachers at the beginning of each school year generally select classroom volunteers. These volunteers are required to sign in and out of the school office each day they volunteer. These volunteer hours are automatically credited towards family service hour requirements. Classroom volunteer duties are arranged by the classroom teacher and can include assisting individual students, working with small groups, whole group activities, general clerical tasks, field trip supervision and other activities as assigned.

General volunteers can work on a set schedule or on an as needed basis. General volunteers are arranged by the PTO or office staff to assist with special projects, fund-raisers, events, activities or family workdays. Volunteers working bingo receive double hours for their service hours.

WHAT IS A VOLUNTEER

A volunteer is many things; an extra pair of hands, an extra measure of individual attention for a needy child, an extra pair of ears for listening and a vital link between the school and home. Volunteers are one of the most valuable assets our students enjoy; their time is highly valued and greatly appreciated. Volunteers are special because they provide and extra resource for the enrichment of all and serve as an example of service for our community, school and church.

VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATIONS

• Chaperones for school events must be at least 21 years old, refrain from tobacco and alcohol use while acting as a chaperone and sign a chaperone agreement form. Anyone wishing to be a chaperone for grades 6-8 must submit a written request/intent to the principal. The number of chaperones needed for an event is determined by the hosting facility/venue. In the event the number of interested chaperones exceeds the need, the principal will make the final decision as to who will be the chaperones.
  
  
• Volunteers must have a TB clearance on file in the school office. These TB clearances are valid for 4 (four) years.
  
  
• Volunteers are also required to have a clearance from the FBI on file. These FBI clearances are valid for the duration of volunteer service. Forms and information for Live Scan fingerprinting are available in the school office.
  
  
• Volunteers are required to attend a brief volunteer in-service at the beginning of each school year. Those volunteers unable to attend one of the in-services must make an appointment with the principal to review the volunteer material.
  
  
• Volunteers wishing to drive on a field trip must have a valid driver's license, DMV printout, proof of insurance (dollar amounts of $100,000/$300,000 must be verified) first aid kit and functional seat belts. Each driver must carry copies of permission slips with all energency information for each child in their vehicle.

Children who are not members of the class must have permission in advance from the classroom teacher to attend the class, field trip or activity.

DEPENDABLITY

Volunteers are an integral part of the program at Saint Rose Catholic School and relied heavily upon for their scheduled services. When a volunteer is scheduled to help at school, activities are planned with the assumption that the volunteer will arrive when scheduled. However, absences are understandable. Please contact the classroom teacher as soon as possible when you are unable to volunteer at your scheduled time.

SETTING A CHRISTIAN EXAMPLE

Volunteers are a visible example of service to our students. Please remember that the students very closely observe any adult at all times. Language, dress, conversations and general behavior are all observed by many students. The students are interested in the volunteers because they are part of their daily routine. This presents a wonderful opportunity to set good Christian examples in several areas. Dress, behavior, language and professional conduct are an expectation of any volunteer. Information obtained at school about students should not be discussed with others. If a parent requests information about students, please refer them to the classroom teacher.

INTERACTING WITH STUDENTS

Volunteers must acknowledge that each student comes with different attitudes, interests, skills, habits and behaviors. Each individual is blessed with different gifts from God. This individuality is a very precious thing. Positive reinforcement, direct and sincere assurance of student efforts is an expectation of all volunteers. Difficulties or concerns should be directed to the teacher as soon as possible.

DISCIPLINE

Volunteers working in the classroom are expected to assist students in following the established classroom rules. The classroom teacher should handle disciplinary problems. Discipline demands firmness, consistency, fairness and understanding. Teachers are trained in handling discipline problems positively and by following their guidelines the students will learn respect. Please consult your classroom teacher for student behavioral guidelines.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality is a critical part of any school environment. Never discuss any child's progress or personal matters with parents or others, including your own children or family. Any parent interested in their child's progress must be redirected to speak with the classroom teacher privately. Negative comments about staff members, other parents, students, or other volunteers are not appropriate for volunteers and will result in undermining the volunteer program. Saint Rose Catholic School is not an appropriate place to express negative opinions or comments in an open forum.