TRINITY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ADULT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL

Volunteer Programs CoordinatorMarie M. Vinson936-594-3567 x 2014

TRINITY I.S.D. VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Volunteers can provide a more efficient and effective utilization of teacher time and skills. Children can be provided with more individual attention. The whole school program can be enriched through the use of volunteers.

However, in a volunteer program, both the school and volunteers have certain responsibilities. Volunteers are to assist the teachers and staff, not to replace them. The various jobs of the volunteer are always under the direction and supervision of the teacher.

Volunteers can be a vital part of the school program. The effectiveness of the Volunteer Program depends greatly on the professional approach to the classroom setting.

This handbook and short informational training session are planned to keep the volunteer program running smoothly and providing guidelines for maintaining a professional approach.

Thanks for wanting to become a part of the education of children. A feeling of mutual understanding and confidence is essential to the teamwork of the professional staff and the volunteer. Together we can enrich all children and make learning more exciting.

SEE YOU IN SCHOOL!

Marie Miller VinsonTrinity I.S.D. Volunteer Coordinator936-594-3567 x2014

VOLUNTEERS CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!

WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

As a school volunteer you join a group of persons who care about children and their education. These are dependable people who give their time in schools without pay. They come from all ethnic backgrounds and all segments of the work force. They may be old or young, college students or grandparents, or any age in between. Volunteers have no specific educational requirements. Volunteers are versatile persons who function as a friend, a trainer, and as a co-worker.

If you have any questions pertaining to your volunteer service, please contact the School Volunteer Program Coordinator/ or the principal of the campus on which you would like to serve.

OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHOOL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The School Volunteer Program has but one objective: to aid educators in their task of providing the opportunity for a quality education for each student.

WHAT DO SCHJOOL VOLUNTEERS DO?

School Volunteers serve wherever they are needed. The service area will be assigned by the principal of the campus on which they serve. They reinforce and enrich the education process. Volunteers are placed in the school of their choice.

YOUR COMMITMENT

Each school volunteer is asked to commit the time necessary to perform the requested service. Regularity is more important than extended stay in the school.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION

Love children and have time to contribute toward their education.

Present a positive attitude toward education and support the local school.

We hope you will be happy in your volunteer service and will be able to complete your commitment. But if it should become necessary to terminate your association with the School Volunteer Program, please tell the principal or teacher with whom you are working.

WAYS VOLUNTEERS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

1. Tell stories to children.

2. Read to children.

3. Conduct flash card drills.

4. Provide individual help.

5. Assist in learning centers.

6. Set up learning centers.

7. Work in the library.

8. Filing papers.

9. Make instructional games.

10. Play instructional games.

11. Prepare visual materials.

12. Grading objective homework/classwork.

13. Prepare bulletin boards.

14. Help with Book fair.

15. Encouraging students needing individual time and attention.

16. Typing papers for the teachers.

17. Reproduce materials.

18. Assist with field trips.

19. Gather resource materials.

20. Help in computer lab.

21. Teach children to sew and knit.

22. Help with cooking projects.

23. Escort children to the bathroom, library, cafeteria or to other campus.

24. Work on perceptual activities.

25. Work with handicapped children.

26. Prepare teaching materials.

27. Show a filmstrip to a group.

28. Assist in physical education classes.

29. Reinforce learning of alphabet.

30. Help with handwriting practice.

31. Drill spelling words.

32. Assist clerical or office work.

33. Assist with Band.

34. Helping with art projects.

35. Assist annual staff.

36. Assist in school clubs and special interest groups.

37. Assist with Choir.

38. Help build sets for school plays.

39. Help with school dance and celebrations.

40. Volunteers can contribute to lesions by speaking on topics of their interest.

41. Assist with all other school functions.

There are many other jobs in the schools. If there is something you would like to assist with and it is not listed, please let us know.

GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

The following suggestions are made to help you serve effectively. Gook luck and enjoy your work.

A VOLUNTEER:

1. Must be in good. Health.

2. Always works under the direction and supervision of a teacher or other member of the school staff. The relationship between the volunteer and the teacher is a PROFESSIONAL one- one of mutual respect and confidence.

3. Is expected to support the teacher- not replace him. The teacher is responsible for content and techniques.

4. Knows that any information to which he has access in the school or classroom is confidential.

5. Never expresses difference of opinion or dissatisfaction in the presence of students.

6. Never discusses a student with the teacher while another student is listening.

7. Knows that personal reaction to particular members of staff or to particular children should be confidential.

8. Takes all matters of concern to the principal and the building volunteer coordinator.

9. Works within the rules of the school as set out by the principal.

10. Is dependable and on time. If unable to attend, arrangements should be made ahead of time with the teacher or coordinator. In case of last minute emergency, notify the school office.

11. Records his/her hours of service in the designated form at the school.

12. Have short, periodic planning periods with the teacher, either in person, through email, or on the telephone.

13. Is warm, friendly, and courteous at all times.

14. Smiles- a smile goes a long way.

VOLUNTEER LISTENER PROGRAM GUIDELINES

1. Make sure that you sign in when you come in the classroom

2. Each child should have reading material ready.

3. If material seems too difficult for the child, let the teacher know.

4. Please come regularly. Children come to like and depend on their volunteer listeners. Regular attendance ensures better academic success as well as increased motivation for students.

5. Even if a child is having difficulty, stay positive. If a child is struggling, give him the word and move on. Sometimes if a child is able to get even the first sound in the word, that is progress. Comment on progress as well as perfection. Volunteer listener time is designed to provide practice and motivation. Staying positive is the best approach.

6. Volunteer Listeners contribute their time. Please avoid buying things for your students. Your time and enthusiasm are enough.

7. Sometimes a student may tell you something about their family, or you may know the family from the community. It is important that you keep any information about the child confidential. Do not discuss the progress of the child or share information about the student with others. If you have particular concerns about a student, please talk to the teacher or volunteer coordinator.

8. Keep it fun. Volunteer listeners are not tutors. The job of a listener is to listen and give a child a sense of accomplishment. As long as the child feels good about whatever he has done, you have been successful.

KEYS TO SUCCESS

Schools sincerely value volunteers. Your willingness to provide a service to staff and students and your spirit of cooperation enriches the entire school community. Volunteers are members of the school community and expected to:

BE RELIABLE

* Be on time.

* Notify the school in case of absences.

* Secure a replacement, if possible.

* Come prepared to work.

* Do not bring other children to school when you volunteer.( unless approved by the volunteer coordinator for special situations)

UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF CONFIDENTIALITY

* Refuse to discuss teachers, students, or school affairs with anyone except the appropriate staff member in a professional, problem-solving atmosphere.

ACCEPT THE SCHOOL’S ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Be willing to work with direction from staff and supervision by staff members.

Respect the teacher’s decisions regarding priority of work to be done.

Adjust to the staff member’s individual style.

BE A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL FOR STUDENTS

Set good example with regard to appearance and behavior. Respect all students and their parents regardless of socio-economic

status, race, cultural background, religion, etc.

Follow school policies and practices.