TRCS Volunteering Guidelines


Philosophy of Volunteering


Mission Statement
School volunteer programs succeed when teachers and volunteers form an effective, cooperative education team and function as co-workers.

Goals of Volunteer Program

  • To increase the quality of education that our students receive.
     
  • To increase the base of volunteers, to include community and business members, retired teachers, and those with special skills to enrich and broaden the experiences of students.
     
  • To provide needed extra help to assist staff members and teachers in providing a superior education, and to stimulate community support for our students.
     
  • To regularly recognize volunteers in a fashion that never leaves them with any doubt that volunteers do make a difference.
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How do we gather our school volunteers?

At the beginning of the year, we send home volunteer request sheets to each parent.  When these are returned to the school office, we compile these lists and utilize the wishes of each parent throughout the school year. 

Confidentiality

As a matter of professional ethics, volunteers do not discuss teacher, student or school affairs with other people. It is extremely important that confidentiality be upheld at all times. Administrators have the same expectations of confidentiality from volunteers as they do from the rest of the Three Rivers Charter School staff.

Punctuality

Volunteers should arrive on time for any activity. The school day and class periods are set for specific times. A delay of even 10 minutes may result in the activity being over.

Dependability

Teachers and staff members rely on the services performed by volunteers. If you are unable to volunteer on your scheduled day or time, it is extremely important that you contact Three Rivers Charter School at (503) 723-6019 so other arrangements can be made.

carwash.jpgVolunteer Information

  • Volunteer Policy & Procedures
    Three Rivers Charter School Board policies outline the school’s policy regarding volunteers.

  • Criminal History Verification
    At the discretion of Three Rivers Charter School administration, a criminal history verification may be conducted on all volunteers working with students outside direct supervision of a district staff member.

  • Bloodborne Pathogens
    TRCS Staff members are trained in handling spills throughout the school day.  Please notify them immediatly if there is an insident.  They will make sure that they are following correct protocal in cleaning up spills.

  • Accidental Medical & Dental Insurance Coverage for Volunteers
    You must sign-in and out each time you volunteer to qualify for this coverage.

Supervision

Volunteers work under the supervision of staff or an appointed representative of Three Rivers Charter School.

Student Discipline

Adult volunteers have a responsibility to inform staff if there is a problem. Volunteers should not discipline a child unless they are expressly instructed to do so by the supervising staff member.

Signing-In for Volunteers

This is the only way for the staff to know where you are in the building in case of an emergency.

Remember to sign-in and sign-out at the office when you walk in.

No Cell Zone

Remember to turn your cell phones off.  Three Rivers Charter School is a cell free zone. Thank you.  

Indentification Tag

Volunteers must always wear a temporary name tag using an appropriate title (i.e. Mr., Mrs., Ms.). These are located in the basket on top of the volunteer file cabinet.

Volunteer Dress & Behavior

Dress appropriately for the activity.

Bringing younger siblings is not permitted. If you have a conflict please relay this to the administration in advance of the event or volunteer activity so necessary arrangements can be made.

Workroom & Rest Rooms

Volunteers are considered to be unpaid staff.

Volunteers are welcome to use the downstairs restroom.

Volunteer Communications with Teachers & Administrator

Realize that the staff of Three Rivers Charter School is responsible for instruction of students during the school day. Please do not interrupt a lesson while the staff is teaching.

Use of the School Phone

It is important not to tie up the school phones with personal calls.

Emergency Drills

Volunteers must follow the same procedures as staff, including leaving the building.

In case of a real emergency, office staff will give the sign-in sheets to the emergency crews, so remember to sign out upon leaving for the day.

Entrances & Exits

Doors are locked for the safety of all students and staff; please do not prop/block doors open.

Parking Area for Volunteers

Parking in the parking lot below our building is preferable as the upper lot is in use during the school day.

Supply & Workroom

Children are to be supervised at all times and are not to use equipment.

If the supplies are getting low, let the administrative assistant know.

If a staff member needs the equipment you are using, offer to help so he/she can get back to their class.