Searcy School District Parental Involvement Training Workshop Searcy School District By : Betsy Bailey, School/Community Coordinator

Parental Involvement in Arkansas Public Schools A.C.A § 6-15-1701 Parental Involvement in Arkansas Public Schools The Searcy School District is committed to fostering and promoting parental involvement. We are grateful for parents and community members who are supportive of the school district and who are willing to volunteer their time and efforts to provide a quality education for all students.

Searcy Public Schools utilize a visitor management system called Hall Pass. The visitor management system will protect students and faculty by logging visitors, screening for sex offenders and school restricted individuals. Our first concern is the safety of our students and staff members. Volunteers may purchase a Key Fob for $1.00 for easy check-in and check-out.

Volunteer Requirements Per board approval, the Searcy School District may adopt a new volunteer policy. Volunteers may be subject to additional screenings and guidelines. More information will be provided at a later date.

Parent Volunteers 6 tips for being a good Volunteer Office/Classroom Participation Crisis Management Nutrition Confidentiality Time Sheets

6 Tips for Being a Good Volunteer Respect a Teacher’s Planning Time Be Willing to Do Whatever is Needed Respect the Teachers’ Lounge Be as Unobtrusive as Possible Respect Teachers by Viewing Them as Professionals Check in and out of school office/Wear volunteer tags How to Be a Respectful Parent-Volunteer Five Tips for Working With Teachers in Their Classrooms © Marcy Paulson

Punctuality and Dependability Be on time! Please be thoughtful and let those who are depending on your help know you won’t be able to volunteer as planned.

Office Equipment Use Make certain you are familiar with the use of technical equipment such as copiers, laminators, etc. If you are unsure of a project’s directions or how to use equipment, please ask the teacher who requested the work or the office staff. Please leave at least one copier free for quick access of office staff and teacher use. Please leave the workspace neat.

Classroom Volunteering It is really not safe, or professional, to have your pre-school children with you when you are volunteering. Equipment and machines can be dangerous and children can be a distraction in the classroom. (This is a building-level principal decision) Cell phones should be set on silent or vibrate while volunteering. If assisting in a school event, make sure you are clear on procedure.

Classroom Volunteering Continued Familiarize yourself with school rules and the appropriate dress code. Contact the teacher if you are concerned about a child’s behavior. Do not discipline the child yourself. Please refrain from interrupting your child’s teacher to discuss a problem your child may be having in class. Schedule a conference instead. Then the teacher will be able to devote all the attention your child deserves in helping you solve the problem.

Crisis Management Anytime a student bleeds or becomes sick, contact the school nurse or custodian for the proper cleanup procedure. If a student conflict breaks out, seek help immediately and do not intervene. Ask to see the crisis management flip chart that Searcy School District provides concerning emergency protocol. Above all, we do not want a negative experience for our volunteers. Please contact a teacher or administrator if a situation arises.

Nutrition Guidelines for Public Schools During the declared school day, an elementary school site (K-6) may not serve, provide access to, through direct or indirect sales, any foods or beverages. This includes foods or beverages given, sold, or provided by school administrators or staff, students or student groups, parents or parent groups, or any other person, company or organization associated with the school site. Use of food as a “reward” is strictly prohibited (including food “coupons”). Students may be given any food and/or beverage items during the school day for up to nine (9) different events each school year to be determined and approved by school officials (e. g. holiday parties, parties at the end of testing weeks, track & field days). These items may not be given during meal times in the areas where school meals are being served or consumed. These events must not be restricted to certain students based on good performance/behavior, as that construes using the food as a “reward”. Pre-packaged foods are the only foods to be served at holiday or school- determined parties

Confidentiality All students have different learning styles and perform on different levels. Our teachers and administrators are trained to educate students on all educational planes. Here are some tips to remember concerning confidentiality: Never talk to your own children about other students’ behavior or grades. Never talk to your friends or family about students’ behavior or grades. If working in the office, never give out students’ or teachers’ personal information. Never repeat conversations overheard in office, workroom, hallway or classroom.

Physical Contact Elementary/Middle: Secondary: Many young children like to hug; use the teacher’s guidance on physical contact with elementary/middle school age children. Secondary: Maintain a professional relationship with ALL secondary age students.

Recording Volunteer Time

Arkansas Parent Information and Resource Center http://www.parenting-ed.org/

Question/Answer

Thank you!!!!! We at Searcy Public Schools are grateful to have supportive parents and community volunteers who want to assist in the education of their children and other children in our school district. Please contact the building principal if you have any questions or concerns during your volunteering experience.