Denver Public Schools Volunteer Orientation

Welcome Brenda Vasquez, Manager Office of Volunteer Services 2409 Arapahoe St. Denver CO Fax –

Office of Volunteer Services Volunteer Background Checks Donations Property Tax Credit Program Spellbinders Program Adaptive Devices Volunteers VOA/RSVP, Metro Volunteers

The Denver Plan

Volunteer Application Required for all volunteers

Criminal Background Check Required for non-parents volunteering on a regular basis or parents volunteering in a school other than their child’s school.

Background Check Process Complete the background check form Submit to your school of the Office of Volunteer Services for processing. You will be contacted by the school once you have cleared the screening process. Process takes 1 – 2 weeks.

Tips for Classroom Volunteers First meeting School Culture

First Meeting

Vision: George Washington expands the intellectual and human potential of our students by providing an environment that encourages them to become educated and knowledgeable citizens. We provide a diverse world perspective and foster the development of lifelong learners with integrity, character and personal responsibility. We enable students by providing equal access to rigorous college prep training and real-life opportunities and experiences. School Culture

Core Values: Discovery Critical Thinking World Perspective Excellence for All Students Integrity Character Responsibility for Personal Actions A Safe Environment to Learn, Experiment and Grow

Tips for Classroom Volunteers Work Area Teachers Lounge Bulletin Boards Be Open-minded Boundaries Communication Behavior Plan Special Needs Students

School Calendar Handout

Emergency Response & Crisis Management Emergency Management Template Locate within the school

General Rules for Children Rock, snowball or sand throwing is prohibited. Children should be polite and courteous at all times. No pushing, shoving, wrestling or fighting is allowed.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN Children should not jump from swings, stand while swinging, swing with or push another child, or twist the chains of the swing. Children should sit down when sliding. Climbing up the slide is not allowed.

Respect and maintain all school property. Keep materials neat and orderly. Request permission from the principal before you hang items from the ceiling or light fixtures. Use only sticky-tak when hanging items on the walls. No scotch tape! GUIDELINES FOR CARE OF SCHOOL AND MATERIALS

GUIDELINES FOR CARE OF FACILITY AND MATERIALS For messy projects, put plastic tablecloths down (instead of newspaper) to protect tables, floors.

When in doubt, REPORT Teacher or Supervising Adults: School employees are legally obligated to report, or ensure a report is made, about any suspected or alleged child abuse.

CHILD ABUSE GUIDELINES Occasionally a child will disclose during a group activity. It is important for volunteers to acknowledge the disclosure but not discuss it in front of the other students. After the group activity, the volunteer should talk with a staff member in a quiet, private place.

DON'T: Lead the child in questioning by suggesting what might have taken place. For example: “Did he pull down your pants?” “Did she hit you?” Ask the child to remove or undo clothing to find evidence of physical abuse.

Don’t Disclose the information indiscriminately. Tell only those adults who need the information to protect and support the child.

CHILD ABUSE GUIDELINES ** Please note this is a very sensitive issue and must be discussed with the School Principal who will then proceed with the correct action and/or report suspected abuse.

Student Confidentiality I agree to operate under and in accordance with the policies of the Denver Public Schools while performing my duties as a school volunteer and to limit my discussion of confidential information to the professional staff only.

Questions & Answers