Volunteer Training Chattanooga Valley Middle School

Esther Wilhelm Parent Involvement Coordinator My job is to enable parents to be more involved in the education of their child. Coordinate volunteers Plan workshops Act as liaison between school and parents Provide solutions to barriers to parental involvement About me...

Why we need volunteers Role models for students Improves school-community relationships Fosters understanding of the school’s routines and procedures Provides opportunities for programs that could not otherwise take place Strengthens the school community

What’s in it for you? Parents who are involved in their children’s education are building the foundations for a better educated child. Children are better adjusted to school, leading to life-long learning. Sends a message from you to your child that education is important. School staff are appreciative and a positive relationship is encouraged. Communication with school staff occurs naturally and informally.

What’s in it for my child? deficiencies noticed quickly recognition of a child ’ s strengths and weaknesses helps him/her to work/study most effectively tendency to excel academically assists in future endeavors and life goals more parental knowledge of their peers

What can volunteers do at CVM? Make photocopies for teachers or office. Read with kids in/from language arts. Help out in media center. Sell concessions for ball games. Chaperone school dances. Supervise students at lunch. Help organize and/or set up for events. Provide snacks for events. Serve and/or supervise students during reward activities. Other ideas or suggestions?

Basics for Volunteers Keep scheduled times - reliability. (1) Remember confidentiality! (2) Dress appropriately. (3) Be aware of and show respect for school routines. (5-7) Accept direction from staff. (8) Feel free to ask questions. (8) Be flexible. (8) Relax and enjoy yourself! (9)

CVM Procedures Sign-in Parent Center Coats/purses Refreshments Absences

Stay Healthy Consider all body fluids infectious. Practice good hand washing techniques. Avoid exposing skin lesions/sore. Wear latex gloves when necessary. If contact with body fluids occurs. Wash area immediately with hot water and soap. Discard affected items in plastic bags. Call custodial staff for the removal of body fluids.

Effectiveness with Children Accept each child as he/she is. Encourage their own thinking; resist rescuing. Use positive comments; encourage, compliment, notice them. Respect a child’s privacy -- even your own child’s. Maintain a sense of humor. Remember, children are always watching. Be available for all children.

Emergency Drills Fire Drill Evacuation Lock Down For all drills, it is important to follow the direction of staff members in the building and set an example for the children who are present.

“ A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world might be different because I was important in the life of a child.” Author Unknown

Sign and return: Much of the information in this presentation came from the Warren Township Schools website. School Volunteer Application Mandated Reporter Training Internet Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Confidentiality Agreement