Volunteers are required to comply with state and federal laws, District 279 Procedures and Policies, and Data Privacy Laws.  This obligation is binding at all times, including at the volunteer’s site, at other District sites, and in the community.

Volunteer Application

A Volunteer Application must be completed EACH SCHOOL YEAR.  A standardized volunteer application is available at each school within District 279.

Sign in

Sign in at the school office each time you enter the building, wear a name badge while in the building, and sign out when you leave the building.

Student Contact/Line of Sight

As a volunteer you will meet many students, however, volunteers should not telephone students, visit them at their homes or meet students off school grounds without permission from the parents and/or school principal. In addition, when working with students, whether individually or in small groups, we recommend you work in a highly visible area. This is not only for the protection of students but volunteers as well. 

Field Trips Guidelines

There should always be two chaperones with a group of students on a field trip.  This is not only for the protection of students but volunteers as well.  If necessary, the teacher and the chaperone should remain together as a group.

Appearance

Volunteers are responsible for presenting a good image to students and to the community. Volunteers shall dress appropriately for the conditions and performance of their duties.

Job Duties

It is important that all volunteers stay within the parameter of the assignment that the teacher or supervisor has directed. Consult with the teacher or supervisor if you have any question regarding your assignment.

Confidentiality/Data Privacy

Confidentiality is important to the integrity of our program.  You may observe, read or hear things about individuals while you are volunteering.  Information regarding students is confidential and cannot be shared with anyone.  If you have a concern it should be brought to the attention of District 279 staff.  Discussing personal information regarding an adult student or underage student will be cause for disciplinary action and/or lead to termination of the volunteer.

Dependability

Dependability is more important than any specialized skill.  It is very important to be punctual.  Teachers and students have planned on your being part of their day.  Call the school if you will be late or absent.

Discipline

Volunteers may not discipline students beyond maintaining order in their group activity.  Report any problems with students’ behavior to a staff member.

Communication

As a volunteer, questions or concerns may arise.  Feel free to ask questions of the staff personal you are working with or talk with the school’s volunteer coordinator. Your input is always welcome.

Transfer of Infectious Agents

All first aid should be handled by the health service specialist

Avoid direct contact with blood and potentially infectious body fluids.

Assume all body fluids are contaminated.

Encourage students to manage their own injuries such as covering their own bloody nose or minor cuts.

Call custodian to clean up any body fluid spills.

Report direct contact with blood to the health specialist immediately.

Fire, Severe Weather, Lockdown, Shelter in Place

Know where the interior and exterior meeting places are located, the emergency exits locations, and where you should be when a particular emergency arises.

Fire – Exit the building and proceed to reunite student(s) with their class.

Severe Weather – Proceed to the designated shelter area.

Lockdown – You need to be located behind a locked door, out of view.

Shelter in Place – All windows closed

Restrooms

Use the staff restrooms.

   Drug, Chemical, Alcohol and Weapon Free Schools

District 279 prohibits the distribution, transfer, possession or use of any defined prohibited drug, tobacco, chemical, alcohol or weapon while on school property, in school vehicles or while accompanying students on a school affiliated activity.

Maltreatment of Minors

The state requires the reporting of suspected neglect and physical or sexual abuse of children in the home, school and community settings. Volunteers should report any suspicions to the building principal.

Cultural Diversity

District 279 serves a diverse population.  It is important that we respect this diversity and provide a positive and accepting environment for all those we serve.

Sexual Religious and Racial Harassment and Violence

Sexual Religious and Racial Harassment and Violence are a violation of federal and state law and of District 279.  Copies of policy, procedure, and definitions may be obtained at the Educational Service Center or at www.district279.org

Background Checks

District 279 prohibits volunteers with prior sexual abuse records from volunteering within the schools.  A formal background check may be requested upon completing a volunteer application.

Tax deductions

Some of your out-of-pocket expenses connected with volunteering may be deductible when you file your income tax return.  Consult with your own tax advisor concerning your personal tax situation.

District Policies for Volunteers

District policies for volunteers can be found on the district web page at www.district279.org