Policies and Procedures

A WORD FROM DR. MELOY, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT IN CHARGE OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

The Altoona Area School District welcomes parent participation in our school programs.  There are many opportunities in our elementary schools for parents to volunteer and to actively participate in their child’s educational program.  Research indicates many positive outcomes for children when parents volunteer and actively participate in their child’s school.  We welcome you to our schools and thank you for your willingness to partner with us in providing an excellent educational program to your child.

 Altoona Area School District Mission Statement

The primary mission statement of the Altoona Area School District is to deliver the written curriculum in a thorough and efficient manner to every school age student, and measure said delivery to its purported effect.
The secondary missions are to instruct students on standards of behavior which should include, but not be limited to, manners, responsibility, reliability, dependability, self-­discipline, self-esteem and perseverance; and to become partners with our Community in economic revitalization and development.

Altoona Area School District Motto

Superior Service
Superior Quality
Active Participation by All
Constant Innovation

Welcome to all Volunteers!

You have taken a step toward making a significant impact on the excellent programs offered in the Altoona Area School District’s elementary schools. Your involvement helps build a school community that emphasizes academic excellence, community responsibility, basic skills, individual strengths, technology integration, and a life-long love of learning. As a volunteer, you provide enrichment opportunities that enhance the educational experience for students while supporting teachers and staff.  You also help build a strong foundation for students as they select a career path or post-secondary education.  Your participation helps us to fulfill our mission of creating a safe, positive, innovative educational environment for all children.

As you enhance and support school programs, it is important to help students be excited about learning.  By modeling for students the kinds of behaviors and attitudes they need in order to succeed, you help them to develop into productive citizens of school and community. 

OVERVIEW OF THE VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK

This handbook will give you an overview of the school volunteer program and the variety of opportunities that you may choose to pursue.  It is our hope that you will find personal satisfaction in what you do. Some of the options are listed below:

                            --PTO Officers
                            --PTO Committees
                            --Volunteering in your child's classroom
                            --Volunteering in a classroom setting other than your child's
                            --Volunteering outside of the classroom setting (e.g. making copies only)

For a sample list of volunteer activities, please visit the volunteer website: http://www.aasdcat.com/aasd/volunteer/

Please use this list to identify areas in which you are interested. In the forms section of the site, you can print and check areas of interest. This important step will help school personnel to match your interest with the needs of students and teachers.

This manual contains a few general guidelines that all volunteers should follow when working at an elementary school. They will help you have a successful experience at your child's school. Please note that individual schools may modify these guidelines; if you need clarification, please check the policies of each school.

HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER

At the beginning of the school year, every family is asked to fill out a volunteer questionnaire. In addition to being available at individual schools, this form is located at the volunteer website (http://www.aasdcat.com/aasd/volunteer/) under “forms.”  After selecting your areas of interest as a volunteer, simply return the completed form to the office.

TB Test

All volunteers must have a Tuberculin test, as mandated by the State Department of Health Regulations, on file with the school district. This test is free and can be administered by the school nurse at the first Parent Meeting / Open House or by appointment during the month of September. If you had a TB test outside of school, you will need to provide the school nurse with the necessary documentation.

New volunteers registering after September have several options for obtaining the required TB test. The applicant may contact the Blair County Respiratory Society, Mainline Medical, or a personal physician. Starting with the 2007 - 2008 school term, school nurses will only be administering TB testing during the first month of school to new volunteers. If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse.

ONLY ONE negative test result must be on file throughout your child’s elementary years.  Please check the web site (http://www.aasdcat.com/aasd/volunteer/) for more information. 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before you begin, you will need to fill out a School Volunteer Application.  You can obtain a copy of this on the volunteer website under “Forms” (http://www.aasdcat.com/aasd/volunteer/) or pick one up in the main office. This must be signed and returned to the principal’s office before you begin to volunteer.

“Volunteer, don't interfere.” If you volunteer in a classroom, you should make prior arrangements with the teacher with whom you will work. When working with students individually or in small groups, be sure to follow instructions from teachers very carefully. While parents' involvement in their children's education is very beneficial, students and teachers need to focus on their work. We ask that volunteers come and go quietly in order to avoid interrupting instruction.

Obligations of Confidentiality

Volunteers need to have a positive attitude about the school. Problems and/or confidential information concerning students, parents or the school staff should not be discussed with anyone. However, it is your responsibility to notify the teacher or administrator in charge if you have concerns about a student or if you are unsure as to what should be done; trained staff members will help you handle the problem.

Pennsylvania laws protect students against invasion of privacy. For this reason we require volunteers to sign a Confidentiality Agreement. The Confidentiality Agreement can be found under forms on the volunteer website (http://www.aasdcat.com/aasd/volunteer/).  This must be signed and returned to the principal’s office before you begin to volunteer.

Please note that, at the discretion of the building principal, failure to follow this procedure could result in removal as a school volunteer.

Orientation

An orientation/DVD training session is available to new volunteers at individual schools.  The AASD Elementary Schools Volunteer website (http://www.aasdcat.com/aasd/volunteer/) offers additional information about each school’s specific committees, forms that need to be filled out, activities, answers to frequently asked questions, and directions for signing up as a volunteer.

Bringing Preschoolers and Toddlers to School

Elementary schools work very hard to ensure that all children have a safe and educational school environment. Please follow these general guidelines when bringing younger children into school during your volunteer time:

• Parents must supervise their children at all times.
• Disruptions like loud noises or running will affect student learning.
• If you plan to volunteer in the classroom during instructional time, please check with the classroom teacher before bringing children to the setting.
• Check with the building principal for specifics related to this topic.

WHEN YOU VOLUNTEER

Each school follows similar policies. However, some issues vary by building. The information in this handbook is a guide; please get details from the school principal or secretary when you have questions about specific items.

Technology Use

As a volunteer, you may be working in the computer lab, with a laptop, PDA or using the Internet.  District Policy 6012R2 details the acceptable use policy.  This link can be found on the volunteer website for specifics (http://www.aasdcat.com/aasd/volunteer/).

Parking at the School /Checking in at the Office

Volunteers should check with building principals about parking arrangements.  In order to enter the building, you must be let in by our security system. Push the outside button near the door. Sign in at the office every time you arrive to volunteer. You must place your name, date, time of arrival, and destination on the building sign-in log. To ensure the safety of our students and staff, you also need to wear the volunteer identification tag provided at each school. Upon leaving the building, you must remember to sign out.

General Guidelines

• Since nearly every moment of the school day is carefully planned, being on time is very important. If an unexpected emergency or achange of schedule prevents you from meeting your commitment, you should contact the school office or teacher as soon as possible so that other arrangements can be made. Your thoughtfulness will be appreciated.

• Whether you are working in the classroom or another part of the school, you should maintain close contact with the supervising teacher(s) about lessons being covered, activities being planned, and the needs of individual students.

• Know what is expected of you. If you are not sure of something, please ask. Be aware of the limits of your duties. You should expect the advisor to provide you with specific ways in which you can be most helpful.  Remember, when something comes up you are not to intervene, but report it to the teacher or office.

• Some students need to be guided toward acceptable behaviors. You can help by being a good role model who is kind, fair and courteous. Inappropriate behavior is often a way to gain attention. If you observe this kind of behavior please bring it to the teacher's attention.

• Information that students tell you about their personal lives is private and confidential. If you hear something that may be a threat to students, report the matter to the teacher. Such information should never be repeated to other individuals. (See Confidentiality Agreement under “Forms” on the volunteer web site).

• Students may want toshare many interesting things about school, peers, and family. While this shows the student is comfortable with you, please remember that the task at hand is most important. Explain that the discussion can be revisited after the work is complete.

• Smile! Be happy, encouraging, and interested. When working with students, try to maintain eye contact and face them as directly as possible. When working with individuals or with a group, explain the work to the group. Work with each student to check for understanding of the lesson. Give praise whenever a small part of the total work is complete. Share time with students equally.

• You will gain students' confidence as you and the students get to know each other. Don't be afraid to show true feelings. If you feel nervous, tell the students. With their help, you will become more at ease in your role as a volunteer.

• Please do not open any entry portals/doors for others unless directed by the building office staff.

• Volunteers should not be left alone with students.

• Remember, you are here for the children; no solicitation of any products of services is permitted.

• As a volunteer, it is necessary to stay on task.  Volunteer time in the school is not a time to conference with your child’s teacher.

• Your appearance should be neat and consistent with the dress code of the school district. (See the AASD Elementary Parent Handbook).  In the case of inappropriate dress, t-shirt slogans, etc., the building principal may ask a volunteer to leave the school.

• To be prepared for emergencies, learn the correct procedures for responding to emergencies and for following the rules for fire and disaster drills. Please see the classroom teacher or secretary for instructions.

• Having you in the school is a great treat for your own children and for all students. Let students know your name; you might even write it for them. Ask students their names and make notes in order to remember them.

• After meeting the students, you may start your tasks right away. As you get to know each student better, you will learn more about their interests and needs. You will get positive results by using a friendly and calm manner with the students.

• It is not always in the best interest of a child to have parents, grandparents, guardians, etc, volunteer in their children’s classrooms.  Therefore, volunteers may be utilized in classrooms other than those in which their children are enrolled. 

VOLUNTEERS AS COACHES

Any person interested in volunteering for coaching should contact the appropriate agency (Blair Central Recreation Commission, Altoona Football League).  Coaches must adhere to district policies where in or on school property as well as to all rules and policies of the recreation agency (Blair Central Recreation Commission, Altoona Football League).

A FINAL WORD: HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL WITH CHILDREN IN SCHOOL

Students are most likely to respond positively when volunteers:

• learn their names.

• work with the students instead of directing or supervising them.

• treat each student equally and fairly.

• show understanding when dealing with challenging students.

• listen closely when students share important information.

• are sensitive and positive.