Chandler Elementary Volunteer Handbook
These guidelines apply to everyone volunteering at Chandler, including Parents United volunteers.
Welcome
Chandler Elementary welcomes parent participation in our school programs. We enjoy a positive and beneficial partnership with our Parent Teacher Association (PTA). We encourage every parent to become involved in the PTA and in their child’s school. There are many opportunities in our school for parents to volunteer and to actively participate in their child’s educational program. Research indicates there are many positive outcomes for children when parents volunteer and actively participate in their child’s school. We welcome you to our school and thank you for your willingness to partner with us in providing an excellent educational program to your child and their classmates. Volunteer guidelines are established for the benefit of our children. Volunteering and visiting within the school building is a privilege. The needs of the children are our highest priority.
Thank You for Your Service
You are very important to Chandler Elementary and we want to celebrate your service to our students. Please check in and out at the school office and wear your HALLPASS badge for the duration of your volunteer time. Whether you are volunteering on a regular basis or for a one time project or event, please arrive a few minutes early to park your vehicle in a parking space either on the west side or front of the school (Note: If volunteering in the afternoon you may need to park in the west parking lot to avoid the carpool line) and enter the building through the main entrance. Please notify the school office and or PTA representative in advance if you are unable to make a prearranged volunteer event. If you are unable to reach your party, please leave a message with the school office.
Part of Our Team
As a school volunteer, you are part of a team supporting student success. Every team member is a role model for students. Setting an example of professionalism and good citizenship involves interacting with students, staff, and other visitors in a respectful manner. Accepting direction and responsibility, and showing appreciation for school staff will set positive examples students will remember.
Become A PTA Member
Many blessings await the families who become active PTA members, but it is the students of Chandler Elementary that receive the greatest rewards. Selfless, dedicated parents who seek to do good for all children have opportunities to take on leadership roles in PTA. Please reach out to a PTA representative to get started or visit the PTA website for more information about the engaging student opportunities and meaningful ways in which parents can become involved. There are opportunities for everyone,even those with minimal time to commit to their children’s school. Some volunteer opportunities are governed by the PTA. These positions are open only to members of the PTA.
When Volunteering
Student Behavior Issues
If you notice a student acting inappropriately or have specific concerns related to a student, it is your responsibility to call such matters to the attention of the teacher or other supervising school personnel. Never take corrective measures into your own hands. Do not confront students (e.g. talk with a student about how they are treating your own child, etc.) or attempt to reprimand. Always ask a staff member for help. In addition, we ask that you remember FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). This means that when you are volunteering we ask that you not discuss matters of other students to others. If there is a concern, please discuss this with the teacher or administration.
Volunteer Learning Opportunities
Parent and community member volunteers are asked to take time to familiarize themselves with the following:
- The building layout and lawful parking
- Classroom practices
- Volunteer expectations (will vary depending on what you are volunteering for)
- Notification procedures if you are unable to attend a prearranged volunteer activity
- Student Handbook
Sign In
Volunteers are required to sign in at the office and receive a volunteer or visitor badge. You are required to wear this badge at all times while volunteering. Signing in each time you volunteer allows school personnel to locate you immediately in case of an emergency. You will be asked to show identification. Please do not be offended. We consider this a safety measure for all students and staff.
Volunteer Assignment and Visitor Access
Please adhere to your specific volunteer assignment or designated visitor location. Visitors and volunteers may not randomly walk the building or “visit” classrooms or areas that are not specific to their volunteer or visitor assignment. Volunteers and visitors may not utilize their time in the school to interrupt instruction, hold unscheduled parent conferences, take cell phone calls, monopolize staff time, or seek answers to questions during inappropriate times. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher through a phone call or email to ensure their questions are addressed. Visitors and volunteers should respect our teachers’ time, as they have many responsibilities to conduct. Respectful interactions, courtesy, and being mindful of precious instructional time goes a long way to ensuring a positive, harmonious school experience for all.
Supervision
All volunteers perform duties under the direction and supervision of school personnel. Parents should not drop by to volunteer. Only scheduled volunteers should be in the classroom. Volunteers should be familiar with and follow school policies and rules including maintaining complete confidentiality related to students and staff. Volunteers should not be alone with any student and should not escort students without prior approval by staff.
Confidentiality
Discretion is essential. Discretion is a requirement to continue the privilege to volunteer or visit Chandler Elementary. There can be no discussion of any particular child’s behavior, challenge or achievement with anyone while at school, in your home, or in the community. Students have a right to privacy. (FERPA) Volunteers and visitors are asked to maintain positive communication regarding school, staff and students. If a volunteer has a concern that can not be addressed by the teacher/staff member, we ask that the volunteer set up time to speak with administration regarding the concern. Students may disclose something about their personal lives while in school. This information should be kept confidential and not shared in any manner at any time. If you hear something that may be a threat to students, report the matter immediately to the teacher or staff member. Such information should never be repeated to other individuals. FERPA (Family Educational Rights to Privacy Act) protects the confidentiality of all students. By signing the receipt to this handbook you are agreeing to the confidentiality policy as outlined in the volunteer handbook. Please understand that failure to follow the confidentiality agreement may at the discretion of the Principal result in removal as a school volunteer.
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect
Any volunteer or visitor who has reason to believe that a child has been subject to abuse or maltreatment must report it to the teacher, guidance counselor, or principal.
Communication
If you are unable to make it to school when you are expected, please notify the school contact or PTA representative. Please follow proper communication etiquette to ensure positive relationships between parents and staff.
Tobacco or alcohol use on school property or at school sponsored events
The use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, and/or alcohol is prohibited anywhere on school property, including school parking lots, athletic fields, playgrounds, etc. and in private vehicles while on school property or at a school sponsored event including field trips and/or 5th grade camp.
Cherish our Children
Please help us ensure a positive learning climate by showing respect for our children. It is expected that every adult in the school consistently demonstrates kindness, tolerance, and sensitivity toward all children. Chandler is a community that requires respect for diversity and values each and every child. When working with students, give honest praise whenever possible. Help each child to see themselves positively through your words and actions. Spread the belief that all children can thrive and excel when they have the support and encouragement of the parents, teachers, administrators and visitors. Having you in our schools is a treat for your own child(ren). Please be mindful that your efforts need to fairly benefit all students with whom you are working. Sometimes we have found that it is not always best for family members to help in classrooms where their children are learning. Don’t worry if this is the case, as there are many volunteer opportunities available to our parents.
Respect for Diversity
As a volunteer or visitor, it is essential that you demonstrate a respect for and appreciation of the diverse cultures and backgrounds of our students. We ask that you avoid judgments and promote pride and understanding. Children will learn from your actions and words how to treat others. Please join us in our pursuit of achieving considerate and respectful global citizens.
Follow the Teacher’s Lead
Keep the students headed in the direction set by the teacher. Hold the students to the same class standards of behavior and work. Talk openly with the teacher if you are unsure what is expected of you and the students. Be brief so teacher instructional time is not limited. Remember that the teacher has the final responsibility for all planning and activities that occur in the classroom. Discuss specific concerns with the teacher in private, but keep confidential all information about students while you are in the school and even after you leave the school within your family and community.
Be An Excellent Example
Your conduct, dress, personal hygiene, and dependability will set an example for what is expected of students. Being on time and being reliable ensures tremendous support to the teacher and demonstrates to the students that you care. Choose to maintain positive dialogue at all times when speaking about students, teachers, programs and the school.
Use of Technology
As a volunteer you may be working with technology with students. Please ensure respectful use of the Internet. Please be familiar with the School Board’s Policy on Acceptable Use of Technology. If you must accept/make a cell phone call or send/receive a text message, we ask that you step out of the classroom and away from student learning. Please keep your phone on silent while in school. At no time can students be photographed with or without their permission.
Behaviors that Ensure Safety
As a volunteer or visitor, you must agree to follow important safety rules. Please notify staff immediately if you see something or someone that is suspicious or out of place. Volunteers must enter the school through the main door, sign in and out at the office and wear a visitor badge. Volunteers must be ready to show their ID at any time to any staff member who requests it. Volunteers may never open any school door to allow others to enter the building. Building doors must remain locked and closed at all times, with visitors and parents only entering and leaving from the main school entrance. Volunteers may not be alone with individual students who are not under the supervision of a teacher or school authorities. Volunteers may only use adult bathroom facilities. As it is with school staff members, Volunteers may not touch a student in an aggressive, disciplinary, or sexual manner. Volunteers may not contact students outside of school hours. All communication with your students’ schoolmates should be through their parents. Volunteers must agree to not exchange phone numbers, emails, or any other form of communication with our students. Volunteers agree to not transport any student without the expressed written permission of the parent or guardian. Visitors and volunteers must agree to do what is in the best personal and educational interest of every child and staff member that they are in contact with during their service at Chandler Elementary. These safety rules and all others that involve common sense are critical to maintain the safety of all students, staff and visitors to the school. The health, safety, and well being of every individual at Chandler Elementary are essential to achieving our mission.
Background Check
Volunteers are required to complete a background check prior to their volunteer assignment. Please visit: AISD Volunteer Background Check
Questions and Issues
We do not expect volunteers and visitors to agree with everything a teacher does in class; but each teacher’s job is to make decisions in the best interest of the whole class. If you have a problem, issue, or disagreement with a teacher or staff member, please bring it to their attention privately and at an appropriate time. Discussing an issue in the middle of class or with other staff members, parents, or community members is not appropriate at any time. Clear, open, and direct communication is vital to our shared success. Volunteers must maintain a strict adherence to confidentiality related to any student, staff, program, or school information. Volunteers may not defame or speak derogatively about students, staff, programs or the school while at the school or in the community. Upholding Chandler Elementary’s positive reputation, and that of its students, staff and programs, is an essential requirement of serving in any volunteer capacity.
Bringing Preschoolers and Toddlers in School
Our school staff works very hard to ensure that all children have a safe educational school environment. We ask that other arrangements be made for pre-school age children when volunteering at school.
Violation of Parent Communication Guidelines and/or Volunteer and Visitor Guidelines
Volunteer guidelines are established for the benefit of our children. Volunteering and visiting within the school building is a privilege. The needs of the children are our highest priority. Visitors or Volunteers that violate Volunteer Guidelines will result in a sanction that can range between a required conversation with the building administration, and removal of volunteer or visitor privileges for a designated period of time. Violations may jeopardize future parent privileges. Ensuring a safe, positive learning environment for our students and staff is our highest priority.
