School Volunteers Make a Difference !

Dear Volunteer:

   Welcome to Hannan Elementary Magnet Academy!

On behalf of all the students and teachers, I want to thank you for volunteering to help provide the best possible education for our students. You have an important role in the success of our students. Your presence in the classroom will provide the teacher with valuable help in giving individual and small group assistance. In whatever way you choose to help, whether in the classroom, media center, computer lab, or other school programs, you can be sure your contribution is needed and valued.

Across the nation, school volunteers are making a difference. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, businesspeople, college students and seniors are finding that their involvement in education is having a positive influence on student achievement.  The differences are noticeable also in the morale and atmosphere in the school. We at Hannan celebrate a culture of success, and it has earned us the status of a Georgia School of Excellence in 2006.

This handbook was prepared to give some guidance in your experience as a school volunteer. The roles and responsibilities of the school volunteer listed in this handbook will provide you with the “basics” for making your volunteering an enthusiastic success. Some techniques and strategies you can use to help children learn are discussed briefly. Naturally, the teacher will always be nearby to provide directions and to answer your questions. A copy of our school map and faculty list is included in the front pocket.

Please feel free to discuss any aspect of the school volunteer program with me or other members of our staff. I am most appreciative of the time and talent you are donating. I know you will experience the joy of working with our children. Your contributions will make a difference in their lives. We hope you will be rewarded by the love and appreciation of the students and staff. Thank you very much for your caring and support.

Sincerely,

Ann Robison,    Principal

          Handbook for Hannan

Magnet Academy Volunteers

School Mission Statement: Our mission is to work cooperatively with parents and community to assist students in achieving their greatest potential.

Our Core Beliefs:

1.       We believe all children can learn.

2.     We believe that parents, teachers and community are partners in education.

3.     We believe that children will rise to excellence as we model excellence and foresee excellence in and from them.

4.     We believe a good instructional program is never stagnant, but constantly changing to include new methods/ology and materials.

5.     We believe in promoting the development of self-esteem.

6.     We believe by treating every child with respect, we will instill self-respect and respect for others.

Volunteering Purpose:

    The general purpose of the School Volunteer Program is to enrich and enhance student curriculum and to strengthen school-community relations.

Getting Started

Before starting your first volunteer task, we ask all volunteers to be aware of the following points:

·        Act as a good role model for the children by being safety-conscious.

·        Always sign in and out at the school office. Obtain a “Visitor” badge

·        It is very important for staff to know that you are in the building and it makes it easier to locate you in an emergency. Allways wear a “Visitor” badge.

·        As a courtesy to other, please turn off cell phones while in the school building.

·        Always follow the correct fire safety procedures:

There is no talking during fire drills.

When in a classroom, follow the teacher out of the building and stay with   the class. When not in a classroom, quietly exit the building and remain at

a safe distance until notified to return.

       If you are taking food into our school, please check with the classroom teacher or clinic worker because some food may be inappropriate for children with food allergies. Only school lunches or lunches prepared at home are allowed in our cafeteria. Fast food brought in is not permitted by the Columbus Health Department.

Confidentiality

    To make sure that students, staff and families feel secure, we all need to respect privacy. This is also a legal concern. Because individuals can be harmed by inappropriate disclosures, volunteers must be careful to honor confidentiality. Breaching confidentiality can be hurtful to children, their families and the staff. It can also harm the good reputation that our Hannan volunteer parents have earned over the years. Perhaps one of the greatest obstacles in the path of effective use of volunteers, especially parent volunteers, is the worry on the part of teachers and administrators regarding the possible misuse of privileged information. Once anyone begins to work in a school setting, he/she becomes privy to knowledge about children’s behavior patterns, academic ability, emotional maturity, relationships with other, etc. In some cases, information of this nature is imparted in order that the volunteer might work more effectively with the child. In other cases, it is simply acquired in the course of frequent contact in the school.

    In addition, volunteers are in a position to learn more about staff members than would normally be learned from their “public image.” One also forms personal opinions about the professional competency of the individual teachers and administrators. There is nothing wrong with the volunteer possessing such knowledge and arriving at personal conclusions. This knowledge or these opinions, however, should never be shared in the community or with anyone who has no legitimate need to know. Similarly, care must be taken not to make comments harmful to the reputation of any pupil, professional or other volunteer. If problems develop, the line of communication regarding a situation in the school is always first with the staff member concerned and then, if necessary, with the principal. A volunteer has every right to expect that his or her participation will be treated with the same confidentiality and respect.

The following are some examples to be aware of:

“Wasn’t it cute when John . . .” No matter how innocent, cute, funny or charming a classroom event may be, it is not okay to repeat stories about students. What happens in the classroom stays in the classroom.

When parents ask you questions . . .  Many parents are tempted to ask you about how their children behave at school. This is especially likely if you are friends outside school. It is not ok to put volunteers in this awkward position. Don’t ask!  Don’t tell! (This guideline does not apply to suspected abuse; see below.)

If parents do have concerns, encourage them to talk to the classroom teacher.

When you see or overhear something . . .  As a volunteer, you might see or hear things from staff or students which they would not want to have repeated outside the school. What happens in the classroom (or the hall, or the gym) stays at school.

If you have concerns about something you see or hear, please talk to the class teacher or Administration.

When students tell you about their family, pet, vacation, etc. . . Observe the same rules regarding privacy.

Disclosure of Possible Abuse

    In Georgia, it is the legal obligation to report any suspected case of child abuse. If a child indicates to you that he/she has been or is the victim of abuse, or you have strong suspicions that a student may be an abuse victim, please inform the supervising teacher, counselor, principal or assistant principal.

    One of the most difficult things to handle may be when the student asks the person in whom they have confided to “promise not to tell.” A volunteer cannot make such a promise and should be clear about that to the child. Don’t try to “counsel” the child. Remain merely a sympathetic “listening ear” without being judgmental or trying to offer solutions. Assistance and counseling should come from those professionals with the responsibility and experience to provide it.

School Volunteer Tips—Remember to Be

¨      Honest in your approach and attitude, which will aid in developing trust.

¨      Patient when working with students because when they are having difficulty with a subject. They do not need additional pressure.

¨      Flexible in responding to the needs of students.

¨      Friendly because, with a smile and a thank you, you can accomplish miracles.

¨      Respectful by treating individuals in the same manner you wish to be treated

¨      Confidential because it is very important that what is observed in the classroom remains confidential and student performance or behavior is not to be discussed with other parents.

The Three R’s for School Volunteers

Responsibility—The effective volunteer is

¨      Dependable and recognizes the vital importance of regular attendance.

¨      Appreciative of the efforts of the school to educate all children and to provide maximum learning opportunities for each.

¨      Supportive of the administration and teaching staff.

¨      Aware of the importance of planning.

¨      Sincerely concerned about the students.

¨      Able to generate enthusiasm about each child.

¨      Willing to be discreet, dedicated and punctual.

¨      Professional in his or her commitment, dress, and manner.

Rapport—The understanding volunteer

¨      Recognizes the child's need to improve self-image and independent study habits.

¨      Supports the child by offering genuine friendship.

¨      Recognizes the individuality of each student.

¨      Provides a relaxed, friendly and caring atmosphere with students.

¨      Respects the teacher and school’s ultimate responsibility for the health, welfare and education of each student.

¨      Provides opportunities for each child to be successful.

¨      Cooperates, coordinates and communicates continually with teachers, school administrators and classified staff.

¨      Is comfortable asking for clarification and is willing to express concerns and questions with school staff.

¨      Recognizes the essential need for confidentiality and will not comment or gossip about individual students, staff members or the school.

Rewards—The successful volunteer

¨      Shares with the child the warm personal satisfactions that results from successful human relationships.

¨      Provides the teacher or staff member with the satisfaction of knowing that the student's needs are being met and that quality education is being promoted, extended and enriched.

¨      Receives the sincere gratitude of the school community.

¨      Celebrates in the knowledge that he or she has made a difference in a child’s life.

How Children Learn

Children learn by doing, not by observing. Children learn by asking questions and by searching for answers to their questions. They learn by discovering and experimenting. They learn by using all their senses when possible. They learn by sorting and combining objects and ideas. They learn by repeating experiences. They learn by building confidence in themselves. Children learn behavior by observing people they respect.

How You Can Help Children Learn

1. Let children participate in activities as frequently as possible.

2. Ask children questions that may lead them to the correct answer instead of telling them directly.

3. Let children explore and discover by themselves.

4. Encourage children to feel, smell, taste  and listen, as well as look at objects.

5. Let children try new methods of doing things even though you already know an easier way. Avoid making models for children when they use art media.

6. Let children sort and combine according to their own ideas.

7. When speaking to children

¨       Praise their good efforts

¨       Use a tone of voice that will encourage them and make them feel confident

¨       Avoid comparing children and their work

¨       Give children a choice only when you intend to abide by the choice

¨       State directions in a positive form (“We use blocks for building” rather than “Don’t throw the blocks”)

8. Let children observe you as a model for appropriate behavior (sharing, showing respect, talking quietly, taking turns, etc.).

Classroom Volunteer First Day Checklist

___Find out where you are to set your things down and where your work station is located.

___Determine the way in which the teacher will communicate with you.

___Find out classroom standards and how you are to enforce them.

___Meet and develop rapport with children.

___Try to learn names of children or have name tags.

___Assist pupils when possible.

___Be punctual. Call the office if you need to be absent.

___Find out where equipment and supplies are kept and how they are obtained.

___Be patient when dealing with children.

___Pupil successes and efforts should be praised.

Code of Ethics for Volunteers

In order to promote volunteerism at Hannan Academy, it is essential that all school volunteers:

*Have a positive attitude. Please come to school with an attitude that says “I’m glad you asked me to help you,” and one that will say to the boy or girl you may be working with, “you are so special. I’m glad I have an opportunity to work with you.” Also, please be positive about our teachers and staff. The school environment is not the place for negative talk and gossip.

*Be dependable. The teachers are counting on you!

* Communicate. We want your volunteer work to be a learning activity for you. If you have questions please ask the appropriate person (the teacher, principal or volunteer coordinator).

Maintain Confidentiality. You may see a paper with a grade a child may be correcting. Please remember that any information pertaining to a child must be left in the classroom. As volunteers, we do not want to be responsible for sharing any information that might be detrimental to a child.

  1. Classroom and student work is always confidential. Please don't discuss student problems with anyone except the teacher.

  2. Try not to compare children within the classroom.

  3. Since there are as many different methods as there are teachers, please do not compare different methods of teaching. There is no one best way to do anything.

  4. Work positively for the good of the school. Constructive criticism should be directed only to the supervising teacher or school administrator.

The Do’s and Don’ts of a Volunteer

Effective Ways to Work with Children

1. Be warm and friendly—learn the children's names and show interest in what they are doing and telling you. You are very important as a listener.

2. When working with children, encourage them to do their own thinking. Give them plenty of time to answer. Silence often means they are thinking and organizing what they want to say or write.

3. If you don't know an answer or are unsure of what to do, admit it to the children and work it out together. Feel free to ask the teacher for help when you need it.

4. Use tact and positive comments. Encourage children and seek something worthy to compliment, especially when children are having difficulties. (Catch them being good!)

5. Accept each child as he or she is—you do not need to feel responsible for judging a child's abilities, progress or behavior.

6. If a child is upset, encourage him or her to talk the problem over with you. You need not solve the problem but, by listening and talking, you help the child feel you care.

7. Respect a child's privacy—if a child or teacher reveals personal information about a child, regard it as a confidence. Keep it confidential!

8. Maintain a sense of humor.

9. Be consistent with the teacher's rules for classroom schedules and behavior.

10. Wear comfortable clothes and don't hesitate to get down to a child's height.

11. If parents and friends ask about what you do at school, tell them you enjoy working with the children and discuss the activities you do rather than specific information about the child, the teacher or the school.

12. Keep your commitment. The children expect you and look forward to you coming. If you know you will be gone, tell them in advance.

Tips on Discipline Strategies

       Good school discipline supports a sense of order in the classroom, throughout the building and on the school grounds. The sense of order offers security and comfort as well as a background for teaching and learning. Discipline should proactively encourage and acknowledge good behavior and support actions which promote the pursuit of the best possible learning climate. School and classroom codes of behavior will therefore incorporate strategies for fostering, recognizing and rewarding positive behavior, in addition to outlining the potential consequences for inappropriate behavior.

Finally, school discipline is a process involving several partners in education; namely, the School Board, the educators, the parents and guardians, the students and the community. By working together, these partners can create, in our school, a teaching and learning environment that allows every student to reach his/her potential.

1. Call each child by name (name tags or cards are helpful at first). The best techniques are preventative. Know the standards. Set them before every lesson. “Today we will walk slowly to the media center.” “You will raise your hand when you finish with your work.” Then instruct the children as though you expect them to comply.

2. Give positive, specific praise—“I like the way Suzy is working quietly,” “What good math workers. You are doing a great job of working cooperatively.” State positive actions—“Walk quietly” instead of “Don’t run!”

3. Give sufficient warnings and time. Here are some examples:

"Morgan, in 5 minutes you'll need to stop painting and put your apron away, wash your hands and then come sit on the rug."

"Carlos, I asked you not to play with the headsets. Now you need to leave the listening post and go to the book corner. Tomorrow you can work with the listening post again, but you'll need to remember the rules."

4. Keep your voice as low as possible. The children will get louder as your voice gets louder. Have an unhurried attitude. Enjoy them and they will enjoy you.

5. Offer each child a chance to participate. Quiet children are sometimes ignored.

6. Count slowly from 1 to 5 when you want clean-up to occur.

7. Keep lowering your voice to a whisper to be heard and to quiet the group. If students don’t respond to a soft voice use group body action. Handclap a signal for quiet. “I’ll know you’re listening if your hands are on your shoulders” (touching head, folded in your lap, etc.).

8. Be sure a child understands what you're saying. We sometimes use words that children do not know. Ask them to repeat directions to check for understanding.

9. Excuse child from group by who is wearing blue, has blond hair and has two dogs and so forth, saving the best for last.

Volunteers as Mentors/Helpers

“A Position of Trust”

          Volunteers who work in a one-to-one relationships with students have a unique opportunity to help our students build feelings of competence and self-esteem, thus creating an environment for enhanced achievement.  But with opportunity comes responsibility. As a student begins to realize that there is someone who does care, who takes personal interest in him/her, that student may show increasing trust in volunteer. It is essential that nothing happens to damage that trust.

This means that the volunteer must:

          *be genuine and a role model for the student

                 *accept the student as an individual

          *follow through on all promised commitments.

Thank you for Volunteering at Hannan Elementary Magnet Academy!

          Volunteering is “the giving of time, energy, and concern. It is an honorable and cherished responsibility of our society. The Hannan Faculty wishes to thank you for your participation and dedication to our students. Together we can make each child’s years at Hannan a solid foundation upon which to build a lifetime of successful achievement.