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. We can ensure a trusting climate in our school only if each member of the school family respects the rights, privileges and confidence of all others.







Guidelines for Volunteers





Recognize that each child is a worthwhile individual. Speak in a positive way to studentspoint out the things they have done right, the things they do well. Encourage the child to do his or her best. Share any progress that you see in a student with the child and the teacher. Help students with their work but do not do their work for them. Wait patiently for the child to answer. Try to avoid giving the answer right away. Share your experiences and talents. Let the teacher know what you excel in (telling stories, singing, playing instruments, handcrafts, computer use, photography, etc.)

Work at the student's level; sit or stand with him/her. Show your interest and involvement. Remind students of appropriate behavior if they are disruptive or break rules. Remember though that corrective discipline is the responsibility of the administration and the teaching staff. While you are in the school, you are a member of our staff and are welcome to join the staff in the staff room at breaks. Please feel free to ask questions.

All volunteers working with our students should familiarize themselves with District Policy GBEBB – Staff Conduct with Students. A copy is attached to this pamphlet and can also be found on the District website: Mascoma.k12.nh.us.

Mascoma Valley Regional School District School Volunteer Guide Welcome! Mascoma Valley Regional School District welcomes you! We are excited that you want to be involved with the development and education of the students in our schools. Your time and talents are greatly appreciated.

Goals of the Volunteer Program One of the primary goals of the Mascoma Valley Regional School District is to provide quality education in a caring manner. Through our volunteer program we aim to:










Provide Volunteer help to the classroom teacher and the school to better meet the needs of the individual student. Enlist and strengthen the cooperation of the community in the education of our students. Develop effective partnerships with parents, school and community. Provide the opportunity for members of our community to make a significant contribution to the education of the children in our school. The purpose of volunteers is not to replace the work of the employees of

the school, but rather to assist the administration and staff in improving the quality of the school environment.





What Should a School Volunteer Expect? A school volunteer should:













Be made to feel that the assistance given is worthwhile and contributes to the overall value of the program in which they are participating. Be treated with respect and consideration by all students and staff. Be given a suitable assignment in line with their areas of interest, skills, and, if possible, convenience of location. Be given clear instructions and any training necessary for particular volunteer assignments. Be provided with proper orientation to the school volunteer program. Be provided with direct support from staff if difficulties arise. Follow the policies of the school as outlined in each school’s handbook. Report all student misbehavior to the classroom teacher or the school administration. Be reliable. If you are unable to make your assignment, please call the school. Offer constructive




feedback to staff on your experience as a volunteer. Remember you are a role model for students and the school community. Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality. Know that a criminal records check and fingerprinting may be required.

Confidentiality What is Confidentiality? Confidentiality is the respectful treatment of information that an individual has disclosed to another in a relationship of trust, expecting that the information will not be divulged to others in ways that are inconsistent with the understanding of the original disclosure. 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 principals 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 others, 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.

Rights & Responsibilities All school officials and volunteers are expected to honor the right to privacy for each and every child. All adults in the school are expected to ensure confidentiality. Confidential information includes family background, mental health concerns, evaluative test scores, and identified special needs . School personnel – all school employees, as well as volunteers – demonstrate respect for the child and his/her family by not discussing confidential matters in casual conversations in the lounge, on bus duty, on the playground, at lunch recess, at the corner market, over dinner in public restaurants, or other areas where bystanders are present. 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 administration. 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