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Volunteering
BCS VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
As a volunteer, you are an important part of the school community. When you become a volunteer, your work takes on special significance -- though you are not part of the staff, you share the same responsibilities that paid staff are held to while engaged with students. School volunteers may be parents or community members. Volunteers can be utilized in a variety of situations in schools, ranging from one time only to monthly, weekly or daily commitments. They may provide tutorial help, monitor lunchrooms, staff libraries and supervise playgrounds. Volunteers may assist the classroom teacher and the clerical staff. They may answer telephones, type or file. They might share a special skill, occupation, or talent with the students.
QUALIFICATIONS
Availability, dependability, reliability, friendliness and flexibility.
Awareness of and willingness to follow all school district or state mandated criteria.
Special talents or abilities that help to enrich the school program.
Recognition that accepting an assignment is a serious commitment.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding students and school personnel.
A desire and interest in working with children and youth.
A willingness to learn and to follow directions while working with students.
Background Checks
Only Level II Volunteers are required to have a background check completed before they can begin working with students. Level I Volunteers only need to fill out an application to be kept on file at the school, no background check is required.
Level I Volunteers
Do not volunteer more than one time per week.
Do not have unsupervised contact with students.
Level I Volunteers may help with PTO/PTA fundraising activities, testing proctors, athletic concession sales, school field days, and school beautification projects.
Level II Volunteers
Volunteer more than one time per week.
Have unsupervised contact with students.
Must have a clear background check.
Must have adequate reference checks.
Level II Volunteers may work in the classroom, serve as reading and math tutors, extracurricular coaches, and field trip chaperones.
Getting Started
All volunteers MUST have an application on file and be approved by the school principal. To fill out an application, please visit the Volunteer Tracker website and complete the following steps:
Click the green “New to the App-Garden? Click Here to Register” link at the bottom of the page.
Enter and confirm your e-mail address and click the Continue button.
Enter and confirm your password and enter your first, middle, and last name and click the Register button.
Then, click on “Register”.
You will receive an email from dadmin@app-garden.com. Click the link to activate your account.
If you have trouble claiming your account, there is a live chat, email and phone support. You may also contact the school for assistance.
Once you are approved, you will receive a confirmation email so you can log into your account to see upcoming opportunities
Before starting your first volunteer task, we ask all volunteers to be aware of the following points:
Report to the office to sign in and out.
Wear identification badges provided by the school while participating in volunteer activities.
As a courtesy to others, please turn off cell phones while engaged in your volunteer duties.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Be responsible and safe -- always put children first.
Always follow the correct emergency safety procedures as outlined by the school.
Always follow the correct fire safety procedures.
If you are taking food into school, please check with the class teacher or school administration as some foods may be inappropriate for children with food allergies. Be professional. Set up a preliminary conference with your teacher or appropriate school contact to discuss scheduling and duties. Teachers plan around your help so please adhere to the schedule. Call the school office in advance if you need to cancel your volunteer time on a particular day. Communicate with designated staff members to ensure clear expectations, task assignments, and feedback on volunteer activity. Under no circumstances should ongoing instruction be interrupted. If you have questions wait until there is an appropriate moment.
Respect that a teacher’s desk and/or work area is private. Volunteers shall exercise mature judgment in supervising children and shall in all instances respect each student’s rights and privacy. Volunteers should discuss any concerns regarding students directly and exclusively with the supervising teacher or the school administrator.
As a volunteer you may well be working closely with children sometimes on a one-to-one basis. If you are working with a pupil on his/her own always ensure that the door is left open or that you and the student are visible to others.
All those who come into contact with children through their everyday work whether paid or voluntary are responsible for their own actions and behavior and should avoid any conduct which would lead a reasonable person to question their motivation or intentions. We all have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children.
Volunteers May Not Engage in the Following:
You may not discipline students. Please work closely with your teacher or school administrator if discipline issues arise.
You may not administer medications to students.
You may not drive school and/or activity buses.
Under NO circumstances is a student to be taken off of the school premises unless permission is given by the school administrator.
You may not access student records.
You may not photograph students (unless requested to by the supervising teacher or school administration.)
You may not exchange emails, text messages, phone numbers or give out your own personal details with students.