INTRODUCTION

Currently, I serve as Gadsden County School District’s Volunteer Coordinator. My work experience spans 30 plus years as a professional educator in the Gadsden County School District. 

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 

The Gadsden County School District welcomes support from the community in the form of volunteerism. Volunteering is renowned for skill development. It is intended to promote goodness and/or to improve quality of life or an experience. It also may have positive benefits for the volunteer as well as the recipient of the service. Make a difference in the life of a Gadsden County student – volunteer today!

How do I become a volunteer?

·       Visit the school you wish to volunteer at or the Gadsden County Parent Service office and complete the volunteer                    application.

·       Submit a copy of your driver’s license for security screening.

·       Your driver’s license copy and your application will be submitted to the district’s Parent Services office for approval.

·       Once your application has been approved, the school principal will be contacted.

·       The school principal will notify you of the date and time you may begin volunteering.

Basic Rules

1) All Volunteers must sign-in at the front office before proceeding to their assignment.

2) Volunteers must not dispense medications or administer any form of punishment to students.

3) Volunteers must respect a student’s right to confidentially.

4) A Sexual Offender & Predator Check must be processed on all school volunteers/mentors.

5)  Volunteer sign-in sheets must be completed and turned in at the end of each month to Parent Services.

VOLUNTEER PROCEDURES

In order to participate in the Gadsden Volunteer Program, you must adhere to these procedures at all times.

SCHOOL RULES

The school has rules to ensure compliance with a myriad of federal, state, and local laws and regulations and school board policy. The rules also are designed to protect and enhance the safety and well-being of all individuals on the school campus. Follow the school rules at all times, no matter what your opinion of them.

MEETING WITH STUDENTS

1. All meetings and/or activities with students MUST take place on the school campus, or as a part of a school sponsored activity/field trip.

2. All activities with a student must take place in a room with an open door or on the school grounds in sight of school staff representatives.

3. Off campus contact is strictly prohibited unless it is under the direct supervision of district/school employee or with the student’s parent(s).

4. Each time you visit the school, check in with the school’s administration office.

TRANSPORTATION

Transporting a student in your personal car is strictly prohibited. Students must be transported in their parent or legal guardian’s vehicle. Do not put yourself in the position of being alone with any student in any vehicle.

PHYSICAL CONTACT

Many of the children we work with have a strong need and desire for positive physical contact with caring adults. You are encouraged to be a positive role model, however, your physical contacts should be limited. Remember that what you see as simple, friendly affection between the student and yourself may be viewed as something entirely different by someone else.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All information you are told about your student is confidential and sharing that information with others is prohibited. Do not allow yourself to make a promise to a student that you will keep confidential information secret. Tell the student that they are free to share confidential information with you, however, there are certain things that you are required to report. There are exceptions to this requirement of confidentiality, and it is critical, not only for the welfare of the student, but also to protect yourself, that you adhere to these exceptions:

1. If a student confides that he or she is the victim of sexual, emotional, or physical abuse you MUST notify administration immediately.

          Make a note on your calendar of when this information was reported and to whom it was given. Remember                            this informationisextremely personal and capable of damaging lives, so DO NOT share it with anyone except the                           appropriate authorities.

2. If a student tells you of their involvement in any illegal activity you must tell administration immediately. Again, make a note on your calendar of when this information was reported and to whom it was given.

SUMMARY

These procedures are designed to protect students from harm and to prevent even the appearance of impropriety on the part of the school district and the individual mentors, volunteers, and students participating in the Gadsden Volunteer Program. One accusation could, at the very least, seriously damage the reputation of all of those participating and endanger our entire Gadsden Volunteer Program.

Please know that we appreciate your participation in the Gadsden Volunteer Program, and that we appreciate you adhering to these procedures. If you have any questions, please call Carolyn Francis at (850)627-9651 ext. 1292.