Your role as a volunteer in the Sioux City Community School District is unique, special, and important. The following expectations and responsibilities are critical to the success of this position:
- All volunteers must sign in and out at the main office and wear some form of identification.
- Understand that your role is a supportive one. The principal, teacher, and/or volunteer coordinator are in charge.
- Be prompt and consistent in your attendance. Notify the appropriate school employee as soon as possible if you can’t attend at your scheduled time.
- Giving gifts, without the approval of school staff, is not allowed.
- Your role as a volunteer does not include disciplining students. Report any concerns to the appropriate school employee.
- Be a positive role model for children in attitude, language, behavior, and dress.
- Be respectful of children’s diversity of culture, religion, and background. Don’t assume a child celebrates the same holidays as you. Also don’t assume the make-up of a child’s family (size, race, or gender). Practice correct pronunciation of the children’s names if unfamiliar.
- Be aware of how you interact with children. Don’t initiate touching a child (hand-holding, hugs, lap-sitting). It’s fine for you to respond to a child’s initiation of appropriate touch.
- Establish and maintain respectful, honest communication with school staff and other volunteers.
- Never use profanity, be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, smoke, carry a weapon, solicit, or proselytize while on school grounds
- Positive closure is critical in the process of ending your role as a volunteer. Make sure the school staff and the children you work with are clear about your end date. The children need to understand that you’ve enjoyed your time working with them.