Welcome to Our School Thank you for becoming

Welcome to Our School! Thank you for becoming an AACPS Volunteer!

Icebreaker (IN THE INTEREST OF MAKING YOUR VOLUNTEERS FEEL COMFORTABLE, BE SURE TO INCLUDE SOME TYPE OF ICEBREAKER)

Goals for Today’s Orientation Understand the philosophy behind volunteerism at AACPS Understand of the role of the volunteer in our program Review the policies and procedures relevant to our volunteer program Review the responsibilities of any volunteer in our school

Philosophy behind Volunteerism at AACPS The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County Public Schools is committed to ensuring a strong home-school-community partnership, and to promoting and increasing effective and comprehensive involvement practices. We recognize a strong volunteer program is essential to improved academic success for students. We also recognize that parent, student, and community volunteer involvement in the schools increases the support of the schools by the community and adds to the total school program. We accept and embrace the challenge and responsibility to meet every student uniquely based on individual needs. Every member of the AACPS family must make a meaningful contribution to student growth, if we are to support our students to develop into caring, competent, and contributing citizens. We take pride in our work to build relationships with students, families, and partners – all who provide engaging and supportive fertile ground in which our students grow to reach their potential.

Some of our many Volunteer Opportunities Classroom Volunteer Computer Lab Volunteer Lead/Assist with before or afterschool clubs Media Center Helper Office Helper PTA Officer Guest Speaker/Reader Mentor

Who’s in Charge? Principal Staff Liaison Volunteer Coordinator Teacher

The Role of the Volunteer An appointed, non-paid staff member Serves under the direct supervision of a staff member Works as a team member with the faculty and staff Help to provide the engaging and supportive fertile ground in which our students grow to reach their potential.

Safety first! Always remember to sign in and out!

Safety first! Exercise reasonable care in protecting students from harm.

Safety first! Follow Guidelines for Universal Precautions

Safety first! Don’t administer medications!

Confidentiality is Crucial As a member of the educational team, each volunteer must understand that all information regarding children, teachers and the schools is confidential.

Computer Data is confidential too! Some school system data is confidential! Some student work on computers can be confidential!

Be a Good Role Model Set a good example. Be courteous, impartial, and fair. Earn respect. Give respect. Do not impose your own religious or political views upon students.

Be a Good Role Model There is no dress code for adults. But, we ask that you follow the same dress code we ask our students to follow!

The “Do Nots”! Do not date our students. Do not smoke on any school property. Do not bring drugs or alcohol onto our property.

While in School. . The Teachers’ Lounge

While in School. . Preschool Age Children

While in School. . Teachers’ Schedules

While in School. . School Year Calendar

But if you can’t make it. . Please let us know!

It begins and ends with SECURITY Commercial Background Checks Fingerprint-Supported Background Checks Sexual Harassment & Child Abuse Videos

For your gift of time now and throughout the school year!