Adhere to all NISD policies and procedures.

Be prompt and dependable. 

Sign in and out upon arrival and departure according to school procedures.  

Wear your issued RAPTOR badge for identification.

Dress appropriately and follow school policies. 

Support the work of the classroom teacher and school staff.  

Know and adhere to school district regulations regarding Internet use and social media. Silence cell phones during volunteer assignments. 

• CQ Legal

• CQ Local

Be a positive role model for children and youth in attitude, behavior and language. Let your conversations demonstrate respect for others, and avoid language that may be perceived as discriminatory, sexist, or offensive.

Be respectful of children’s diversity of culture, language, religion, and background.  

Don’t assume that all students celebrate the same holidays (Christmas, Easter, Halloween, or even birthdays).  

Don’t assume the make-up of a student’s “family” (size, race, gender or financial resources).  

Practice correct pronunciation and spelling of students’ names.  

Show interest in students’ cultures and learn more about those cultures.

FB Legal

FB Local 

Please notify the school front office if you cannot come at your scheduled time. Communication by e-mail or phone call is preferred. Campus emails and phone numbers can be found at the bottom of each campus page.

Communicate. Ask questions, share ideas, and get to know the staff and other volunteers. The campus is there to help - don’t hesitate to call or ask for a meeting to discuss any problems or concerns that may arise. Every problem is solvable with respectful, honest communication.

If you plan on ending your volunteer involvement before the end of the school year, please notify the campus. It is especially important for mentors to make their mentee students aware of the final session. The student needs to be left with a clear message that you have enjoyed working with him/her. Ensure positive closure.

Be confidential. Respect the confidential nature of the knowledge you gain concerning the academic performance, behavior, and personal information of the students with whom you work. Discuss concerns with the teacher, not with other volunteers, parents/family members, or acquaintances.

Protect privacy. Do not ask for students’ addresses or phone numbers, and do not share yours with the students. Please do not take a photo of any student(s) other than your own. If you are provided a photo of the student by a staff person, please do not share the photo on Facebook, photo libraries, or other forums that are accessible to others.

Maintain contact only in the school setting. Do not initiate contact with the students with whom you work or their families outside of the school or program setting. Keep student information safe and confidential with FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act). FERPA will be explained in detail in the next section.

Gifts for students are inappropriate. Don’t bring gifts or food treats for individual students. With the teacher's approval, volunteers may bring snacks for the entire class or group, or they may make a donation of books or supplies for the class or group. Note: all NISD campuses are PEANUT-FREE campuses. Please ensure any snacks do not have any peanut products included. Additionally, we strive to make all campuses LATEX-FREE campuses. Please do not bring any latex balloons onto any campus. 

Fundraising, solicitation of donations, and using a volunteer placement for personal gain are prohibited. Some program fundraising and solicitation of donations may be appropriate in collaboration with designated school and program staff, such as PTA. Only they are authorized to publicly represent the program and/or serve as spokespersons.

Promotion and/or solicitation on behalf of your own personal interests or those of your organization or business is not allowed.

BBFB Local

Follow “safe touch” suggestions. Volunteers do not initiate touching a student (pats on the arm or back, or for younger children, hand-holding, hugs, or lap-sitting), but may respond to the student’s initiation of appropriate touch. Follow universally accepted norms regarding non-harassment and safe workplace rules and regulations. 

FFH(LEGAL)

FFH(LOCAL)

Never arrive at your volunteer assignment while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or use alcohol, drugs, or tobacco during your assignment. Never carry a weapon on school premises or other program sites.  

Notify the teacher, principal, or social worker if a student tells you something or you notice something that may indicate his/her safety is at risk or he/she is in emotional distress.