I. RATIONALE
West Warwick recognizes and appreciates the significant contributions of a meaningful adult in a
student’s life. Our goal is to enrich a student’s school experience by supporting, improving, and
sustaining his/her growth and development through volunteers: mentors, foster grandparents
and/or coaches.
II. BASIC EDUCATION PLAN (BEP)
A. G-14-1.2 Personalized Learning Environment
Each LEA shall ensure that schools will implement strategies for creating
personalized environments to optimize learning.
B. G-14-2.3 Each LEA shall develop a system for the provision of a broad array of high
quality expanded learning opportunities that will strengthen school engagement,
support academic success, and expand all students’ educational experiences.
III. DEFINITIONS
A. Volunteering is defined as one who contributes a commitment of time and energy, for
the benefit of our students, school, and/or community, which performed freely and by
choice, without financial gain.
B. Mentoring is defined as one on one time between a student and dedicated adult,
which positively impacts attendance, school performance, and graduation rates.
C. Foster grandparent is a volunteer who brings lifetime experiences to establish
trusting and supportive bonds with young people.
D. Coaching is extending training methods to include focus on an individual’s needs and
accomplishments, close observation and impartial feedback on performance.
IV. GUIDELINES AND ELIGIBILITY
A. Recruit high quality candidates
B. Submit a yearly BCI check
Residents of Rhode Island for one year or less must have a BCI from the prior state
residence
C. Request character references if applicable
D. Obtain parental permission if applicable
E. Interaction with students
1. Should take place during school hours or at school events.
2. Mentors must comply with the West Warwick Public Schools Mentor Program
Policies and Procedures Manual.
3. Foster Grandparents must follow the agreed upon MOA between the Foster
Grandparents Program and the West Warwick Public Schools.
4. Coaches must follow all coaching requirements as specified by the Rhode Island
Interscholastic League (RIIL).
V. REQUIREMENTS
A. Attend all orientation and training(s) as prescribed by the specific program.
B. Commit to one (1) school year/season.
C. Report potential student risk information to program director
1. Inflicting harm to self or others
2. Suspected child abuse and/or neglect
D. Maintain confidentiality
All participants will be advised that information will be kept confidential to every
extent possible
E. Practice acceptable and appropriate behavior
1. Should not possess or be under the influence of drugs, alcohol, and/or firearms while
volunteering
2. Smoking or the use of tobacco products is not permitted on school grounds or in the
presence of students
3. Any other behavior which negatively impacts upon the West Warwick School
Department or violates any of its policies or guidelines
4. Refrain from promoting religion, politics, or commercial products.
5. Sensitive and tolerant of all students regardless of race, creed, and culture
F. Be reliable and on-time
G. Must be at least 2 years post high school graduation
VI. VOLUNTEER EVALUATION
A. TRUST Evaluation – the WWPS insurer must agree to the program guidelines
B. Program Evaluation – the program and/or personnel will be evaluated on an annual
basis for placement, improvement, and continuation decisions
Adopted:
May 14, 2013
Resources:
West Warwick Public Schools Mentor Program Policies and Procedures Manual
R.I. Interscholastic League – Rules and Regulations – Coaching Requirements
Revised:
12/14/2022
11/13/2024