WPUSD Volunteer Handbook - Policies and Procedures

Policies & Expectations

language

Always use professional language with staff and students. The use of profane, obscene, or abusive language against students, staff, parents/guardians or community members is considered inappropriate by the district.

student privacy

Remember not to discuss information about specific students including but not limited to behavior, performance, or personal information with anyone other than authorized school personnel who have a legitimate educational interest. Discussing this information with others results in a violation of a student’s FERPA rights.

substance - free schools

All of our schools are tobacco, alcohol, and drug free. It is unauthorized to possess, distribute or use any controlled substance while in the workplace, on district property, or at a school-sponsored activity.

School Arrival

Volunteers are asked to commit to specific time(s) and day(s), as teachers need to know they can count on you. If you are unable to volunteer on a given day, or if you will arrive late, please contact your school site as soon as possible. When you arrive at the site, please check in with the front office and sign in. Prior to leaving the site, please go back to the office to sign out.

Discipline

Classroom teachers and school administrators are responsible for student discipline. Rules and procedures related to student discipline have been established by the school and individual classroom teachers. If a student is making choices not consistent with the classroom/school rules, please refer them to the teacher or administrator. Please do not engage with the student or try to discipline them yourself.

maintaining appropriate adult-student interactions

“The Board expects all adults with whom students may interact at school or school-related activities...to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards in their interactions both within and outside the educational setting” in addition “ employees shall not communicate with students through any medium that is designed to eliminate records of communication” and “when communicating electronically with students, employees shall use district equipment or technological resources when available” (Board Policy 4219.24).

Nondiscrimination, Reporting, and Confidentiality

“The Board of Trustees desires to provide a welcoming, safe, and supportive school environment that allows all students equal access to and opportunities in the district's academic, extracurricular, and other educational support programs, services, and activities” (Board Policy 5145.3)

By volunteering with the District, you assume an obligation to maintain confidentiality. It is essential that you do not share any information about students, even with your own family, friends, or acquaintances. Disclosure of confidential information could lead to dismissal.

report

If you witness a student being bullied or discriminated against, report the incident and interaction to the school administration as soon as possible.

when is cps involved?

If you believe the student is being abused mentally, physically, or sexually, report the incident to the school administration, AND you will also need to report the incident to CPS immediately, as you are a mandated reporter.

your rights

If you believe that you are the subject of harassment or discrimination, please contact the WPUSD Personnel Office immediately. If you have been the subject of a Workplace Violence incident, report it to the school administration as soon as possible, and they will report the incident to the district office.

basic school safety measures

Doors always locked
See Something, Say Something
Get to know your classroom (emergency backpack, class rosters, telephone, exit routes, etc.
If in doubt/have a concern - contact the principal/school administration

standard response protocol

Drills-if there is a drill that day, don’t hesitate to check with the office for any procedure tips you may need
Safety Threats and Events- Communicate with office and standby for instructions

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