This handbook is designed to help volunteers understand the important role that they play in supporting students and staff. It includes information on volunteer dos and don’ts, policies, practices and procedures that volunteers must follow to ensure the safety of students and adults in our schools.
Volunteering in the Beaverton School District
The research is clear about the role of parent, family and community involvement — it makes a significant difference in student achievement. BSD is fortunate to have a very supportive and engaged community that understands and appreciates the important role education plays in the overall health of our community.
We are All Part of a Team
Volunteers work under the direction of school principals, teachers, staff members and school volunteer coordinators. By agreeing to volunteer, we can:
Relieve teachers of many non-teaching duties and tasks.
Assist teachers in providing more individual help and instruction to students.
Strengthen relationships and understanding between schools and families.
School volunteer coordinators at elementary, middle and high schools work with principals, teachers, staff and the district Volunteer Services Coordinator to support school and student needs with volunteer help. They recruit, interview and place volunteers, as well as offer or arrange for training, as needed.
Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs)/Parent-Teacher Committees (PTCs) operate independently from schools but within the parameters of school and district policy. These parent groups work with principals, teachers, staff members and the district Volunteer Services Coordinator to organize, support and fundraise for extracurricular and enrichment activities for students and families.
School principals have the final authority over what happens in their schools, including the volunteer program and parent group activities. Principals are responsible for setting guidelines for volunteers and developing a positive working relationship with volunteers.
Volunteers are an important part of ensuring student success in BSD. Every effort will be made to recruit and organize parents, guardians and community volunteers in a manner which will ensure maximum contribution to the educational growth of students, enrichment of school programs and to increased school-community involvement and communication.
Volunteering in BSD is a privilege not a right. Volunteers are there to complete a specific task or assignment. Volunteers are expected to adhere to the rules and guidelines set forth by the District. The District reserves the right to place and remove volunteers from service.
In a continuing effort to further ensure the safety and welfare of students and staff, the district requires a criminal records check of all volunteers. Information needed for the check is part of the online volunteer application.
Sign in and out
Volunteers are expected to sign in and out of the building when volunteering.There is generally a computer volunteer sign-in area in the school office, but ask the school secretary or front office staff if you need help.
Follow sight or sound policy
BSD Board Policy IICC states that: “Volunteers shall operate under the direction of a staff member and shall be within sight or sound of a staff member while working with students.” This applies to parents as well as non-parent volunteers and is for the safety of students, staff and volunteers.
Exercise confidentiality
Volunteers must protect a teacher’s and student’s right to privacy. You may not disclose sensitive school or personal matters which have come to your attention while volunteering. Discuss student concerns only with the teacher or staff member with whom you are working; discuss other concerns with the principal. Do not take any photos or videos of students for personal use.
Be dependable & punctual
Students, teachers and staff members rely on the services performed by volunteers. We ask that you contact the school or teacher if you’re unable to volunteer on your scheduled day. Please arrive ahead of time for your volunteer shift.
Follow emergency drills
Volunteers must follow the same emergency procedures as students and staff. Please be aware of and follow posted procedures for Earthquake, Fire, Secure (Lockdown) and Lockout Drills.
Do not bring siblings
Volunteers aren't allowed to bring younger siblings and babies to school when they’re scheduled to volunteer. It’s a safety issue. The situation also can be potentially distracting in the classroom and other areas.
Complete the criminal background check
Per BSD Board Policy (GCDA/GDDA), volunteers must submit to a background check. This includes (but is not limited to) volunteer coaches, scorekeepers, timers, band parents, field trips chaperones and any other volunteers. Information needed for the check is embedded in the Volunteer and Background Check Application.
Wear identification
In an effort to increase safety and security, all volunteers need to wear a school-approved nametag at all times when in the building. Adults not wearing proper identification should be directed to the school office.
Exercise professionalism
Although the job is voluntary, the commitment is professional. Besides being responsible for maintaining an attitude of mutual respect, you also should become familiar with school and classroom policies and practices. Working with the teaching staff requires flexibility and a willingness to follow directions.
No alcohol/drugs/tobacco
BSD has a drug-free workplace policy and prohibits the use of alcohol, drugs, controlled substance and tobacco on district property.
For youth volunteers
Student volunteers under the age of 18 years old who do ongoing, sustained volunteer service at a location other than their own school must complete the Youth Application.
For district employees who volunteer in BSD
Employees who wish to volunteer in Beaverton schools must complete a Volunteer Application through the online Volunteer Management System. This enables the school and district to track the whereabouts of volunteers and hours of service.
It’s important that everyone take an active role in helping to ensure a safe and healthy environment for students.
Appropriate interactions with adults create a safe environment for students to learn, grow and seek help in problem-solving and developing social skills. Volunteers play a key role in creating and maintaining this environment.
Focus conversations on academics, school events and school activities. Refer personal issues to the school administrator, counselor or classroom teacher. Refrain from making comments that could have sexual overtones.
Stay in a group or a public part of the school. Do not be alone with a student.
Treat all students fairly and equally. Avoid favoritism such as special privileges or gifts.
Limit interactions to the school environment. Do not meet with students outside of school or communicate with students electronically (text messaging, social networks, email, etc.)
Maintain personal space and reasonable eye contact.
Be cautious about physical contact with students. Lap sitting, tickling, frontal hugs and shoulder massages are not appropriate.
Discuss student problems or concerns only with the teacher or staff member with whom you are working. Discuss other concerns with the principal.
BSD volunteers can take a free online safety training regarding identifying suspected child abuse and neglect.
SafeSchools is an online training center that allows schools districts across the state of Oregon to train staff, parents and volunteers on school-related safety issues. As a district volunteer, you may register and take the following optionaltrainings:
Child Abuse: Identification & Intervention
Sexual Conduct: Staff-to-Student
Use your registration key: 90c4695f
Go to Vector Solutions and click "Register" to the right of the sign-in button. On the next screen, you'll be prompted to enter the registration key above. Next, you'll be prompted to enter some basic information, including a username of your choice, which you'll use to log in to the system moving forward.
To begin a course, click on the blue title link and follow the prompts. To earn a certificate of completion, you must complete all sections of a course and pass the quiz.
Your participation helps to make our schools a safer place to work and learn.
As you observe and work in the classroom, you’ll notice that instruction is delivered in many ways. Changes in technology, new jobs and career requirements have changed the way teachers teach and students learn.
Students learn by:
Doing, not by observing.
Asking questions and searching for answers.
Discovering, experimenting and repeating experiences which build confidence.
Using all senses whenever possible.
Volunteers can help students and staff by:
Creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere for learning.
Learning student names and using them often.
Listening carefully to the students.
Accepting students as individuals.
Being patient; refer disciplinary problems to the teacher or an administrator, when necessary.
Silencing cell phones while in the school.
Being aware of limitations on staff time and tight classroom schedules.
Dressing appropriately for the specific volunteer task.
Asking students to call you “Mr.” or “Mrs./Ms.” rather than by your first name.
Following all school/district policies and procedures.
Keep an accurate and updated record of the skills and experiences that you develop while volunteering. Many corporations accept volunteer work as bonafide work experience. Principals and staff are usually happy to provide references or letters of recommendation.
Liability coverage
BSD volunteers are covered by the district’s liability insurance while performing approved volunteer service. To be eligible for the coverage, you must sign in and record your volunteer hours each time that you’re in the building. Worker’s compensation is not provided; your own health insurance should be considered your primary coverage if an injury occurs. If an accident occurs:
Report the accident to the principal as soon as it occurs. Every school secretary has an Incident Report Form that needs to be completed and kept on file at the school.
If the accident is of a serious nature, the district’s Risk Management office also should be informed by calling 503-356-4560.
Teacher certification renewal
Volunteers who have successfully complete a minimum of 360hours of volunteer experience in accordance with the rules of the State Teacher Standards and Practices Commission can apply for renewal of their teaching certificates (Oregon Administrative Rules, section 584-048-0020). For more information, contact the Commission at 503-378-3586.
Choose the way that you want to volunteer.
Choose what’s right for you!
Volunteering doesn’t mean that you must come every day.
Volunteering doesn’t mean that you must stay at school all day.
Volunteering doesn’t mean that you must volunteer all year.
Volunteering does mean that you want to be involved in your child's school experience.
Volunteering does mean that you’re committed to doing your part to make your school and community a better place to live and grow.
The Beaverton School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of the Beaverton School District that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veteran status, genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities or employment.
By completing either the Parent/Guardian, Community Member or Youth application, you’ll create a profile that will help you update and manage your volunteer activities.
All volunteers need an approved profile prior to volunteering with BSD.
Select an application
Please click on the link for the appropriate application, either the Parent/Guardian, Community Member or Youth application. Select “I am new to myimpactpage.com.”
Username and password
Please select a username and password with a minimum eight characters, including at least one upper and one lower case letter, and at least one number. Please save your username and password as they’ll be needed to login at the school. You’ll be asked to read and agree to follow district Confidentiality and Volunteer Guidelines.
Create your profile
The About You section on the application includes information needed for the background check. This information is only available to District Volunteer Services Coordinator and Public Safety Office. Under the Volunteer Interest Section, include all schools where you would like to volunteer. Click on the
for more information on specific questions or required agreements.
Background check confirmation
You’ll receive a confirmation email after your background check is complete and your profile is matched with the school(s) that you selected.
Volunteer!
Through your myimpactpage.com volunteer profile, you’ll be able to sign up for activities, record hours and email the school’s volunteer coordinator.
