Avon Local School District Volunteer Guidelines
Welcome!
This handbook is designed to help volunteers understand the important role they play in supporting students and staff. It includes information on volunteer activities, expectations, policies, practices, and procedures that volunteers must follow. It also details the requirement for all volunteers to undergo background checks to ensure the utmost safety of students and staff.
Volunteering in the Avon School District
The research is clear about the role of family and community involvement - it makes a significant difference in student achievement. ALSD is very fortunate to have a supportive and engaged community who understands and appreciates the importance of education.
Volunteer Program Policies
Volunteers - Board Policy IICC
Volunteers are an important part of ensuring student success in Avon. Volunteering in Avon 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.
Background checks - Board Policy: GBQ // IICC
In a continuing effort to ensure the safety and welfare of students and staff, the District requires a criminal records check of all volunteers.
Getting Started as a Volunteer
Complete the criminal background check
Per Avon Local School Board Policy (GBQ/IICC), volunteers must submit to a background check. This includes but is not limited to classroom volunteers, volunteer coaches, scorekeepers, timers, band parents, field trip chaperones, mentors, etc. Information needed for the check is available on our district website under Human Resources: https://www.avonlocalschools.org/departments/human_resources/background_checks
Background checks are completed at:
Avon Board of Education Office
36600 Detroit Road, Avon, OH 44011
Background checks are by appointment only:
- A current driver’s license and exact cash or check are required at the time of your appointment.
- Credit card payments can be made online prior to your appointment.
- Use the links below to schedule an appointment or pay by credit card.
Cost:
Volunteers: BCI ($20) & FBI ($20)
Schedule an appointment for background checks
(Appointments are required)
Pay for Volunteer background checks by credit card
Contact Maureen Galik for more information at [email protected].
Volunteer Expectations and Responsibilities
In an effort to increase safety and security, all volunteers must wear a school-approved nametag at all times when in the building. Those without proper identification will be directed to the main office.
Volunteers are expected to sign in and out of the building.
Volunteers must protect the right to privacy for all staff and students. You may not disclose sensitive school or personal matters that 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.
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.
- School Climate and Equity
ALS district is committed to equity by recognizing and eliminating institutional barriers and creating access and opportunities that benefit each student. All students, employees, volunteers, and visitors are entitled to a school environment free from discrimination or harassment.
- Be dependable and punctual
Students, teachers, and staff members rely on the services performed by volunteers. We ask that you contact the school or teacher if you are unable to volunteer on your scheduled day. Please arrive ahead of time for your volunteer shift.
Volunteers must follow the same emergency procedures as students and staff. Please be aware of and follow posted procedures for Earthquake, Fire, Lockdown, Run, Hide, Fight, and Shelter drills.
Only trained school personnel will administer medications to students. This includes over-the-counter medication like cough drops and pain relievers.
District Responsibilities
ALSD is dedicated to making your volunteer experience one that you will choose to repeat over and over again. We will do our best to keep you informed of school needs through our website, newsletters, emails, and telephone calls.
FERPA
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
This document is intended for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and schools to give to their volunteers to inform them about their responsibilities to protect students’ personally identifiable information from education records acquired under FERPA’s school official exception.
For more information about FERPA, please visit https://studentprivacy.ed.gov
To access a training video: https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/training/school-volunteers-and-ferpa
Volunteer Safety Training Below
Blood Borne Pathogen Training for Volunteers
Blood borne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria which are carried in the blood and body fluids and can cause disease in people. There are many different blood borne pathogens, but the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are the three viruses that pose the greatest concern to people. These diseases are specifically addressed by the OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen standard.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Hepatitis B is a virus that can infect the liver. This inflammation can lead to more serious conditions such as chronic live disease, cancer, or death. More than 5,000 people die annually from HBV-related liver disease. Symptoms may include fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and symptoms of jaundice (a distinct yellowing of the skin and eyes) and darkened urine will often occur as the disease progresses. Half of those infected show no symptoms and others may show symptoms as soon as 2 weeks or as long as 6-9 months after infection.
Hepatitis B is the most easily transmitted blood borne pathogen. The only way to confirm it is by a blood test. There is a cure or specific treatment for HBV, but fortunately there is an effective vaccine.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) can also cause a liver infection. It is estimated that 3.5 million Americans are living with an active, chronic Hep C infection. In 2014, there were 19,659 deaths from HCV related infections.
Symptoms are frequently non-specific, but may include jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue, dark urine, loss of appetite and nausea. Hep C may lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. There is no vaccine for HCV, but there are anti-viral drugs that are used for those who have contracted the disease.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system, weakening it so that it cannot fight other deadly diseases. Approximately 1.2 million people in the United States are HIV positive. 1 in 8 people may not be aware that they are infected. The HIV virus is very fragile and will not survive very long outside of the human body. It is primarily a concern to employees who provide first aid in situations involving fresh blood. Even though the chance on contracting HIV in the work place environment is low and the number of new cases is on the decline, because it is such a devastating disease, all precautions against exposure should be taken.
Transmission of Blood Borne Pathogens
To be exposed to a blood borne pathogen such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV, infected blood must get into your bloodstream. Exposures occur primarily through needle sticks, sharps injuries, mucous membrane and non-intact skin.
As a volunteer, you can be exposed to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV by coming in contact with body fluids contaminated with blood. This can happen when you directly touch contaminated blood while performing first aid or when you touch an object or surface contaminated with blood and then transfer the virus to your mouth, eyes, nose or non-intact skin. Feces, urine, vomit, nasal secretions, sputum, sweat, tears and saliva are not considered infectious unless they contain visible blood. Remember the virus must get into your bloodstream for you to get sick. You cannot become infected with these viruses through casual contact. Volunteers are urged to take advantage of available personal protective equipment, such as gloves, and follow work practice controls to prevent exposure to blood and other body fluids.
Recognizing and Preventing Blood Borne Pathogen Exposures
Knowing these steps will help you prevent exposures to body fluids that are potentially infectious.
- FNSBSD has a Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan. It is based the guidelines For workplace safety according to OSHA standards.
- Follow universal precautions. Although you may instinctively want to help a student, make sure that you first protect yourself properly.
- Contact custodial staff immediately to endure proper cleaning of contaminated surfaces.
- Practice good handwashing techniques. This is the most important defense against the spread of disease. A handwashing video can be found here:
https://www.cdc.gov/cdctv/healthyliving/hygiene/fight-germs-wash-hands.html
Universal Precautions and Work Practice Controls
Universal precautions and work practice controls are used as an approach to infection control to protect employees and volunteers from exposure to all human blood and other potentially infectious materials. These include:
- Treat all human blood and body fluids as if they are infectious.
- Observe universal precautions in all situations when there is a potential for contact with blood or Other potentially infectious materials.
- Use personal protective equipment in all situations involving blood or body fluids.
Handwashing
Handwashing facilities should be readily accessible. Antiseptic hand cleanser can be used if handwashing facilities are not accessible – handwashing with soap and water should be done as soon as possible. Wash hands immediately after removing gloves or other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The most common PPE that volunteers will use is gloves.
- Wear gloves when it is possible that your hands may come into contact with blood or body fluids Or if you have cuts, scratches, or other breaks in the skin.
- Gloves are single use; do not wash or reuse. They should be removed if theybecome torn or damaged.
Custodial Responsibilities
Custodial responsibilities include the major tasks of cleaning and disposal of potentially infectious materials. To minimize exposures the following measures should be implemented:
- Notify custodial staff to clean any equipment or surfaces contaminated with blood or body fluids.
- Broken glass should always be treated as contaminated and never be picked up with unprotected hands. Always use mechanical means to pick up glass such as a broom and dustpan. Never push or compact trash with your hands. Hold it away from you and shake down.
- Call your custodial staff for assistance and clear the area of students.
In the event of exposure, volunteers are required to:
- Wash exposed areas with soap and water. Immediately flush exposed mucous membranes with water.
- Immediately report the exposure incident to the building principal. The principal will provide appropriate paperwork and instructions for seeking medical attention.
Additional Information
If you have additional questions related to blood borne pathogens, please contact the Director of Nursing Services at 440-937-4680.
Maintaining Appropriate Boundaries
It is 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 classroom teacher, school counselor, or school administrator. Refrain from making comments that could have sexual overtones.
- Stay in a group or 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 be aware of perceived inappropriate physical contact with students.
Working With Students
As you observe and work in the classroom, you’ll notice that instruction is delivered in many ways. Changes in technology, new focus areas, and career requirements have changed the way teachers teach and students learn.
Students learn by:
- Doing, not by observing.
- Asking questions, searching for answers, and collaborating in teams.
- Discovering, experimenting, and repeating experiences that 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 students.
- Accepting students as individuals.
- Being patient; refer disciplinary problems to the teacher or an administrator (volunteers will never discipline a student).
- Silencing cell phones while in 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.
Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect
Board Policy JHG
Liability coverage
ALSD 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 you’re in the building. Worker’s compensation is not provided, your own health insurance should be considered your primary coverage in the case of an injury.
If an accident occurs, report the accident to the principal immediately. Every school’s front office has an Incident Report Form that needs to be completed and kept on file at the school.
Nondiscrimination Statement
The Avon School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of the Avon School District that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on their 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.